I hadn't watched "Planet of the Apes" for a very long while. With the impending release of the 2001 version of the film, I decided to take another look at this old classic.
I think anyone who hasn't seen "Planet of the Apes", will enjoy this film. The premise of future earth being dominated by "intelligent" apes makes for an interesting story. Coupled to this, are some excellent locations, decent performances and a neat ending.
If, however you were looking for a scientifically rational, well scripted epic, better look elsewhere. "Planet of the Apes" script is filled with more holes than a swiss cheese.
I was wondering why anyone would send a character like "Taylor" on a space mission. Was he supposed to be an astronaut? a scientist? or just a big boorish bully-boy. As the three scientists explore their new planet home, what do they do when they finally come across the first sign of life (a bush). They dig it up of course! I was also amazed at how nonchalant they all were when they came across the ape totems. I would expect an intelligent person, upon confirming the existence of other intelligent life, would display some appropriate measure of surprise and wonder (even fear).
But it was all taken in stride by the characters in this film. Disappointing and unrealistic.
There are many more anomalies, which spoilt the experience for me. More often than not, I found myself laughing while watching, and I don't think this was the intended response the director was looking for.
"Planet of the Apes" is a light-weight enjoyable, entertaining film. Just don't think about it too deeply.
7/10
I think anyone who hasn't seen "Planet of the Apes", will enjoy this film. The premise of future earth being dominated by "intelligent" apes makes for an interesting story. Coupled to this, are some excellent locations, decent performances and a neat ending.
If, however you were looking for a scientifically rational, well scripted epic, better look elsewhere. "Planet of the Apes" script is filled with more holes than a swiss cheese.
I was wondering why anyone would send a character like "Taylor" on a space mission. Was he supposed to be an astronaut? a scientist? or just a big boorish bully-boy. As the three scientists explore their new planet home, what do they do when they finally come across the first sign of life (a bush). They dig it up of course! I was also amazed at how nonchalant they all were when they came across the ape totems. I would expect an intelligent person, upon confirming the existence of other intelligent life, would display some appropriate measure of surprise and wonder (even fear).
But it was all taken in stride by the characters in this film. Disappointing and unrealistic.
There are many more anomalies, which spoilt the experience for me. More often than not, I found myself laughing while watching, and I don't think this was the intended response the director was looking for.
"Planet of the Apes" is a light-weight enjoyable, entertaining film. Just don't think about it too deeply.
7/10