It has been a long time since I have reviewed a movie.  There are so many people out there doing it that I just didn’t feel compelled to join the cacophony.

However, I was specifically asked to do this one, so it is my pleasure to share my thoughts.

First – to address the specific question I was asked.  “Does the disc have subtitles?”

Answer:  Yes, the disc I got does have subtitles, and the option for them to be in English or Mexican Spanish.

Story –  I don’t want to throw out a lot of spoilers, but this one focuses mostly on the theme of “Apes shall not kill apes” – and what happens when one does, and how similar humans and apes are in their emotions and motives.

Acting –  Gary Oldman is in fine form, as always.  He is one character actor who has never (to my knowledge) “phoned in” a performance.  Andy Serkis did another wonderful turn as Caesar.  Most supporting actors and actresses held up their ends very satisfactorily.

Finally – as a huge fan of the original franchise (that started in 1968 with Charlton Heston) – I would compare this to the original series, except for the fact that they have effectively re-imagined enough plot beats of the series that they don’t directly compare.  The action is vivid, the story is engaging, the CGI and other effects are nearly seamless, and the music moves the story forward without calling attention to itself – except for one scene where it is actually the star, and that scene is priceless!