But of course, in the scenario as presented, it’s the only way. During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom. It’s about Caesar, the ape who will never be allowed to thrive in human society, and can not be content in ape society as presently constituted, and is thus compelled to start the revolt which will ultimately reshape both along new lines. Given Hollywood’s penchant for greenlighting sequels to just about anything. By Sean O'Connell published October 03, 2011. When I first heard that James Franco would be starring in a new, big-budget prequel to The Planet of the Apes, my heart sank a little. F aced with the horror of half-assed material from which he can’t escape, James Franco allows himself to be steamrolled by his pet monkey. A tech-bro Frankenstein so driven by his own desires that he will happily subvert any petty rules or guidelines or common-sense precautions that stand in the way of his goals, while cheerfully reaping the benefits of outward compliance with the system in all other respects, until the unintended consequences of his actions can be measured in terms of casualty figures.įortunately, this film isn’t about Franco’s character. James Franco Was Supposed To Die In Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Will Rodman (James Franco), a scientist in San Francisco, is experimenting with a drug that he hopes will cure his fathers (John Lithgow) Alzheimers disease. I always forget that for all of this film’s greedy corporate executives and textbook-sadist animal wardens, the true villain of the piece is James Franco, the profoundly selfish biotech researcher who repeatedly experiments on, lies to, or abandons everyone foolish enough to trust him, or ethical enough to try to curb him.