PLANET OF THE APES [MOVIE REVIEW]

The original Planet of the Apes film, released in 1968, was a groundbreaking science fiction classic that spawned a successful franchise and influenced countless films in the decades that followed. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston, the film tells the story of a group of astronauts who crash-land on a planet where intelligent apes are the dominant species and humans are enslaved and treated as primitive beasts.

The film begins with the iconic scene of Heston's character, astronaut George Taylor, awakening from suspended animation to find himself and his two fellow crew members stranded on an unfamiliar planet. The trio sets out to explore their surroundings and soon encounter a tribe of mute, primitive humans being hunted and captured by the intelligent, militaristic apes. Taylor and his companions are soon captured themselves and brought to the city of the apes, where they are subjected to scientific experimentation and scrutiny.

The most striking aspect of Planet of the Apes is the incredible makeup and prosthetics used to bring the apes to life. The ape characters are played by actors in elaborate costumes and makeup, and the attention to detail and realism is impressive even by today's standards. The apes are distinct and recognizable as individuals, with their own personalities and quirks, and the film never falls into the trap of making them into caricatures or stereotypes.

The social commentary of Planet of the Apes is another aspect that has made the film endure over the years. The story is a clear allegory for the issues of race and class that were at the forefront of American society in the 1960s, with the apes representing the ruling class and the humans representing the oppressed underclass. The film also deals with the themes of evolution, civilization, and the role of religion in society, all of which are handled with intelligence and nuance.

The performances in Planet of the Apes are also worth noting. Charlton Heston delivers a typically strong performance as the cynical and rebellious Taylor, while Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall are excellent as the compassionate ape scientists who come to see the humans as more than just animals. Maurice Evans steals the show as Dr. Zaius, the conservative and dogmatic chief scientist of the apes who fears and distrusts the humans and their potential for intelligence.

The climax of the film is one of the most iconic and memorable in cinema history, as Taylor discovers the shocking truth about the planet and its inhabitants. Without spoiling the twist for those who haven't seen it, it is safe to say that the final scene of the film is one of the most haunting and thought-provoking endings ever put to celluloid.

The impact of Planet of the Apes extends beyond just the world of cinema, as it inspired a range of merchandise, including toys, comic books, and even a short-lived television series. The film's success also paved the way for a series of sequels and spin-offs that continued the story and explored new aspects of the ape-dominated world. While these subsequent entries were not all of the same quality as the original, they helped to further cement the franchise's place in popular culture. Overall, Planet of the Apes remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and stunning visuals.

Overall, Planet of the Apes remains a landmark of science fiction cinema and a must-see for fans of the genre. Its themes and messages are as relevant today as they were in 1968, and its visual and technical achievements are still impressive decades later. While the sequels and remakes that followed may not have matched the original in terms of quality or impact, the legacy of the first film will continue to endure for generations to come.