A film rich with unforgettable imagery, killer lines and physical thrills.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 41
Fresh: 36
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 these highly intellectual simians... 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
Reviews for Planet of the Apes
Seminal simian sci-fi that blends satire with the drive and pace of an adventure story.
A magnificently indignant Heston ... wrestles with the imponderables of a topsy-turvy world in which apes reign over humankind.
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.
Massive marketing notwithstanding, the original film is still quite an achievement.
Dismal SF deep think (1968) that gave birth to an equally dismal string of sequels and TV series spin-offs.
It is quickly paced, completely entertaining, and its philosophical pretensions don't get in the way.
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.
Basically a feature-length 'Twilight Zone' episode, with all that that implies for good and ill… flawed but worthwhile.
Latest News for Planet of the Apes
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...
April 20, 2006:
Zimmer to Score Simpsons Flick
If you'd have asked me "Hey, Scott, here's a silly question, but ... who do you think they'll hire to write the score for next year's "The Simpsons Movie?" my... More...
March 28, 2006:
DVD Tuesday: Planet of the Ape
Movie geeks love Tuesdays, and here's why: It's DVD Day! With each new Tuesday comes the promise of varying DVD goodness, so I thought it might be fun to do a reminder-piece... More...
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