Servicable, goofy remake (Planet Of The Apes [2001] (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Planet Of The Apes [2001] (DVD)
Date:	27/07/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: B-movie charm

Disadvantages: VERY silly

Planet of the Apes was long thought one of those few golden classics that nobody would dare remake. Sadly, the critics were wrong, and of all people, Tim Burton decided to give it another treatment. Still, with Burton at the helm, there was the hope that it might be decent, and deliver some good visuals to boot. Both of those statements are correct - but only barely is this a decent film, and it's not one I really care to revisit again.

Leo Davidson (Mark Walhberg) is a scientist who is working with Monkeys to send them into space. However, when the Monkey goes missing, Leo ventures out in a pod, and is caught in an electromagnetic storm that sends him through time, winding up in a strange land where Apes rule, and any humans are rounded up and imprisoned or made to be slaves. However, a few Apes, namely Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), feel that there should be equality between Apes and Humans, and so aid him in trying to escape. Meanwhile, Gen. Thade (Tim Roth, in the film's standout performance - you can tell he's having a lot of fun!) organises a strike to take the humans down one and for all. Who will win out?

Whilst the original outfoxes this remake in practically every regard, this one does improve on the effects obviously - not only are the visual effects improved, but the makeup admittedly does look rather amazing. I'm sure it must've taken hours and hours to apply...

An immensely silly but somewhat amusing remake that's not a patch on the original, but is infused with enough B-movie charm and fun performances (notably from Tim Roth and Helena Bonham Carter) to keep it going. Certainly Tim Burton's worst film, but I almost admire his bravery for the film's hilariously absurd ending.

Summary: A goofy but tolerable remake