Dawn of the Apes gives blockbuster season some heart…
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| 20th Century Fox |
While I was rather up in the air on this sequel, Dawn proved to be a surprising blockbuster of the year as it picks right up from it’s predecessor and explores touching issues amongst the human and animal kingdom.
It follows the outbreak of the “Simian Flu” virus from the last film, as humans have become near-extinct and infrastructure broken down with a only a mere few genetically safe humans making it through (but not without being broken from losses of loved ones). Apes on the other hand, are safe and continue to build their genetically enhanced ape empire among themselves away from the interference of humans, with no other than Caesar (Andy Serkis) leading the pack (along with the film itself).
But things go awry, when humans seek the assistance of the apes in re-generating energy in order to rebuild what the humans have lost. Malcolm (Jason Clarke) is the leader of the humans trying to achieve a settlement between the two species, alongside son Alexander (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and female counterpart Ellie (Keri Russell). Gary Oldman although has lesser of a role in this film as Dreyfus, but lands a helping hand to other remaining human survivors.
On the journey of aiding each other, we are then treated to a compelling journey of trust between the two as they struggle to mantain proper relationships with each other. Caesar has compassion for humans (after-all James Franco‘s Will raised him) while his ape rival Koba (Toby Kebbell) thinks otherwise.
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| Caesar (Andy Serkis) is the true leader of this sequel. |
What really brings out this film, is the maintenance of human ignorance and the desire to dominant other species while the apes themselves also surprisingly share these traits. Both species are against each other in the failure of truly understanding each other, when problems and issues arise in their very own species. Guess it really proves us humans aren’t the only ones that struggle to maintain love, equality and trust amongst each other.
Verdict: If your about explosions and destruction this movie may satisfy you just a little (maybe go for the new bland and polluted Transformers sequel). But if you want some soulful emotion and heart then Dawn of the Planet of the Apes proves a touching exploration of honour, love, trust and family whether your of human or ape kind.
Overall Rating:
8.5/10
Watch the trailer below:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpSaTrW4leg?feature=player_detailpage]
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