Review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) by Johnny T — 24 May 2018

As both a simian simile and a wonder of technology, Rise of the Planet of the Apes deserves to be in the company of the great original "Kong." This year's sixth "origins" story of a fantasy franchise (after The Green Hornet, Thor, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern and Captain America: The First Avenger) is also the year's finest action movie. Smart, fun and thoroughly enjoyable, it's a model summer diversion that entertains without insulting your intelligence. Judged, though, as the action extravaganza it means to be, Rise of the Planet of the Apes wins high marks for originality, and takes top honors for spectacle. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is spectacle with a kick: the transcendence of the normal in creatures so like ourselves is both an entertainment and a needling rebuke to human vanity. Audacious, violent and disquieting, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a summer sequel that's better than it has any right to be. Rupert Wyatt's'Rise of the Planet of the Apes': A socially aware, achingly humane update of the venerable franchise.

VERDICT: "Instant Classic" - [Positively Acclaimed Reaction] Usually I give this rating to a movie that I believe is absolutely outstanding and has little to no flaws in it. Audiences, who haven't seen this film, must see it right now! (Films that are rated 4.5 or 5 stars).