What is it about the Rise of the Planet of the Apes trailer that’s so awesome? Starting from the beginning, it rolls out its reveal slowly, and tantalizingly: scientist James Franco’s discovery of a way to make the brain heal itself has some sort of connection to the apes held captive in the lab…oh whoa, it boosts intelligence…wow, there sure are a lot of them…okay, this is getting ominous…OH MY GOD AN APE JUMPS OFF A BRIDGE TO ATTACK A HELICOPTER!!!
Some elements in the movie look a little familiar—Frieda Pinto’s character better have more to do in the movie than just stand around telling James Franco what he’s doing is “wrong”—but the apes, while clearly CG, are really really good CG (from the company who did the FX for Avatar, but who it must be noted did not write the script). And, it cannot be overstated, that shot of the ape going ape (there’s no other word for it) and launching itself at the helicopter is awwwwwwwesommmmmmmme.
If there’s more than one shot of an ape launching itself off a bridge to attack a helicopter, I nominate this movie for the Palme D’Or, the Hugo, and every category at the Oscars. Short of dinosaurs eating people, I can think of few things more noble than ape-on-helicopter violence. August 5th, people. August 5th.
Danny Bowes is a playwright, filmmaker and blogger. He is also a contributor to nytheatre.com and Premiere.com.
