Manny The Movie Guy /

I love, love, love "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." It's one of the best sci-fi action films of the year and that's largely due to Andy Serkis' affecting performance as the rising simian leader Caesar. From his portrayal of Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" films to Kong in "King Kong" to Caesar in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," Serkis knows how to infuse heart to his characters.

In this interview, we talked about:

• His attraction to making "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
• How he differentiates Cesar from his previous roles
• How he injects heart to his character
• Is he a fan of the original "Planet of the Apes?"
• Working in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit"

To watch my movie review of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," click here.

Here's more info on "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" from Yahoo:

A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a war unlike any other -- and to the “Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.”

• Also Known As: Caesar (Fox)
• Untitled Planet of the Apes Prequel
• Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama and Science Fiction/Fantasy
• Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.
• Release Date: August 5th, 2011 (wide)
• MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense and frightening sequences of action and violence.
• Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution
• Production Co.: Chernin Entertainment
• Studios: 20th Century Fox
• Filming Locations: Mammoth Studios, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
• Produced in: United States

• Cast & Crew
• Starring:
• James Franco -- Will Rodman
• Freida Pinto -- Caroline Aranha
• John Lithgow -- Charles Rodman
• Brian Cox -- John Landon
• Tom Felton -- Dodge Landon
• David Oyelowo -- Steven Jacobs
• Tyler Labine -- Franklin
• Jamie Harris -- Rodney
• David Hewlett -- Hunsiker
• Andy Serkis -- Caesar
• Directed By: Rupert Wyatt