Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) by Todd H — 13 Jun 2015

I love the Planet of the Ape's movies, even Conquest and Battle (which I admit are a little bit terrible but I still enjoy it). I was so keen for this movie that I had to hold myself in or I would transform into an ape. So does the movie live up to my expectations?

This movie starts with a little predictable opening scene, broken news reports on how the world has entered a post-apocalyptic situation, an aftermath of the first movie. However when the movie really starts, you are thrown right into the action. From then on the story deviates from what you expect and tells you the story you didn't know you wanted, predictable it is not. The film seamlessly blends exciting action scenes (what is more exciting than an ape riding a horse with two machine guns, name one thing, I dare you) with the underlying moral themes similar to those found in the original and this movie's predecessor. Like a good sequel it expands the story, adds many new characters while developing the characters we already loved. It also increases the action and deepens the complexity of the narrative. The CGI and special effects are all of the highest quality, filming on real sets really has shone through and added to the spectacle of the film. Every ape looks fantastic.

There were many great actors cast as the main humans in the movie, I mean Gary Oldman alone makes anything impressive, but I am also a fan Jason Clarke. Not to mention that bald guy who looks like your typical dickhead in movies, Kodi Smit-Mcphee and Keri Russell. However, the real stars that steal the show are the apes. Toby Kebbell as Koba was absolutely fantastic, but the real outstanding performance, no surprise is Andy Serkis; Lord of motion capture. I honestly believe he could be anything he wants to be, because he surely exceeded as Caesar, just as excellent as Gollum if not better.

So did this movie live up to my expectations? It took my expectations and pounded them with its big ape fists. It was nothing I could have expected, an excellent sequel that transcends the previous film. The best part about it is that it's a planet of the Apes movie, apes are just awesome. Some small problems: I would've liked to see more of the world, I would've love to sit through a longer film, but that's just me, I would gladly watch hours of the planet of the apes and I have. I have no real problems with this movie and it is an instant favourite of mine. Very close to Phamtastic but alas no cigar.