Which ape movie rules the planet, Tim Burton’s new blockbuster or the original? Here’s how they compare:
“Planet of the Apes” 1968 (G)
Humans: Don’t speak, are treated as zoo animals
Apes: Peaceful, scientific-minded apes never kill one another but do shoot humans
Ape attire: Proletariat tunics
Star/career highlight: Charlton Heston, believable as Moses
Surprise ending: Classic
Message: We’ve seen the enemy and it is us.
Bottom line: Topsy-turvy world and unforgettable ending slam home messages about tolerance and human frailties
“Planet of the Apes” 2001 (PG-13)
Humans: Speak, are treated as slaves or pets
Apes: Bone-crushing, sometimes murderous apes have no guns but massive armies
Ape attire: Apes wear makeup, cool ‘dos in class-stratified society but display ape behaviors, like chest beating
Star/career highlight: Mark Wahlberg, modeled Calvin Klein underwear
Surprise ending: Corny
Message: Why can’t we all just get along?
Bottom line: Lifelike apes and fast action win points, but cartoonish ape villain blunts movie’s message
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