Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) by Jesse O — 02 Jan 2015

This is a superior sequel to the reboot that, intelligently and wisely, brought what many had considered a dead franchise back to life.  The sequel expands the universe this franchise takes in.  While I really liked the previous movie, in my opinion, it lacked a little depth.

  It was straightforward and somewhat one-dimensional thematically and emotionally.  I get the intention but, while very good, it lacked a little something that would've taken it past where it got.

  Maybe it was the nature of it being more of an origin story, which isn't an excuse, and the fact that it needed to tell, but not show,  the beginning of how the world and humanity collapsed to the point where apes are the dominant species.

  This film, truly focusing on the effects of, what they call, cleverly enough, the simian virus and how that disease has caused a certain unease between the humans and the apes.  The universe is definitely a lot more detailed and extensive.

  There's a lot more depth to the supporting characters and to the apes themselves.  The apes have very distinctive personalities in spite of the fact of their lack of truly conventional dialogue.

  While the film doesn't take a black and white look at its characters, I believe Gary Oldman's character thought he was doing what was right for his people, without a hint of malice.  But, Koba, the main antagonist of the film, doesn't have that same treatment.

  I believe his intentions, at first, were to look out for the apes, but as the film progressed, he became like a regular villain.  That's not to say that the character isn't good, because he is, his motivations are just more cut and dried than other characters in the same film.

  This is an ambitious film that opens up so many new possibilities and stories to tell that it's really exciting looking forward to what's next.  Of course, no review of this film would be complete without mentioning the fantastic motion capture work from all the actors who play some of the more prominent ape characters.

  I don't think Andy Serkis, more known at this point for his motion capture work than his acting, ever truly gets enough credit for how talented he truly fucking is.  This guy is a great actor and he should get credit for truly making Ceasar come to life.

  I don't wanna say there's a realism to the character, but there's a believability to Caesar's, and the rest of the apes, movements that is only achievable through motion capture.  And the actual animation of the apes is pretty outstanding as well.

  It's really the best of both worlds.  You get the best from your actors and the best from special effects.  The film does have its action sequences, but they are, thankfully, not grating or loud.

  They're there when they're needed, not because it's been 10 minutes without action.  That's the way it's supposed to be.  The acting is also quite good from the human side of things.

  James Clarke and Gary Oldman, particularly the latter, are always great.  I just really liked this film.  It advances the universe forward in all the right places, actually leaving you wanting for more.

  Greatly recommended film right here.