Review: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to the 2011 release – Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The movie opens where the last movie ended with an introduction of many more prominent characters, fight sequences and some heart-felt touching moments. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes shifts the focus from the humans onto the apes and their way of life.

STORY

Matt Reeves’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a brilliantly directed and graphically appealing sequel. This movie is darker, and more violent sequel where the apes rise against the post super virus group of human survivors.

Intricate detailing to cinematography and an overall brilliant 3D experience makes this movie more appealing than its predecessor. This movie stars Andy Serkis playing Caesar, the Head of the Apes; Jason Clarke playing Malcom a man try to endlessly reconcile the relationship between man and apes and finally the enthralling performance of Gary Oldman who plays Dreyfus the man heading the human army into attack against the apes.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes picks up where the first part left off where 10 years later the humans are considered to be extinct. Apes are in the early stages of civilization, and as the film will show – closer to humans than anyone believed.

The Apes are lead by Caesar, an almost Christ-like figure who emphasizes on maintaining a harmonious relationship with the humans due to his upbringing in a caring human environment. He is, however, confronted by Koba, who plays the dominant antagonist and believes that the human race are a threat having being brought up among humans who tortured and experimented on him like a lab rat.

The movie contains intense fight sequences, an unexpectedly quick evolution of the apes and yet through this profound environment we still get to see heartwarming moments like the birth of Caesar’ s child. Inspite of Caesar’s relentless efforts at peace; a war seems inevitable.

The movie, similar to its prequel ends with a cliffhanger, leaving great anticipation and expectation for perhaps another sequel in the making.

DIRECTION, VISUALS AND GRAPHICS

With a spate of 3D movies over the last couple of years, watching movies in 3D glasses is slowly loosing its prestige. However the movie successfully overcomes this redundancy and brings back on the big screen a visual extravaganza.

Hats off to Exceptional Minds who sweat blood for this movie to make the picturization and visualization highly realistic and believable. A definite Oscar worthy performance from the Production Team.

Executive producers Mark Bomback and Thomas M. Hammel create an unforgettable visual experience comprising  of beautiful aerial shots, intense fight sequences creating a convincing emotional connection with the audience.

OPINION REVIEW

Dawn is a must catch movie; irrespective of whether you’ve seen its prequel, for all movie lovers this movie really hits all the right spots. The technology and detailing gone into making the movie did not cease to amaze and the perseverance of the CGI Team is clearly evident.

There were moments over its 130 minutes where the movie felt a little bit stretched and points where talking apes and their sudden emotional evolution and connection with the humans felt briefly exaggerated. However the overall 3D experience with a strong, though slightly predictable story keeps you at the edge of your seats.

A brilliant successor to a solid franchise, this movie shows us what can be done when talented director collaborates a brilliant scrip and a dynamic caste to create a summer blockbuster.

A movie of love, betrayal, war and allegories with an experience leaving you wanting more. We recommend that you Hit the Halls for this one.

The Breakdown