With ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2 kicking off the summer with a massive box office debut, it is safe to say we are going to have a huge season on our hands. In a new segment called Blockbuster Breakdown, we will be featuring the biggest summer movies that will be hitting the theaters each week and why you don’t want to miss it. So throw on some flip flops, grab some popcorn and sink into a big comfy seat because summer has arrived.
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – July 11
Director: Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In)
Stars: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell
Synopsis: Humans and genetically evolved apes fight for what little resources are left on Earth after a fragile peace is disturbed.
Runtime: 130 minutes
Quote: “War has begun.”
Review: Who knew CGI apes could be so entertaining?
There is no monkeying around when it comes to ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’. The film is a high tension and emotional blockbuster that builds on the last movie and improves it.
Ten years after the apes have destroyed San Francisco, the deadly ALZ-112 virus has wiped out most of the human population and forced them to live in broken cities. When a fuel shortage threatens to throw civilization into chaos, a group of people venture into the woods into ape territory to get electricity from a dam. Distrusting apes and uneasy humans lead to a fragile peace that could turn into a full on war at the slightest miscommunication.
You would think director Matt Reeves achieved an evolutionary miracle with talking apes due to the flawless motion capture effects. Every wrinkle around the eye and hair on the body moves individually on every ape which is a feat in itself. If you were impressed with the special effects in ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ then you will be blown away by ‘Dawn’.
Andy Serkis is top billed and rightfully so as he gives a strong performance as Caesar that resonate with the audience. He has a lot on his plate this time around with hundreds of apes following his lead and questioning his loyalty to humans. His wife is also sick and a son who rebels against him. Despite Caesar being CGI, he is probably the most complex and heartfelt character you will watch all summer.
While the ending becomes relatively predictable, it is forgivable because the sheer action of gun wielding apes riding in on horses and driving tanks will have you hooked. Trust me, its not as silly as it sounds.
‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ is easily the most riving film in the franchise and delivers what every summer blockbuster should have: a brain, heart, and sheer entertainment. It avoids the sequel slump and will have you bananas for the upcoming third film.
