Planet Of The Apes Review

There is a saying that some films are ‘critic proof’, meaning that cinemagoers are so keen to see them that they will do well - at least initially – regardless of what the critics say. Well "Planet Of The Apes" is one of the most ‘critic proof’ films of the summer. This week’s high profile Premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square, coupled with interviews and features in practically every newspaper, on every TV show, on every radio station and all over the net means that even those too young to remember the original know this is the film to see this weekend.

The only problem with this much hype is that it makes it practically impossible for any film to live up to it, and as fun as it is "Planet Of The Apes" may well disappoint some people. Granted, it is far from perfect; with characters (both ape & human) that are consistently one dimensional, and for a Tim Burton film it is surprisingly straight forward, lacking many of the unique and offbeat touches that have made many of his previous movies so enjoyable. But it cracks along at a fair rate of knots, and even manages to raise a few laughs in between the various action scenes that pop up at regular intervals. The apes certainly impress, thanks to some fine over-the-top performances (particularly from Tim Roth as the villainous General Thade, and Paul Giamatti as the slave trading Limbo), great make up from Oscar winner Rick Baker, and the conscious decision to have them behave and move in ways far closer to their simian origins than their 60s predecessors.

In truth the movie is far more of a remake than the filmmakers would have us believe, and even shares much of the same dramatic structure as the original.

But the vast majority of cinemagoers wont know and wont care, and even the most hardcore "Apes" fanboys should be won over by a couple of not so sly in jokes, and the chance to see original leading man Charlton Heston in ape make-up. One thing's for sure; the ending – which is without a doubt the most Burtonesque thing about the whole movie – will keep you engaged in conversation long after you leave the cinema!