“Rise of Planet of the Apes,” reviewed by Judy Tart

Here’s an informal review of of the suspense/thriller/animation film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” by my friend Judy Tart. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area. –Janet

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“Rise of Planet of the Apes,” –the prequel” to “Planet of the Apes”–is far more than what one might think.

The premise of the movie is that a large drug company is developing an Alzheimer’s drug and finds that it enhances the apes’ intelligence enormously. A very touching side story concerns the lead scientist’s father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and is slipping away until he gets the drug.

Lots of action as well. It’s set in the San Francisco Bay area, with dramatic shots of San Francisco, the Golden Gate bridge, and Muir Woods.

“Rise of Planet of the Apes” is filled with nuanced portrayals of the interactions of humans and apes, both good and bad. The behavior of the apes is very realistic. Someone on the movie team obviously spent a lot of time watching and researching their behavior.

I would see it again.