Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

10 years since the manmade outbreak of simian flu destroyed most of the human race, a growing population of genetically modified and evolved apes led by the dominant chimp, Caesar (Andy Serkis), continues to build strength in the forests outside of San Francisco; it’s only a matter of time before humans and apes path’s cross again. So, when outdoorsman and adventurer Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and a team of humans unsettle the apes by accident it’s anyone’s guess how Caesar and his followers will react. Unbeknownst to the apes, they’re practically siting on a hydro-electric dam, something Malcolm and the humans desperately need. Meanwhile, the military trained Dreyfus (Cary Oldman) is bracing for the possibility of war. Before long, contempt, distrust, and growing tensions between species reach a flash point, it’s war– but everything is not yet lost, perhaps there are lessons both species can still teach each other, might the two live in harmony yet? apes Slowly rising to a boil and subsequently boiling-over Director Matt Reeves once again successfully pulls us into a post-apocalyptic narrative that, while predictable, is still enjoyable; dashing humor, action, and nods to George Orwell’s Animal Farm, along with obvious criticism of human nature and global politics. From an acting standpoint, the ensemble performs fantastic, including some heavy duty character acting from ape actors Toby Kebbell, Terry Notary, and Karin Konoval. Special effects throughout are nothing shy of amazing right up to the final extreme closeup of Caesar/Serkis’s eyes, stunning. And, a standout score composed by Michael Giacchino grows from a campy start to a full brooding, festering thematic cacophony, icing on the cake. Still, perhaps a few minutes longer than necessary, don’t let this egg spoil the batch, this one gets the simian thumbs up on all limbs. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG-13.