Pause for kids 12 & under
Original Apes mixes smart sci-fi and fighting, sexy stuff.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Planet of the Apes is the original 1968 sci-fi movie that yielded five sequels (and counting), one remake, two TV series, as well as toys and games; it was extremely popular in its day and still has many fans. It's one of those rare sci-fi movies that's based on thoughtful ideas, but also contains fighting and action. Characters fire guns, a little blood is shown, and characters die. Humans are held prisoner and mistreated, and there's violent struggling. A decomposed corpse is shown in one shocking scene. Several male astronauts are naked (nothing sensitive shown) and sex is discussed. Language is mild, but contains uses of "God," "damn" and "hell." With the success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and with the promise of new sequels coming, teen sci-fi fans may want to go back and watch this. Though the MPAA gave it a "G" at the time, it's probably the equivalent of a PG-13 film today.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. In what ways are the humans mistreated? Do you notice any similarities to how humans treat animals? What is the reason for the mistreatment?
- The movie seems to suggest that science is better than blind faith. Do you agree? Is there a way the two can go together?
- The movie's twist ending has become fairly famous. Did you know about it before watching the movie? How did it affect the story?
- Who is a better role model: the human astronaut, or the ape scientists? Why?