Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes (2001)
By Rebekah Martin, Staff Writer

It's an ape's world in director Tim Burton's remake of Twentieth Century Fox's sci fi classic, Planet of the Apes. It's not a retelling so much as a reimagining of the themes and images through the lens of current scientific and technological reality. William Broyles' script (adapted from the novel by Pierre Boulle) refers to it's predecessor without parody or uncalled for reverence, but inventively twisting it on its tale to illuminate many of the same themes.

This film succeeds at every level, from the science sown seeds of humanity's fall to the arboreal splendor of the city of the apes. Mark Wahlberg's Lt. Leo Davidson is impetuous and inventive. Helena Bonham Carter's Ari is all youthful idealism.

But the real standouts in a stand out cast are the military characters. Michael Clarke Duncan's religious warrior, Attar, and Tim Roth's volatile and politically wily Thade. Underneath all the layers of latex created by the 800 pound gorilla of movie makeup, Rick Baker, and the pounds of ape suit and simian movements studied during Ape School, Roth crafts a complex character part opportunistic villain, part determined savior of his race.

Whether you think the original is a Sci Fi classic, or a campy excuse for a costume party, go see this movie. This is smart, complex, informed speculative fiction on the big screen.

I'll be coming back. Save me a seat.