This is the third of the "Planet of the Apes" series of films. This is a little better than the second movie. I'd say that this is Zira's (Kim Hunter) story to drive. Zira and Cornelius are in a similar situation to Taylor's (Charlton Heston) predicament in the first of the Apes film. The difference is, the Apes have gone back in time to when humans ruled the Earth. And Zira and Cornelius have it a lot better than Taylor did. At least at first.

The opening sequence is wonderful. Later, we find the Apes testifying before a commission led by Dr. Hasslein (played by soap opera legend Eric Braeden). The apes become very popular. The world falls in love with them. It all sets up some endearing comedic pieces that portray the apes as cultural darlings. It's really surprising how light-hearted this movie is up to this point. It's almost humorous. There's a little dated social commentary sprinkled about, but this is mostly just about Zira and Cornelius being accepted into a society that is loving them.

Eventually, mistrusting humans make things difficult for Zira and Cornelius. The couple have a baby chimp and are forced to flee the military base where they are being held. It is this escape that signals the beginning of a dark turn in the movie. This is where things get serious. I don't know if I'd say better, but it's interesting.

There are lots of familiar faces in this. "Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery" fans will love the performance of William Windom. There's also a flamboyant bit part from Ricardo Montalban. And of course, the great Roddy McDowall stars as Cornelius.

Effects...let's see. The masks worn by Hunter and McDowall are pretty nice, especially when compared to the shoddy ape faces in "Beneath the Planet of the Apes". But beware of the totally silly gorilla suit during the movie's first act.

Better than the second but lagging behind the original, "Escape From the Planet of the Apes" is decent enough to recommend continuing on to the next movie in the series.