CHRISTINE MCGRATH
Review: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
By Christine Petralia
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox
July 15, 2014
In a world where apes rule over humans, it’s clear that apes are just like us. There’s good and bad, there’s war and peace. The CG in this installment of The Planet of the Apes is amazing. The emotion on the apes makes you really want them to win. The apes are really the stars of the film, with the human actors just filling up the extra airtime and to create conflict.
It’s 10 years after a deadly virus has wiped out most of the human population. Small groups, who are immune to the virus, are struggling to survive in the world where apes rule. Caesar has built up his family in San Francisco. During a walk in the woods, Caesar’s son encounters a human who freaks out and shoots the son’s friend. Caesar comes to his son’s rescue and orders the group of humans from the woods.
Prompted by his friend Koba, who still holds a grudge against humans from his time being tested on in a lab, Caesar heads to the compound where the humans are to warn them never to come back into the woods. He adds that there will be no war if everyone stays where they belong. However, Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and his girlfriend Ellie (Kerry Russell), along with his son, head back into the woods to ask Caesar if they can work on a hydroelectric dam that he believes will be able to provide long-term power to the compound. Caesar reluctantly agrees, hoping to forge a bond between Malcolm and the humans. He even offers help from the apes to make the work go quicker.
After a few scuffles among Koba and the humans, Koba gets some apes on his side to frame the humans for what the apes believe is Caesar’s death. Koba declares war on the humans, attacks the compound and holds all of the humans captive. Malcolm and his family are still in the woods, hiding from the apes, when they find Caesar still alive. They bring him to his old home to save him. While Malcolm gets supplies in the compound, he runs into Caesar’s son, who hasn’t quite sided with Koba yet. Once reunited with his father, the pair manage to save the few apes who haven’t joined forces with Koba, as well as the humans. Caesar battles Koba to his death. However, the damage is already done and Malcolm informs Caesar that troops are coming to destroy the apes, even though Koba is dead. Instead of fleeing, Caesar tells Malcolm they will stay and fight for their kind, as the war is just beginning.
I really liked the plot in this one. You really wanted to side with both the apes and the humans. I liked the conflict between Koba and Caesar. And I really liked how Caesar’s son grew into his role as a leader beside his father. The touching moment in Caesar’s old home as he watched videos of himself as a young ape was probably one of my favorites, besides the all out battle scenes.
The 3-D was probably decent. Maybe see a matinee so it’s a little cheaper with good effects.
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