Well this is a rarity. Hollywood shuns originality these days. It settles for established brands. The goal is low-risk high-reward. That makes for smart business but generic movie-making. I suppose odds are with the occasional oddity and that's what "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is.

I just finished watching all of the original "Planet of the Apes" series of movies. They are generally considered hit and miss in quality with the orignal "Planet..." being considered a classic and it is. But...and I know this is sacrilegious "Rise..." is a better movie than all of the orignal series' movies.

It's so well paced and the story while definitely science fiction seems plausible. James Franco is really good in this role. I didn't think he could pull off a scientist but he does it well. He also pairs up nicely with John Lithgow who plays his sick father.

The CGI apes are at times a wonder primarily when interacting with humans. When they are together in packs or communicating without human interaction the effects seem a little cartoony. Then again the final showdown between the San Fransicisco Police and the rampaging apes is pretty amazing and is super entertaining. I especially liked watching the powerful gorilla I think his name is "Buck". He steals the action sequences.

The ending is very satisfying and the cut scene in the final credits incorporates an actual continuation of the story and brings some clarity to how the apes managed to take over the Earth. This vaguely dovetails "Rise..." into the 1968 "Planet of the Apes" film of which this is a prequel to.

You don't need to see any of the other "Planet of the Apes" films to understand "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". It stands entirely on its own and really surpasses the original series in story and quality.