2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” rebooted the classic franchise with a new origin story. While not as action-packed as expected (more of a sci-fi drama until the final 30 minutes), it was still one of the most successful movies of the summer. Now, three years later, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” raises the bar as one of the edgiest and most satisfying action films of the year.
Andy Serkis, who many, including “Rise” star James Franco and myself, argued was snubbed for an Oscar nomination last time around for his role as Caesar, receives top-billing and the majority of screen time in “Dawn”. If not already, Serkis can now officially be crowned the King of Motion Capture thanks to another completely convincing and awards worthy performance as the ape leader. From his subtle facial expressions, daring movements and wide range of emotional displays Serkis/Caesar elevate this franchise to new heights. If you don’t believe that this character is a true thinking, speaking, intelligent ape then you may as well stop going to the movies.
It’s been 10 years since the deadly virus, initially tested on apes, began to spread around the world. Nearly the entire population has died or soon will. A small group of immune survivors are living in San Francisco, but their time is running out as they are short on fuel and food. Dreyfus, their leader (played by Gary Oldman) has a plan: Get the city’s old power plant working again. The only problem is it’s in ape territory, where Caesar, his family and thousands of others are living peacefully away from the humans. When a team sent to investigate the condition of the plant, led by Malcolm (“Zero Dark Thirty”‘s Jason Clarke) and Ellie (Keri Russell) stumbles upon the ape community, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” quickly becomes a captivating cat-and-mouse game of trust and betrayal between the two sides.
Following an “epidemic” introduction similar to last year’s “World War Z”, director Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield”) takes us inside the ape community, and establishes Caesar as both a strong leader and proud husband and father. And the sign language skills taught to him by in “Rise” are now being used by all the apes. They have truly set-up a “human” community, but with one major difference – their #1 law: Apes don’t kill Apes (smartly taken from the classic films). But Caesar and a few of the other apes can also speak English, which you may think sounds corny, but trust me, within the structure of this saga it’s extremely effective. As these primates soon learn, becoming more human-like has both its pluses and minuses.
Reeves doesn’t hold back with the multi-layered dramatic elements of the film. “Dawn” is a dark movie, both visually and in tone. There are some perfectly executed twists and surprises along with a few pure, out-of-control action sequences. It’s no surprise that Reeves has already been booked to direct the next chapter, due out in 2016.
The performances of the live-action cast in largely supporting roles are very solid. A few pivotal scenes are a little forced and rushed, and the score, by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, is a bit of a retro homage to the older “Apes” movies, but feels out of place here.
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is rated PG-13 for language and intense action/violence, some a bit graphic. It’s appropriate for mid-teens and up. This is a serious, but seriously good summer blockbuster that is so well done I intentionally avoided including a single pun in this entire review.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” gets a B+.