La Planète des Singes : Les origines

Les regards des singes deviennent progressivement plus sincères et expressifs que ceux des acteurs vivants, et au début, le scientifique leader James Franco et sa compagnie deviennent de simples buissons. En d'autres termes : L'ascension de la planète des WETA. La magie cinématographique d'un monde fantastique, un rythme rapide, de nombreuses idées visuelles et scénaristiques, une action parfaite, des torrents d'émotions, un message écologique subtilement esquissé, et surtout, une image constamment positive et réjouissante, sans avoir besoin de ténèbres et de violence, même s'il traite de sujets sérieux. Il est impossible que cela n'ait duré qu'un peu plus de 100 minutes. Pour moi, un coup de cœur, une expérience cinématographique parfaite et le blockbuster le plus agréable depuis le milieu des années 90 (Jurassic Park, Twister). Et je dis que c'est moi, que je ne peux pas y retourner... (29/07/2011)

Leaving aside Green Hornet, which came out in winter, this is the first blockbuster of the year that managed to not only meet my expectations, but to surpass them, too. If you really wanted to dig into it, you’ll find loads of inconsistencies in logic, but this film is so entertaining, genuine and emotional that I will not get into that. The old classic can be glad to have such a good young sibling, It has nothing to be ashamed of. I loved the references and I would love to take little Caesar home :) (15/08/2011)

Along with X-Men, this is the second blockbuster this year that pushes the envelope in spectacular ways (WETA studio has once again pushed the boundaries of the impossible) while not being afraid to be clever. There may be some reservations regarding it, but we will see after the second screening. Very soon. [PS: When I heard the word "No!" my heart stopped for a few seconds.] (21/08/2011)

The film objectively has enough flaws (logical missteps, sometimes strange editing, a few unnecessarily cheesy scenes). But it deserves great respect for its childish enthusiasm and completely anachronic use of tricks. I haven't enjoyed the liveliness and soul of trick sequences this much in a long time... as if Rise of the Planet of the Apes was actually going back to the 1960s, when every trick was a little joyful miracle. Personally, this film reminded me of why I love science fiction so much (that uplifting feeling of magical escape from the everydayness) and surprised me very pleasantly by resigning on the theme of direct civilizational conflict. In short, we follow the spontaneous demise of the old community and the resulting birth of a new community, which has, much more than the features of the classic apocalyptic sci-fi elements, features of a romantic story of a lone monster and its naive creator. At the same time, the film establishes the opportunity to tell the whole series again (including a reference to the unfortunate flight of Icarus), which makes me happy after watching this intimate, emotional and outwardly pleasurable spectacle. (29/07/2011)

Veni, Vidi, Vici. Now two Caesars can say this. A prequel thirty years later where the senselessly grafted on (and absolutely unnecessary) action finale in “what didn’t fit into Jackson’s King Kong" style which unfortunately reduces the emotional ride mediated by soulful ape gazes to a regular, although very well-made, popcorn movie. But it also has a “heart", which is pretty rare for blockbusters in recent years. (11/08/2011)

Resonant. Revolting. It's hard to guess where Rupert Wyatt came from, but we can only be glad that he got to possibly the most surprising hit of recent years. Nobody wanted to see this ape's birth, the derision over an unnecessary remake was endless, and suddenly only a few people are speaking up. James Franco surprises with his acting versatility, Tom Felton confirms his villainous face, and Caesar, accompanied by Patrick Doyle's amazing music, conquers not only the highest branches of the trees but also the hearts of the audience. Despite a few surprising (but not disturbing) logical stumbling blocks, I have to admit that in this campaign, he wanted to continue at all costs, and almost everyone eagerly supports the enraged primates again. (25/10/2011)

I can't help but find this movie as a whole so paradoxically human. I was mesmerized by the beautiful shots and the perfect music. Watching the apes defy the humans and fight for freedom was an incredible experience for me. That monkey power took over the whole theater. Caesar's legendary line "Caesar is home" made me want to stand up and clap... I am also happy about the casting of the beautiful Freida Pinto. Ladies and gentlemen, you couldn't have done it better. The full 5 stars. (17/08/2011)

Generally, I tend to avoid American blockbusters knowing that they target a different age category of audience and usually work with genres that I couldn't care less about. If they ever catch my attention, they are mostly light comedy affairs. Serious-minded blockbusters usually reek of pathos and ostentatious arrogance. The novel "Planet of the Apes" operated on a simple principle and set a simple goal: to warn about a nuclear war that would bring humanity to ruin and have the void occupied by an animal species. The original film from the 60s was impressive and effective - mainly because it faithfully stuck to the source material. At the time, it was actually a blockbuster too, but its choice of topic, simplicity, precision, and broad communication made it exceptionally strong. Its younger sibling sells something else and uses different tools. It can be argued that the original Planet of the Apes influenced a generation of viewers, sparked a social discussion, and changed the view on the Cold War. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a predictable morality tale about the arrogance of humans in contrast to the nobility of the silent face. Many scenes are played solely for the effect, the characters are black and white, and the film is clichéd and literal, blatantly playing on emotions. From the first minutes, I didn't find it likable, but I would give it two stars for its craftsmanship without hesitation. However, that wouldn't take into account the last action-packed third, where there is a revolution and heroic clever monkeys demolish a helicopter in flight or a moving car with an armed crew. It got dark in front of my eyes and my mood dropped at the speed of a skydiver lacking a parachute. The film has enough enthusiastic admirers, so I don't need to exert myself and will limit myself to an overall impression of 10% for the technical execution. (07/10/2015)

