Rise of the Planet of the Apes Reboot: A Glimpse into a Sci-Fi Classic

When discussing the Planet of the Apes film series, it's often a contentious debate: which set of films is truly better? While the original films by Franklin J. Schaffner and Caesar-voiced Charlton Heston have their loyal fans, many viewers find that the reboot series by Rupert Wyatt offers a more compelling narrative and realistic portrayal of the apes' struggle for survival.

Original Films (1968-1973)

The original Planet of the Apes film, released in 1968, remains a classic and iconic movie. Its twist ending is still a stunner, captivating audiences. The subsequent films, though quite good, progressively slide into less coherent plots and are limited by the technology of the time. This is evident in the special effects and the overarching storylines that become increasingly haphazard. Despite their strengths, these films can feel constrained by the technical limitations of their era.

The Rebooted Series (2011-2017)

Enter the rebooted trilogy, starting with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. These films are smartly written, offering a more plausible and grounded portrayal of the apes' rise and eventual battle for survival. Starting from a smaller, more intimate story, the series expands to depict the apes' journey from oppressed creatures to dominant rulers of the planet. This narrative progression provides a clearer understanding of how the apes came to power and how human numbers and civilization declined.

Apes as Oppressed vs. Villains

A key difference between the original series and the reboot is the portrayal of the apes. In the original films, apes were often cast in a villainous role with a few sympathetic exceptions. However, in the reboot, the apes are portrayed as mostly good, peaceful creatures, with a few who only desire the demise of humans. This shift in perspective makes the audience root for the apes as they fight for their right to exist and for a place in a troubled world.

The Future Projection

It's worthwhile to note that the original films foreshadow the reboot. Set in a far future, the apes have become the dominant species with a human society in decline. In the reboot, which takes place in a more recent timeframe, the apes' rise to power can be seen as a logical extension of the original's narrative. The reboot shows the path that could lead to the apes becoming the very oppressors portrayed in the original films.

About the TV Series and Other Movies

The TV series and Tim Burton's take on Planet of the Apes are, quite frankly, forgettable. Both are best left in the past. The reboot, while not negating the original, offers a compelling and more modern take on the story while staying faithful to the themes and ideas that made the original famous.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes reboot provides a fresh perspective and a more nuanced portrayal of the apes' struggle for survival and their relationship with humanity. While the original films have an undeniably iconic final image, the reboot offers audiences a more thought-provoking and grounded narrative.