Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
Released in theaters August 5, 2011
Rated PG-13 for intense and frightening sequences of action and violence
My Rating: ★★★★★
Will Rodman (James Franco) is on a quest to perfect a cure for Alzheimer’s. Not only is this his life’s work, it is personal—Rodman’s father (John Lithgow) is suffering from the degenerative disease. When laboratory chimps begin to show remarkable improvements, even enhancements, from the virus/cure, Rodman is excited to share his research with a company that can put it on the shelves. Unfortunately, his prize chimp suddenly becomes aggressive and destroys all hope he has for any outside funding, essentially shutting down his program. Afterward, Rodman and his chimp handler (Tyler Labine) find the reason for Bright Eye’s aggression—she was protecting her infant hidden away in her cage. Unable to destroy the precious life, Rodman smuggles the baby chimp home, names him Caesar (Andy Serkis) and continues his research. After a protective outburst reminiscent of his mother’s final behavior, Caesar lands himself in a primate habitat where he works to lead his peers to true freedom.
