PLANET OF THE APES (2001)
Released: July 27, 2001
Tim Burton, known for taking something old and reinventing it – ala “Batman” and “Sleepy Hollow” – strikes again. This time Burton tackles a remake of the 1968 film “Planet Of The Apes”. He prefers to define his work here as a “reimaging” of the original. Either way, the otherwise just fine original film starring Charlton Heston is given a modern day look and feel complete with more action and better effects. Did this new version need to be made? No. However, it now exists and regardless of how well it succeeds as a remake or a movie in its own right is really moot as it will always exist in a vacuum not really part of the original film series. As a remake goes, it does deliver in the overall looks and action. The make up and sets are all fantastic. Drafted by Burton to help bring this 2001 version to life are Mark Wahlberg assuming the role Heston mastered in the original along with Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan and Peterborough, Ontario born former model Estella Warren. Wahlberg does a fine job as does the rest of the cast. The story is kept uncluttered and moving along yet giving newbies to the franchise just enough information to follow along. The ending, which confused many, actually makes sense in this 2001 version of the film. While this was a fun ride and I enjoyed the style and flare Burton offered, plus the cast’s willingness to act convincingly in all that ape make up, at the end of the movie I was moved to go rent the original 1968 version and relive the original’s still amazing excitement and thrills. Also, this has got to be the tamest PG-13 movie I’ve ever seen. You can almost feel how each scene has been manicured to be safe for all of America’s innocent 13 year olds. Watch for Charlton Heston in a brief cameo as an elderly ape.
130 Minutes
20th Century Fox