I wasn't much of a fan of the previous Ape movie. I can't put my finger on the exact reason why, I just didn't connect with that movie. I'm glad to say that was not the case with this latest installment.
This is almost a perfect movie. The story line is really strong and engaging, and because I couldn't tell the difference between the CGI apes and a man in a costume (we're there any?), I was totally absorbed in it. It was so compelling that even the 3D didn't draw attention to itself. It felt all very natural.
I found the cast to be very likeable. Jason Clarke, who I discovered later is an Australian, is the good guy human hero. The always good Gary Oldman plays the leader of the human colony, who wants to wipe out the apes, and who almost succeeds in doing just that. I did have a small amount of sympathy for his character. After all, he was trying to protect the future of the human race by doing what, in his own mind, was absolutely neccessary. Andy Serkis does a great job with Caesar, but my favourite ape character was Maurice, who plays a breed of ape that I haven't identified as yet (I'll google it). The bad guy ape was also well done, being played by an English actor called Toby Kebbell, who's actually going to play Doctor Doom in the next Fantastic Four movie.
I just want to add that I am a big fan of the original four ape movies. Roddy McDowall will always be my ideal Caesar. I'm probably one of the few people on the planet who actually considers Battle For The Planet Of The Apes as one of their favourite movies. I also quite liked the TV series as well, although it was a long time ago and I can barely remember it.
In summary, this is an outstanding movie, brilliantly executed. To me, it's 99% of the way to being a perfect movie ( there was just a few seconds where the wind blowing through the hair of an ape didn't look quite right!). I very much look forward to the DVD and the "Making Of" DVD extra (I hope there is one, and a Director's commentary as well).
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