The Planet of the Apes is simultaneously a classic of science fiction and a relic of the decade that produced it. While influential and well-regarded, the 1968 film is likely better known to at least one generation as the source material of a Simpsons parody that mocked its hokey premise and overwrought acting. That the franchise had last produced a lousy fourth sequel in 1973 and a bizarre 2001 reboot made the decision to not only re-reboot it, but start with a prequel, tolerable — even logical.
But the obvious question faced by Rise of the Planet of the Apes when it came out 15 years ago today, aside from how to market such a clunky title, was how, exactly, the apes would rise. It found an answer, but at a cost.
