Nostalgic Review: Planet Of The Apes Franchise

Everyone knows Planet Of The Apes. But, for the general film fans you would not know how many films there actually is in this franchise.
It was only about two or three years ago before it came to my knowledge about the many sequels from the 1968 classic.
Since seeing them it has made see this franchise in a whole new way. For the last 45 years or so, this franchise has gone on quite a journey, and here are my reviews for each Planet Of The Apes film:

Planet Of The Apes (1968) - One of the biggest surprise hits of the 1960's and has stood the test of time.
Featuring Charlton Heston where he and his crew crash land after a long spaceship mission.
They land on a planet they never thought would exist. But what Heston's character finds out, becomes one of the most famous ending scenes in film history.

Rating: 9/10

Beneath The Planet Of The Apes - After Charlton Heston's character is stranded on the planet of the apes. A rescue mission suffered the same time. The sole survivor discovers that there is more to this planet just being ruled by apes.

I found the ideas really interesting and found a lot of parts towards the end incredibly creepy. But it was just a same that the production was weak and cheap. If this got more backing, I felt this could have been a cult classic.

Rating: 7/10

Escape From The Planet Of The Apes - An interesting and brave story choice. But I think it was a lot better then I expected.
From the opening scene that will make you put your head in your hands, to the rest of the film that develops into an interesting story.

Lots of interesting ideas and we are starting to complete the circle of this epic saga.

Rating: 7/10

Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes - Twenty years after the events from Escape, the world is at a stage where humans has apes for pets.
However, one ape starts a revolution that will change the future of the planet.

A bit like Beneath, the production was not that great and that made the whole viewing experience a bit tacky sadly.

Rating: 7/10

Battle For The Planet Of The Apes - Easily the worst of the original series.
It happens a decade after the apes have taken control of Earth, but are currently at peace with the humans.

I felt like this was a poor man's Alien: Resurrection. Did not see the point of making this film and you can tell the budget of the film must have been at an all-time low.

Rating: 6/10

Planet Of The Apes (2001) - A remake that did not need to be made.

Tim Burton manages to fall into the Hollywood trap of copying something, and then crashing and burning.
The only redeeming features for me was the set and costume designs which was pleasing enough.

Watch out for the ending that puts the stamp of confirmation on to the film that is probably the biggest film disappointment of the 21st century.

Rating: 6/10

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes - After the failure of Burton, director Rupert Wyatt and his team came back with the right type of re-make that has rebooted the franchise.

With the motion-capture help of Andy Serkis, this terrific homage to the original series is now the foundations to the next film series of this famous franchise.

Rating: 8/10

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - Under the leadership of director Matt Reeves, we get another smash-hit.
It takes place ten years after the events of Rise and Caesar and his tribe get caught up with a group of humans.
It is brutal, moving and Andy Serkis and his team steal the show with their memorable performances as the apes.

Rating: 8/10