This afternoon the Northerner and I took a lovely walk along the river. We started off in Hampton Court and ended up in Kingston. Our afternoon outdoors was sadly short-lived as the heavens opened and we were forced to duck into the cinema. No hardship, we opted for the latest X-men film which was pretty good; and after watching him in action, I’ve decided that Michael Fassbender could give Daniel Craig a run for his money as Bond.
Before they became enemies: (front left and right) the young Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and Charles Xavier (James McAvoy)
Now I’m a regular cinema-goer and I’ve usually seen most trailers so I prefer to slip into my seat just before the film starts. But today I was treated to the latest trailer of the Planet of the Apes film – Rise of the Apes – which is due out in August.
I have to say I am very excited about seeing it on the big screen. The computer animation (created by Weta Digital, the brains behind Avatar and King Kong) looks impressive and I’m intrigued by the storyline of how the apes were able to develop their brains through scientific enhancement. There is something quite plausible about the plot that leaves me with a chill, see for yourself.
whogivesamonkeys 
Christian Daly
June 7, 2011
Hi Asha !
Just watched the video ! It’s certainly an interesting premise. Memory and cognition skills are regulated in the brain by chemicals known as neurotransmitters, and these in turn are shaped by specific genes. Two years ago, chinese scientists succeeded in producing a rat with improved cognition by manipulating just one gene, and last year, a gene responsible for variations in IQ in humans was discovered by american scientists. It certainly seems plausible that gene therapy could result in an ape with improved memory and cognition. These skills, combined with the abstract thinking we know that apes are capable of, from professor Lee’s research, could lead to an ape with the ability to learn. Perhaps we should start treating them better, just in case !!!
Incidentally, I agree with you about the ‘planet of the apes’ film franchise. I too think that the original 68 version was better than any of the sequels or the 2001 version.
Best
Christian
Belle Ball
June 9, 2011
Hello, I’ve been reading your blog for a month or so…I’m really enjoying it! Wanted to let you know that the Sheffield film fest (ON FRIDAY June 10) is showing Project Nim, a doc about a chimpanzee in the US who was part of the ape language studies of the seventies. My husband Bob Ingersoll is a key interviewee in the film, and Nim’s good friend. From what I’ve seen on your blog, I think you would find it worthwhile to see the film. It is showing tomorrow (today to you!) in Sheffield, I apologize I’m not sure of the time or theater. Next weekend (again not sure of exact time or date), it will show in Edinburgh at their film festival. Check it out!
All the best,
Belle Ball
San Francisco, CA, USA
(Sorry to post this like this, but couldn’t find a link to send a personal e-mail)
urbanprimate
June 10, 2011
Dear Belle,
Thank you for getting in touch. No problem to post a comment like this, I’m very relaxed about the comments people make. Thank you for your support, it’s great to know people like yourself are reading it and enjoying!! I would have love to have come up to Sheffield to see the film, but I am working. Shifts seem to be picking up, so no down time at the moment. I have your email address so I’ll drop you a note now, I’d love to interview your husband for the blog, if he’s up for that? Happy to do it on the phone too. I’ve posted about Nim, use the “search blog” section. It’s called Project Nim, I wrote it in January.
All the best
Asha