Planet of the Apes (1968)
Just went ape over the original Planet of the Apes (1968)! Charlton Heston crash-lands on a strange planet ruled by intelligent apes, with humans as the primitive, hunted species. The social commentary is strong, using ape society to reflect on humanity’s own flaws.
The ape makeup and costumes hold up surprisingly well, creating a believable and unsettling world. Heston delivers a powerful performance as an astronaut clinging to his humanity. The ending is one of sci-fi cinema’s most iconic moments, leaving you speechless (and maybe a little existential).
However, the film’s portrayal of race relations might feel dated to modern viewers. The plot can be slow at times, building towards the shocking twist.
Overall, Planet of the Apes is a must-watch for sci-fi fans and anyone who appreciates a thought-provoking film that challenges our perspective. It’s a classic for a reason, and it holds up surprisingly well even over 50 years later.
