Watching Planet of the Apes on the Big Screen

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi films. I have a hard time suspending my disbelief long enough to enjoy the movie and instead spend the whole time wondering how what I’m seeing could possible happen. But, when it comes to classic hits I’m willing to forgo my intuition and give them a chance. So when I was offered a pair of passes to catch the big screen re-release of Planet of the Apes I figured, “why not?”

Now, this past weekend it was crazy hot and I relished any chance to sit in an air conditioned theatre. Early in the afternoon I met my good friend (and Planet of the Apes aficionado) and we headed to the show. The film was re-released as a partnership between TCM (my favorite!) and Fathom Events. You may know Fathom as the company that brings live events to movie screens. For this event the film would be introduced by Ben Mankiewicz and a special guest so we made sure to arrive early to catch the intro.

                                                                                                  from TCM

Yup, Mankiewicz interviewed the ape himself, Dr. Zaius (played by Dana Gould). The exchange was a hilarious dialogue that did offer true insight into the making of the film. It was a particular treat to watch Mankiewicz brake down a couple times into a fit of giggles.

Soon enough the film began and I prepared myself to finally see Planet of the Apes. Ok, going in I already knew the twist ending. As a huge fan of cinema there was no way I could get around that spoiler. Still I really enjoyed the movie. Charlton Heston is perfectly cast as the marooned Taylor and Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter shone as his sympathetic ape captors, Cornelius and Zira. The ape makeup was fantastic and I appreciated that the film didn’t take itself too seriously.

Planet of the Apes was the perfect flick for a hot summer day. I enjoyed it so much that I headed home and watched some of the cartoons on Youtube. Hm…maybe I like sci-fi after all.

The film additionally screens tomorrow July 27, 2016 at select theatres.