Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Original Apes mixes smart sci-fi and fighting, sexy stuff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Planet of the Apes (1968)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is a classic that has stood the test of time, praised for its surprising plot twist and thought-provoking themes, though it contains significant violence that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While some find it philosophically rich and innovative for its era, others criticize the acting and suggest it may deserve a higher age rating than it originally received.
- classic sci-fi
- thought-provoking themes
- surprising plot twist
- significant violence
- age suitability concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PLANET OF THE APES, four astronauts travel at the speed of light, hoping to explore new galaxies. They suddenly wake up from stasis to find themselves crashing on a planet with a sustainable atmosphere. The only survivor, Taylor (Charlton Heston), discovers a race of intelligent apes and winds up their prisoner. With his throat wounded, he is unable to speak, but tries to catch the attention of a pair of ape scientists, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter). They wish to communicate with him, but unfortunately, ape leader Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) believes he's a threat and puts him on trial. Taylor escapes with the help of the scientists, seeking a cave full of artifacts that prove human intelligence. But can Taylor make his case in time?
Is It Any Good?
The direction by Franklin J. Schaffner -- who would win a Best Director Oscar two years later for Patton -- is impersonal and uninspired in this film. Charlton Heston's lead character is hard-headed and inflexible. But somehow Planet of the Apes' melding of clever science fiction ideas with old-fashioned popcorn thrills just clicked. Perhaps screenwriter Rod Serling, creator of the legendary Twilight Zone TV series, is part of the reason. Or perhaps it was the novelty of seeing apes riding horses and shooting guns.
Heston gets some memorable lines, but it's Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter as the two ape scientists that anchor the movie, embracing communication and connection between two species. Their open-mindedness and open-heartedness are key. The question of science versus faith is still relevant, but perhaps even more so is: What happened to the humans? How could they wipe themselves out? If viewers don't feel like answering those questions, then there are the good chases and battles to focus on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Planet of the Apes' violence. In what ways are the humans mistreated? Do you notice any similarities to how humans treat animals? What is the reason for the mistreatment?
The movie seems to suggest that science is better than blind faith. Do you agree? Is there a way the two can go together?
The movie's twist ending has become fairly famous. Did you know about it before watching the movie? How did it affect the story?
Who is a better role model: the human astronaut, or the ape scientists? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 8, 1968
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2006
- Cast : Charlton Heston , Kim Hunter , Roddy McDowall
- Director : Franklin J Schaffner
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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