Movie Two Hundred Eighty
Immediately following the events of the first film, Beneath the Planet of the Apes literally goes deeper into the mystery of the planet of the apes after a new ship crashes.
Picking up at the end of Planet of the Apes with the displaced astronuat, Taylor (Charlton Heston), and mute native, Nova (Linda Harrison), travel through the Forbidden Zone. Strange lightning causes Taylor to investigate and disappear before Nova’s eyes. Another spaceship crash lands nearby with a group of astronauts looking for Taylor. Brent (James Franciscus), thinks he has traveled to a distant planet and stumbles upon Nova, wearing Taylor’s dog tags. The two ride together to Ape City where Brent is startled by the simian population. He is befriended by Cornelius (David Watson) and Zira (Kim Hunter) who helps him escape capture by the gorillas. Brent then goes below ground, following a strange sound, and finds a group of telepathic humans living underground.
I’ve always enjoyed the original Planet of the Apes and I’m one of the few people that didn’t hate Tim Burton’s remake but I’ve never actually seen any of the other movies in the original series of films. Beneath the Planet of the Apes was not a great movie but I did have a great time watching it. I’ve always liked the special effects used for the ape costumes and even though the apes aren’t the focus in Beneath the Planet of the Apes, at least they didn’t cheapen out. The filmmakers even brought back the original cast when applicable, something that makes this feel like an actual sequel instead of a quick cash-in.
It’s kind of funny that I’ve seen so many Beneath the Planet of the Apes references but never understood them. In fact, I knew about 90% of the plot of the film just from pop culture references over the years; though, to be fair, it’s not exactly a complicated plot. Without spoiling anything, I will say the ending took me off guard – that was a pretty gutsy move. I purchased the series box-set, so I’m eager to get to the next films, even if they don’t appear to have the same level of love from fans. I wasn’t blown away by Rise of the Planet of the Apes but I’m glad they are making a new series of films in the franchise.
We’ll see what the next three movies have in store for the series, but Beneath the Planet of the Apes is a worthwhile affair that falls short of the original, but is still a worthwhile sequel. Beneath the Planet of the Apes gets the job done, continuing the ending of a great movie with a new, interesting twist on the Planet of the Apes franchise.
I give it 3 General Ursus and Dr. Zaius riding horses out of 5.
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I’ve noticed that today’s Hollywood is really obsessed with blue eyes. They even give apes blue eyes these days.
That said, I really liked the whole 1960′s Planet of the Apes series. They don’t make them like they used to.
I wonder if there’s a reason for it…
They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to
I think that in some cases, there is. I’ll elaborate (write) on that sometime.
I had no idea there was a sequel to the original Planet of the Apes. I’ve only seen bits and pieces of it, but I did enjoy the recent remake w/ James Franco.
There are four original sequels! I didn’t realize there were so many until I got the box-set.
I enjoyed “Beneath the Planet of the Apes”. The main reason being the ending they chose; which is indicative of films from the 70s. They are not afraid to throw thier punches.
I love movies from that era
The ending certainly is as startling as the original – albeit in a different way. The other sequels decline in quality as they continue along. And from memory the premise for Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes appears to be the blueprint for the next new Ape movie?
I don’t remember if I was told that Conquest was like the recent Rise of… or if it’s going to be more like the next film – or somewhere in between. I don’t care either way, I’m still looking forward to some apes.
Yeah, I really enjoyed Rise and am looking forward to the next one too.
Actually, “Escape from the Planet of the Apes,” the third in the series, is much better than “Beneath” as it flips the story around 180 degrees and sends talking apes back in time to America of the ’70s. It’s usually considered the best in the series after the original.
I’d definitely agree with that. It’s the one I remember the most after the original.
Oh cool, I’ll get to that one soon, look forward to it
I was a huge fan of this series when I was a kid. Despite the fact that the plot of “Beneath” follows pretty much the same beats as the original for a while with a new astronaut following in Taylor’s footsteps, it developed themes of pacifists vs. military, religious mania, and the effects of nuclear war. The people who live “beneath” are quite original and creepy.
Yeah, it is an almost complete retread without really feeling like one until you start thinking about it.
Its a worthwhile sequel probably because its so different. I mean, who would have expected an underground society of brainiacs? Its bizarre.
I love all the original Planet of the Apes movies. I remember seeing this film several times as a kid; a local TV station aired it frequently. I didn’t understand any of it, but who cared? Thanks for reviewing it and bringing back some fond memories.
My pleasure! I got a great deal on the blu-ray pentalogy (I think that’s the right word) so I’m looking forward to experiencing these films.
I love these! This is one of the best franchises ever, and I think it’s a perfect display of Time Paradoxes done right in movies. I’ve said too much!
Enjoy the rest of the movies. I’ve got the Blu Ray Special Edition (one of them) myself. But it’s been ruined with the making of the new Franchise!
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