Planet Of The Apes (2001) Parent Guide

Parent Movie Review
by Donna Gustafson

“Never send a chimp to do a man’s job” criticizes Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) as he hijacks a small shuttle from the mother ship and blasts into space to rescue an off-course chimp test pilot. Having spent the last two years of his life training the monkey, Davidson isn’t prepared to lose his investment. Of course his frustration over the boredom he has endured thus far on the exploration mission may be a motivating factor too.

Attempting to navigate the electro-magnetic storm that conquered his pupil proves to be more than even his expertise can handle. The atomic clock on board his vessel also begins to behave erratically. Crash landing in an unknown place and time, Davidson’s relief at still being alive is drowned by a stampede of primitive people fleeing from a sophisticated group of Ape hunters. Captured and beaten, Davidson and the other surviving humans are caged, brought to an Ape City, and sold as slaves or pets to the primate citizens.

Confused by this world where evolution has been turned upside down, Davidson’s only hope is an aristocratic ape named Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), who demonstrates sympathy for Homo Sapiens. As he follows her, the other humans follow them; believing Davidson may be able to end their oppression. Before the credits roll, these two groups will engage in frequent “gorilla” warfare involving clubbing, stabbing, and using fire as a weapon.

Planet Of The Apes (2001), based on its 1968 namesake, features Charlton Heston (cast as an ape this time) along with updated special effects and make-up that convey director Tim Burton’s trademark eeriness. Parents should be aware that violent depictions are more frequent and intense than in its predecessor, although this edition is softer with its criticisms of religion and animal abuse, and contains only female cleavage instead of male rear nudity.

Those familiar with the original will also find this shallow reinvention of the story lacks the powerful plot twists and accusations that continue to nag even after thirty years. Instead this new generation of Apes offers more action than satisfaction.

Starring Mark Wahlberg Tim Roth Tim Burton Helena Bonham Carter Charlton Heston. Running time: 124 minutes. Theatrical release July 26, 2001. Updated July 17, 2017

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.

Planet Of The Apes (2001)
Rating & Content Info

Why is Planet Of The Apes (2001) rated PG-13? Planet Of The Apes (2001) is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some sequences of action/violence.

Overall: C+
This remake features a lost astronaut crash landing on an unknown planet in the midst of a jungle full of wild humans. Under bondage by apes who have evolved into a powerful society, the humans see the space visitor as their opportunity for freedom. Continually clubbing and beating their way to a violent conclusion with a plug-in sequel opportunity, teens new to the franchise may find it enjoyable, but for seasoned adults this monkey never really shines and may be too violent for young children.

Violence: D+
Monkey astronaut appears to be in peril. Lights flicker and go out on space station. A monkey is assumed dead. Man pilots spaceship through frightening ride then crashes ship. People are brutally attacked by apes, including a man thrown to ground, another violently hit, others are caught in nets, and a woman is knocked down. Man and ape battle each other with clubs. Ape jumps on man’s back. Man kicked in face. People forcefully unloaded from wagon (one woman is head locked, another man thrown into a stone wall) and put into cells. Ape talks of skinning a human. A young human girl is kept in a cage as a pet. Humans are held down and branded. Apes use pole with noose at one end to hold people by the neck. Male ape roughly handles female ape he says he cares for. Ape beats and kills two other apes with hook weapon. Man roughly handles another man. Man’s arm is twisted backwards after lunging at ape with burning torch, man is then killed (not shown). Ape jumps onto man. Bodies of two dead apes are discovered. Boy kicks ape. Apes and humans wrestle in forest. Man fires two shots from gun. Apes begin arguing over card game. Ape camp attacked by people, tents and one ape lit on fire. Apes throw firebombs at people. Ape with blood on face is shown. Ape becomes angry, jumps, screams, and climbs walls in frenzy. Ape brands another ape. Boy gets leg caught in stirrups of horse, rendering him unable to flee approaching attack. Many apes are killed/injured by fiery blast—those that survive are beat upon by humans. Major battle between apes and humans sees many people and animals injured or killed including man’s neck being broken, man and ape violently thrown, and woman stabbing an ape. Two apes viciously hit each other until one is killed. Man kicked by ape. Female ape thrown against wall by another ape. Chimpanzee hurt when thrown by ape. Man beaten by ape. Ape, in fit of rage, repeatedly fires gun.

Sexual Content: B
Woman refers to “rocket envy.” Female ape suggests trading sex with another ape in exchange for two humans she wants to purchase. Ape says, “All human activity happens below the waist.” Ape woman dances seductively in front of a male ape. Two kisses between male and female characters.

Language: B
At least: 9 mild profanities and 4 terms of Deity used as profanities/expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use: B
Background character briefly seen possibly using unknown drug.

Page last updated July 17, 2017