Franco Signs on for RISE OF THE APES

I'm trying to withhold judgement on this, but it's a losing battle I'm afraid. Even the news that James Franco(Pineapple Express) has joined the cast of 20th Century Fox's Planet of the Apes prequel doesn't inspire me with a lot of confidence. Franco will play the lead actor in the film, titled Rise of the Apes, a “a young, driven scientist who becomes a crucial figure in the war between humans and apes.”

This one lost me the moment it was revealed that the apes would be almost entirely CGI, rather than cheesy looking dudes in hairy suits. To me, Apes is a franchise that should never be taken as cold and serious as Tim Burton's lousy attempt was back in 2001. Using CGI apes is a step in making sure this one is just as bland and colorless as that film was, arguably the worst thing Burton ever helmed. 

Rise of the Apes is still scheduled to swing into theaters on June 24 2011. Rupert Wyatt(The Escapist) is on board to direct, based on a screenplay by Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.