In blockbuster waters, it is quite rare for the right script to meet the right director and the right technology. But, as ROTPOTA shows, it does happen. This is one of the few films, if not the first to convince me of the value of performance capture. So far I always considered it a gimmick like 3D and a cash cow for animation pioneers like Bob Zemeckis. In fact, in this case, it is the only way to go about making a film in which the protagonist is an ape (don't call them monkeys). The actors wearing masks and make-up in ye olde PlanetApe-quadrilogy and the Burton remake were ok at the time but they were not apes - they were guys wearing masks and make-up. Andy Serkis and the other motion capture actors do a fantastic job of getting up to all kinds of monkey business and - as the director pointed out - it would have been hard to sell a film about mistreating animals that uses real apes.
Some critics have lamented that ROTPOTA is another mindless action film that descends into explosions and gorilla vs policeman-on-horse showdowns. I disagree. Yes the message
don't treat other creatures in a way you don't wish to be treated is simple but since when is that a problem? And does that mean it's wrong? It's the way a message is delivered that counts most, particulary in film. AVATAR, for which the same digital effects company was employed, is similar in that it is a spectacle to look at and delivers a simple message. However, it's harder to buy into as it is delivered in a corny way and holier-than-thou perspective. Director Wyatt (with no blockbuster experience) strikes the perfect balance and delivers one of the best sci-fi films of recent years - in league with MOON and INCEPTION. Unlike all those films that sell CGI as added value when really it's just a lack of creativity, the technology here is necessary and, every minute that apes are on screen - thankfully, almost the entire film- the viewer is bedazzled and yearning for the - good as certain - sequel.
