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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]

Reviews for Planet of the Apes

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

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
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Seminal simian sci-fi that blends satire with the drive and pace of an adventure story.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
04/07/08
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

edgy, intense and surprising

comment Comment
11/08/04
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

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
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Signifying Monkeys

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

It's all about the closing scene. Cool!

comment Comment
11/07/08
Cole Smithey
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

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

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

one of my all time favourites

Full Review Source: sbs.is | comment Comment
02/28/08
Stefan Birgir Stefansson
Stefan Birgir Stefansson
sbs.is

A sci-fi classic that still holds up today and far surpasses Tim Burton's remake.

comment Comment
01/17/08
Beth Accomando
Beth Accomando
KPBS.org

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

Massive marketing notwithstanding, the original film is still quite an achievement.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
05/30/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide
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

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

Dated now, but a lot of fun and the ending was a shocker — the first time you saw it. Science fiction and social commentary blended nicely.

comment Comment
01/27/06
Bob Bloom
Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

No review available.

comment Comment
10/21/05
Chuck O'Leary
Chuck O'Leary
Fantastica Daily

No review available.

comment Comment
08/10/05
Rebecca Murray
Rebecca Murray
About.com

No review available.

comment Comment
07/22/05
Thomas Delapa
Thomas Delapa
Boulder Weekly

No review available.

comment Comment
06/30/05
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

comment Comment
05/30/05
Nicolas Lacroix
Nicolas Lacroix
EnPrimeur.ca
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 >> >|
all

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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