Just watched again on HBO and decided to take a look at the IMDB page. After reading a few of the 1 star reviews I see that the movie is the victim of a right wing smear campaign.

Why all the hate. I was intereaged during the whole film. Do not listen to the hate comments

Ignore all the negative reviews great action flick with great visual effects Direction 4/5 Story 4/5 Acting 5/5 Background music 3/5 One word: Excellent.

The characters are what really stand out in this movie. Any Serkis' portrayal of Caesar is amazing on so many levels, especially when you look at how he's more human than most of the human characters, and the Colonel is equally amazing for the opposite reason: his lack of humanity. Although this is an action movie, the action is but the smallest tier in a multilayered plot, which was clearly the main focus of the movie. A plot with complexity that can (almost) rival the Lord of the Rings. And don't even get me started on the family and leadership style drama in this movie. It could make a grown man cry. Not me though. As you can probably tell, I love this movie. The quality is something that can not be described, but only witnessed, and I suggest you go witness this.Also don't show this to your kids unless they have a relatively high tolerance for things in movies. Like when they say, "thematic elements," they mean it. There are also some relatively bloody wounds and disturbing phycological elements. But don't take it from me. Go read a parents guide before ever showing this to your kids.