Planet of the Apes (2001)

Editor's Note In remaking this classic sci-fi horror film, director Tim Burton takes on a whopping challenge and succeeds. Astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) is part of a space station crew that, in the year 2029, is conducting experiments in training genetically engineered chimps to perform complex away missions. When Leo's chimp disappears into a worm hole, Leo unadvisedly goes after him, ending up in a parallel world in which the monkeys are the keepers and humans are traded and caged like animals. It's a horrifying place, and the whole atmosphere, colored by Burton's direction and Rick Baker's incredible special effects makeup, is charged with terror. Leo becomes a heroic figure in the eyes of his defeated human brethren, and he puts his trust--and his hope for escape--in Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), a forward-thinking ape who believes in human rights. But Leo has formidable opponents in Thade (Tim Roth) and Attar (Michael Clark Duncan), two power-hungry, testosterone-charged apes who wish to rid the planet of humans altogether. This excellent rendition of PLANET OF THE APES is more than just a remake: it includes intense physicality on the part of the actors, complex mythology lacing the story, chilling philosophical realizations, and an amazing cameo by original APES star Charlton Heston. The combination of those complex parts makes for a riveting viewing experience.

	David Warner
	Michael Clarke Duncan
	Kris Kristofferson
	Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
	Paul Giamatti
	Luke Eberl
	Helena Bonham-Carter
	Mark Wahlberg
	Estella Warren
	Erick Avari
	Tim Roth
	Colleen Altwood - Costume Designer
	Rick Baker - Special Makeup Effects
	Lawrence Konner - Screenwriter
	Phillippe Rousselot - Director of Photography
	Chris Lebenzon - Editor
	Rick Heinrichs - Production Designer
	Mark Rosenthal - Producer
	Ralph Winter - Producer
	Danny Elfman - Composer
	Mark Rosenthal - Screenwriter
	William Broyles Jr. - Screenwriter
	Richard D. Zanuck - Producer
	Tim Burton - Director

Variety
"...Rick Baker's ape makeup creations are wonderfully varied...and represent a definite leap beyond what was possible 33 years ago..." 07/30/2001 p.17-22

New York Times
"...This remake of PLANET shows a sparkling guile....The jokes and scares build to a lovely touch....Mr. Wahlberg has mastered the fine art of underplaying..." 07/27/2001 p.E1

Entertainment Weekly
"...[Roth gives] a performance of gnashing wit and ferocity....The apes in PLANET OF THE APES have character....The movie is all but destined to become Burton's second hit in a row..." 08/03/2001 p.39-40

Rolling Stone
"...These creatures snarl, swing from trees and bare their teeth with startling authenticity, and each one looks different. Baker's work is monumental..." 08/30/2001 p.131-2

Los Angeles Times
"...The key reason for Burton's preeminence is very much on display in PLANET OF THE APES, and that is his exceptional visual gift..." 07/27/2001 p.1