Tim Burton's take on the sci-fi classic is perhaps best described as a somewhat hollow triumph of production design over content. Struggling with an unrealistic studio-imposed schedule, Burton appears to have expended so much energy overseeing the make-up and monkeyworld designs that he was too knackered to ensure the story worked, or to figure out a decent ending. Throw in a so-so turn from Mark Wahlberg as reluctant (and apparently constipated) hero and even the combined watchability of a scenery-chewing Tim Roth and freakishly attractive Helena Bonham Carter can't get things back on track.
DVD Extras:
Commentary by Tim Burton, commentary by composer Danny Elfman, enhanced viewing mode feature, HBO First Look Special, six featurettes (Simian Academy, Face Like A Monkey, Costume Tests, On Location At Lake Powell, Chimp Symphony Op.37, Swinging From The Trees), make-up, group and movement tests, multi-angle features, five extended scenes, trailers, music videos, TV spots, concept art, DVD-ROM features.From footage of Bonham Carter learning to ride a horse like a chimp to Michael Clarke Duncan's daily stint in the make-up chair, every aspect of pre-production gets covered in more than four hours of bonus material. Burton's commentary may be a touch lazy - it's punctuated by long chunks of silence - but everything else offers great value for money. An unevolved film saved by some strong extras.
