New on DVD: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

 Nothing is more dangerous than letting one's personal problems get in the way of that which should be strictly business, or to allow one's desire for gain to replace all sense of caution in a situation requiring the utmost safety.

This, at least, is the message conveyed by Rise of the Planet of the Apes (prequel to Planet of the Apes) as it examines the effects of an upset in nature's order.

Moviegoers, beware:  the upset is the result of technological abuse.  That's right, folks:  stupid people + technology = downfall of entire human race.

Not to worry, though.  The film handles this concept in such a way that it hardly dampens the fun at all.

The film opens in an experimental drug testing facility, where young drug producer, Will, has been searching for a cure for Alzheimer's.  The result of his labors:  the drug ALZ-112, which claims to  provide the brain with the ability to heal itself. 

The drug is tested on one of the laboratory's chimpanzees (who happens to be pregnant), and, as a result, the animal seemingly goes insane.  Yet Will, in his desperation to have the drug certified, manages to sneak out samples of it, along with the pregnant chimp's baby, while the rest of the test subjects and data are destroyed.

Lo-and-behold, the baby chimp, whom Will names “Caesar” (notice the throwback to Planet of the Apes), possesses an intellect far surpassing that of his fellow primates. 

The contrast between his intelligence and natural instincts makes for some unfortunate incidents which ultimately land him in a crude housing facility for apes, where his anger against the human race and his idea of being something more than ordinary begin to take form.

Though Rise of the Planet of the Apes has its silly (if not ridiculous) moments, it more than redeems itself with its fun factor and special effects, while seamlessly maintaining a somber undertone, meant to support its bone-chilling message.  Andy Serkis (who portrayed “Gollum” in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) gives a fine performance as Caesar, while James Franco, in a role that's a bit unintentionally goofy, does well supporting him.  All-in-all, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is well worth the time and money. Grade:  A- Reviewed by Emily Doran