Rise of the Planet of the Apes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis. Sci-Fi action adventure. Written by Scott Frank, Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa. Directed by Rupert Wyatt.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A single action of both compassion and arrogance leads to a devastating war and the rise of the Planet of the Apes. Our hero, James Franco, playing the scientist with a heart, injects a chimp – and his dad – with a serum that makes you smarter and hopefully will cure Alzheimer’s disease. Guess what? Not everything goes to plan. The apes become smarter and revolt against human barbarism. Oh yes, barbarism. Aside from the lead, his dad and the pretty lab assistant, our planet seems populated by nothing but cruel, greedy and unfeeling humans who deserve their fate.

PREVIEW REVIEW: On one hand, it’s inventive science fiction. Good sci-fi usually contains metaphor and symbolism, as well armrest-grabbing thrills. All that is here, along with an abundance of CGI magic that amazes. On the other hand, it’s pretty silly stuff. My prejudice stems from my dislike of monkeys or their kin. I always found Cheeta annoying, King Kong perverted (what, he can’t get an ape chick?), and a planet ruled by baboons and gibbons too near Congressional reality. But for those who have wondered how the Earth came under primate power, Rise’s ending tells the tale.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: 20th Century Fox