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Movies / On DVD / Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes

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Planet of the Apes (1968)

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Reviews Counted:44

Fresh:39

Rotten:5

Average Rating:7.4/10

Consensus: Planet of the Apes raises thought-provoking questions about our culture without letting social commentary get in the way of the drama and action.

Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins

Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy

Synopsis: Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic, about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that... Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic, about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes. But one, Taylor, manages to break out and, aided by a pair of compassionate chimps, makes his escape to an uninhabited section of land. However, during the trek Taylor makes a startling, unsettling discovery about the planet--and realizes he's come full circle. PLANET OF THE APES is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle with a screenplay co-written by Rod Serling. [More]

Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans

Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison, Robert Gunner, Lou Wagner, Woodrow Parfrey

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer: Arthur P. Jacobs
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Aug 15, 2000

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for Planet of the Apes

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1 - 20 (sorted by critic A-Z)
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A very good film.

Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
09/17/01
Dragan Antulov
Dragan Antulov
rec.arts.movies.reviews

This classic sci-fi ape picture leaves its imitators and sequels in the dust.

Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
07/25/01
Marjorie Baumgarten
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle

Planet of the Apes is one of those rare films whose historical impact outweighs its quality. It's a good film, but not a classic.

Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
05/30/07
James Berardinelli
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Our favorite NRA nut proves to be the perfect embodiment of rugged individualism.

Full Review Source: Creative Loafing | comment Comment
02/24/04
Matt Brunson
Matt Brunson
Creative Loafing

A film rich with unforgettable imagery, killer lines and physical thrills.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
04/07/08
Andrew Collins
Andrew Collins
Empire Magazine

A dreadful film, a compendium of clumsy dialogue, one-dimensional characters, risible plot turns and long silences broken by incomprehensible meaningful looks.

Full Review Source: Salon.com | comment 1 Comment
08/16/01
John Dooley
John Dooley
Salon.com
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It is quickly paced, completely entertaining, and its philosophical pretensions don't get in the way.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
05/30/07
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Dismal SF deep think (1968) that gave birth to an equally dismal string of sequels and TV series spin-offs.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment 1 Comment
05/30/07
Pat Graham
Pat Graham
Chicago Reader
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Basically a feature-length 'Twilight Zone' episode, with all that that implies for good and ill… flawed but worthwhile.

Full Review Source: Decent Films Guide | comment Comment
03/22/04
Steven D. Greydanus
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films Guide

A magnificently indignant Heston ... wrestles with the imponderables of a topsy-turvy world in which apes reign over humankind.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
04/17/01
Nick Hilditch
Nick Hilditch
BBC

Weird combination of heavy-handed allegory and campy fun

Full Review Source: All Movie Guide | comment Comment
06/27/02
Dan Jardine
Dan Jardine
All Movie Guide

The monkey movie that started it all and the only memorable picture to come out of the laughable and sometimes unbearable saga of talking ape movies.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
08/01/01
Max Messier
Max Messier
Filmcritic.com

Signifying Monkeys

Full Review Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul | comment Comment
09/01/09
Rob Nelson
Rob Nelson
City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

A modern science fiction classic.

Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page | comment Comment
11/02/08
James O'Ehley
James O'Ehley
Sci-Fi Movie Page

The concept of humans humbled by apes inspires deep consideration of our place on the evolutionary ladder and in any supposed grand schemes.

Full Review Source: PopMatters | comment Comment
08/16/01
Sabadino Parker
Sabadino Parker
PopMatters

Examined difficult issues like bigotry and evolution in a unique and thought-provoking way, making it a whole lot more interesting than, say, 95% of the sci-fi films that followed it.

Full Review Source: Planet Sick-Boy | comment Comment
07/23/01
Jon Popick
Jon Popick
Planet Sick-Boy

...an above-average science-fiction movie in spite of its contrived plot, stilted acting, forced allegory, and unconvincing makeup.

Full Review Source: DVDTown.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
John J. Puccio
John J. Puccio
DVDTown.com

Sci-fi classic is better -- and worse -- than you remember.

Full Review Source: Netflix | comment Comment
11/07/02
James Rocchi
James Rocchi
Netflix

If you need to see any of the Apes' films, this is the one to take in.

Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | comment Comment
03/13/04
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Planet of the Apes is an amazing film.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
04/07/08
Variety Staff
Variety Staff
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by critic A-Z)
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Latest News for Planet of the Apes

December 01, 2008: Return to the Prequel of the Planet of the Apes Opens in new window
Remember that "Planet of the Apes" reboot script that CHUD spilled the beans about last month? Well, according to the latest issue of Production Weekly, it has a new name... More...

November 07, 2008: Fox Movie Channel to Become Channel of the Apes
For the parade-averse non-football fans among us, Thanksgiving weekend is always a trying time -- but this year, Fox Movie Channel has your back: from the 27th through the 30th,... More...

April 07, 2008: Charlton Heston's Most Memorable Performances
With his classically chiseled looks and basso profundo speaking voice, Charlton Heston was an icon of old-school Hollywood. In remembrance of Heston, Rotten Tomatoes has... More...

April 07, 2008: Charlton Heston: 1924-2008
Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84. More...

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