Family Is Everything

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I would like to take the time to thank my son, Danny (8 years old), for urging me to watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Multiple times he asked me if I could view it to see if it was okay for him to watch. So one day I caved and just watched it with him. I was hesitant because I just felt that the Apes franchise shouldn’t have been rebooted because Tim Burton tried in 2001 and failed. Needless to say, I was blown away with how good the movie really was. I was wrong and I am proud to admit it. To our excitement, Danny and I learned of the sequel and waited on pins and needles for the July 11^th release date.

WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FIRST FILM, THE SYNOPSIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Dawn takes place 10 years after the events of Rise, where the ALZ-113 virus has wiped out most of the human population. Caesar has built a tranquil ape community within the Red Woods of Northern California. Serenity is disrupted when a group of humans happen to stumble upon the apes’ home. Led by Malcolm (Jason Clarke), the small group of humans is granted access to a dam capable of hydroelectricity that is located deep within Ape territory. The humans figure if they can get the water from the dam rerouted, electricity can be brought to San Francisco. Tension arises when mistrust is expressed by both human and ape.  Now Caesar and Malcolm must do everything they can to prevent a bloody confrontation.

This was an amazing film from every aspect. Let us start with the acting, humans first. Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, White House Down) heads up the ‘human’ group of actors. Clarke is an actor to watch as he is slowly proving to the world he can act. Clarke does a great job showing Malcolm’s compassion and his pure intentions. His love for his family shows through that same compassion.  Thought the real stars of this film are the ‘ape’ actors. Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings, The Prestige) gives an amazing performance as Caesar. Even though Serkis acts for the motion capture, I still give much respect to Serkis because it is his movement and voice that the F/X people have duplicate with the CGI ape. Serkis is able to show the audience Caesar’s struggles just through his movement and facial expressions. If Serkis is not at least talked about during Award season, I will be very displeased. Along with Serkis, Toby Kebbell (Prince of Persia, Wrath of the Titans) plays Koba, one of Caesar’s most trusted friends. Kebbell also does an awesome job expressing his hatred for humans with just movement.

Matt Reeves (Let Me In, Cloverfield) takes on the directing duties for this film. Reeves was a perfect choice for this film. At the heart of this film, the movie is really about family and the things anyone would do to protect them. Reeves has a way of finding the deep emotions among the action of a screenplay. Reeves was able to bring out the innocence of a child vampire in Let Me In and in Dawn he shows the audience that love for your family is the most important aspect of life.

Please check out Rise of the Planet of the Apes and then go see Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. If not for the action and drama, then please check it out Andy Serkis’ performance as Caesar.

The Verdict: See It In Theatre!!