Why do people always have to act like dirty apes in war?
Look! Another Planet of the Apes! This is the sixth planet of the apes movie, the last one being "The Battle For the Planet of the Apes" released in 1973. However, this re-working of the "Planet of the Apes" formula is completely unlike the previous five films and this one is the best out of all of them! Except, of course, the original and now classic "Planet of the Apes" released in 1968. If you're a big fan of the original, don't worry, this version has a completely different plot and idea.
By no means is this movie perfect. Perfection was nearly achieved with the 1968 classic. It's also worth noting that this movie is directed by Tim Burton, famous for "Beetlejuice," "Edward Scissorhands," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas." By no means does he surpass these three films in greatness, but it's still quite good.
The best thing about this movie, like all other Burton films, is the set. The set is richly decorated with dark, yet eye-pleasing props. Expect to see this film as a major contender for the set design, costume design and makeup Oscars. The plot is interesting. It is certainly not any better than its 1968 predecessor, but it is still quite intelligent and intriguing.
The actors were all well-chosen. I was thrilled to see Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth playing their roles to near-perfection. I was having doubts about Mark Wahlberg being in the lead, but he did rather well too. Wahlberg certainly isn't a Charlton Heston, who incidentally has a cameo as an ape. (Traitor.)
Overall, I was generally pleased with this film! I have nothing really to complain about except that most bizarre ending.
FINAL VERDICT: B
I guess the only thing truly great about this film was the overall appearance of it and a fraction of the actors. Nothing else about it is anything special. It didn't come close to improving the classic 1968 "Planet of the Apes" but it did improve on its sequels. This film will most likely see a sequel itself. Maybe it will explain that peculiar ending!
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Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan, Paul Giamatti, Estella Warren, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, David Warner, Kris Kristofferson, Charlton Heston (traitor), Erick Avari, Luke Eberl, Evan Dexter Parke. Who wasn't in this movie: Clint Eastwood, Jackie Chan, Kirk Douglas.
Directed by:
Tim Burton
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2001 sci-fi/not Star Wars
Rated PG-13.
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Don Ignacio's score: B