The most underrated movie of this summer turned out to be his best ever movie. Caesar’s story is an amazing demonstration of honest filmmaking that has the necessary ingredients to make it a classic. Burton can go fly a kite. The special effects have been taken to a level higher again, the monkeys are sometimes more emotional that the humans. Poor old Franco is sidelined about half way through and never returns to the fore. Of the human actors, the most intriguing are the chameleon John Lithgow and David “Rodney McKay" Hewlett who was landed with the least rewarding role in the movie, poor guy. This monkey rebellion grabs you with its screenplay, which has some surprises in store, and also superb action sequences. (25/08/2011)

Phenomenal gem, polished in every aspect. A film with visual effects that are used exactly in the right places and details (the ape faces and emotions), excellent and dynamic action, captivating drama, a surprising intimate touch. Those expecting big-budget action with millions of apes battling the human population will be disappointed. The new apes are going in a completely different direction, significantly more sophisticated and entertaining. It's still popcorn and a film made mainly for “entertainment”, but the inventiveness and enthusiasm of the people behind it for the material cannot be overlooked. Thumbs up, excellent work, and a film that truly entertains from beginning to end. (13/09/2011)

I'm one of those people who is excited by the new monkeys, and I'm very happy to be part of that group. Perfect, perhaps 99% realistic special effects, memorable scenes (a long camera ride, during which we jump and swing through the house with Caesar, his aging climbing through redwoods, a superbly chilling "No!", etc.), bombastic music by the never-failing Patrick Doyle, and some human actors. But they don't matter, because the heroes of the film are only the apes. Chimpanzees, orangutans, Buck the gorilla and others. The animals are animated, but it’s absolutely great! You feel like you want to touch them (at least the ones you’d hope wouldn't want to rip off your arm) given how real they look. You trust the monkeys with every emotion, they can inspire fear as well as pity, and no matter what they do, you can't help but root for them. What's is also likeable about Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the way it honors the original film. In fact, it can be considered its full-fledged prequel. Attentive viewers will also see a few references (Caesar playing with a model of the Statue of Liberty, a "sort of" shuttle getting lost in space, one of the monkeys is named Cornelia, etc...) that will delight. The main idea of the film has changed - the "anti-Cold War" exclamation point has become a bit of a cynical message of "seek a cure for an incurable disease and you might wipe out humanity," but it works. I have no reservations about the super action finale on the Golden Gate Bridge, I thought it was a sensational climax and the beginning of the takeover with all the pomp and circumstance. (12/08/2011)

A reboot from the realm of dreams. The best, most emotional and earnest possible treatment of the missing link in one of the great classics of cinematic science fiction. An intelligent, mainstream-targeted CGI rush that revives the tendencies of non-violent family blockbusters with unprecedented flexibility, without even for a moment falling into plot sterility and expressive naivety. Despite a few inconsistencies in the workings of its fictional world, this is a truly stunning experience, a more honest and purposeful presentation of modern visual effects than most Marvel films, plus decent actors, great cinematography and a catchy atmospheric soundtrack... 95% (26/08/2011)

La Planète des singes : Les Origines est un retour civilisé à l'atmosphère des années soixante avec une portée considérable et des astuces à la hauteur, principalement grâce au génie d'Andy Serkis. Ironiquement, c'est si humain, intelligent, plein d'émotion et avec beaucoup de clins d'œil aux fans de La Planète des singes avec Heston. Une très agréable surprise à laquelle je souhaite bien du succès. (29/07/2011)

Un moment de toute beauté, relevé par la fascination qu’engendre le milieu très particulier du complexe de cinéma à Varsovie. Bravo, même à Paris, je n’ai pas eu droit à ça ! (08/08/2011)

An indisputably successful film in technical terms, no question; but I totally didn’t get all the craziness surrounding it. I was mostly expecting something completely different than an intimate film about monkeys on crack (except for the overhyped bridge finale); plus James Franco, and likely his worst performance ever, didn’t add much to anything either. I guess I'm a simpleton, but I can't appreciate ape intelligence, I don't mind animal experiments, and personally I consider Rise of the Planet of the Apes the biggest bubble of recent years. Above all, it lacks any emotion (I’m really not going to cry when a slightly deranged monkeykeeper sprays Caesar with water for the sake of obedience). (04/01/2014)

Great story and effects. The movie doesn’t seem to have a single flaw overall. One of the candidates for the best movie this year. The ending may not have been brought to the right conclusion, but that doesn't change anything about the 5-star rating. (10/01/2012)