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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rise of the Planet of the British actors, more like.
One word…
EPIC!
It was good to see David Oyelowo, a black British actor in the lead role of this film. Even though he may have been playing a villain…I think it was the British accent. I don’t know what it is but Hollywood seems to typecast us Brit thesps and our accents as the antagonist. Not that I am complaining…I always love playing the villain!…it was refreshing to see a British actor of colour in a main role.
David, who came to my attention after playing “Gilbert” in the BBC TV adaptation of Andrea Levy’s ‘Small Island’, plays Steve Jacobs, the big boss of this Alzheimer’s curing organisation. I was surprised to see David in this film as I was not expecting to see him of all people in a Hollywood blockbuster at all. Not because of his acting talent, because he is a great actor…but because I did not known his career had taken THAT turn down THAT road so soon. He had been a bit quiet over this side of the pond, but I guess Rise of the Planet of the Apes explains that.
But to be honest, I was not expecting any of the Brit actors I saw to be in this film. I was shocked…yet happy to see these not so well known thesps (minus Tom Felton) in this Hollywood blockbuster. And I really do hope that this film gives them their well-deserved break. Always repping #TeamUKTalent.
I was so glad to see Freida Pinto in this film, and to hear that she has kept her natural accent in the film. Freida seems to be playing a British primatologist, yet if you listen well you can hear the hint of an Indian accent in her voice which just makes her accent sexy! Perfect time to be saying no homo? Ahh, what do I care?! ;) Ms Pinto plays James Franco’s love interest, much to my surprise (again!) It looks like the execs of this film really did cross boundaries by allowing Mr Oyelowo to be playing a central character, and Ms Pinto, regardless of her race, same with David, as the ‘eye candy’, if you will.
‘Tis was also great to see Tom Felton in a Hollywood blockbuster/anything not to do with Harry Potter. Despite the fact that as per usual he plays the **** in a film, Tom does a great job as Dodge. One thing that concerns me is the fact that film execs may now start to type cast him as the **** in every film he is offered. I for one would love to see Tom express his acting talent and range as I am sure he has a lot to give. A romantic drama tragedy perhaps?…‘tis would be rather interesting! I think there is so much within him dying to show off, and he just needs a time and opportunity to shine. One thing – Mr Felton does a decent American accent, considering the fact that he is so well spoken. #TeamUKTalent.
2 out of 3 of the Brit thesps in this film were villains (who died), and Freida didn’t get many lines, or much of a story, in the film which was a huge shame. I have seen her in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (as has 93% of the nation I am sure), and I think she is an absolutely brilliant actress! I thought that there would have been some sort of development or sub story on her character as a primatologist who has obviously come over to the States to work, but no. She was just there for the male gaze, I see. Oh well…at least it was refreshing to see a non-blonde haired blued eyed beauty as the love interest in this high budget film, where she didn’t have to do an American accent or even a *cough* poddy British accent. #TeamUKTalent.
One grand last note on the epic-ness of this film was the a-mazing CGI which must be credited. The detail to the FX, and the graphic designing of the computer generated apes, can only be described as MAGNIFICENT! So detailed, so realistic…down to such small and minor details like the flaring of the nostrils and the wind blowing between the hairs on Ceasar’s arms. Spine chilling!
10/10 for this film.
