Hail to the chief! Matt Reeves directs a blockbuster with brains and a fair bit of violence, says Scott Gentry, as he reviews "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes".

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (12A)
Directed by: Matt Reeves.
Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell and Kodi Smit-McPhee. 
Rated: 12A for containing moderate violence, threat and infrequent strong language.
Running time: 130 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas. 

It’s particularly difficult to pull off a “Planet of the Apes” film and directors such as J. Lee Thompson who directed “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” (1973), and Tim Burton who directed the 2001 remake, “Planet of The Apes”, know exactly why their films failed. The first, being a lifeless attempt at wringing the last few dollars from a doomed film series, and the latter being a film featuring a confusing plot and ending. However, in 2011 British director Rupert Wyatt rebooted the “Planet of the Apes” series, with an intriguing prequel, written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, that set a bench-mark for future blockbusters.  

Now marking the second instalment of the prequel series, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” follows the ever-growing nation of genetically evolved apes who are led by their fearless chief Caesar (Serkis), as they continue to develop their home in the redwood forest, opposite the Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco. Despite a peace that has lasted for ten long years, a group of humans that have survived the deadly virus (it was unleashed on society at the end of “Rise of the Planet of The Apes”) threaten the apes and cause tension between the two groups.  Soon the idea of violence becomes a possibility, as the actions of certain apes and humans may bring both sides to the brink of war.

Enemies or not? Jason Clarke, Keri Russell and Kodi Smit-McPhee star
 in a still from "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes".

After nearly a three year wait, Reeves (taking over from previous director Wyatt) has finally delivered a sequel that can rival films such as “The Godfather: Part II” due to its captivating ability to create such tension and bravura from each performance, despite the use of 3D effects. This is particularly evident in the performances from actors such as Serkis (portraying Caesar), Kebbell (playing Caesar’s second in command, Koba) and Karin Konoval (representing Maurice, a large orang-utan) who all play apes. Regardless of the lack of lines spoken in many parts of the film, this talented trio manage to capture emotions just like any other actor would, posing the question, could Serkis or any of his fellow ape performers win an award for best actor/actress? 

On reflection, “Rise OTPOTA” was mainly shot in studios with the help of green-screen, but “Dawn OTPOTA” has (like the apes) evolved, with Serkis leading the forefront of motion-capture technology and helping to develop it so Reeves is able to shoot certain scenes on location. By doing this, the film felt as if it had acquired a glossy look and the ability to become believable. The work on-screen is astonishing.

War, has begun. The Apes make a stand, in a still from
"Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes".

The cast portraying humans however are slightly disappointing, as it seems as though the perfectly capable actors aren’t given noteworthy roles to represent themselves; members such as the ever-appreciated Oldman, Clarke and Russell, provide safe and secure performances as the survivors, but don’t seem as though they’re star power is needed in these circumstances, as the real drama can be found in the relationships between the apes, not the humans.  

Written by Michael Giacchino, the film’s soundtrack is at times exciting, but fails to create the effect of Patrick Doyle’s previous score which is in many ways a shame, as Giacchino is known for creating epic scores for films such as “The Incredibles” and “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”. 

Caesar (Serkis) prepares for war, in a
still from ""Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes".

Although they may have taken most of the story from the 1973 film ““Battle for the Planet of the Apes”, Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver have however revitalised a simple blockbuster and turned it into engaging entertainment which delivers on exciting action sequences, but also a plot which focuses on the idea of morals and leadership. Nevertheless, plot clichés are still included within the film and it’s easy to understand why, but “Dawn OTPOTA” is a film which is allowed to develop certain ideas yet still create a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. 

Verdict

“Dawn OTPOTA” is a tumultuous affair of betrayal, love and war that’s highly engaging, and thoroughly entertaining. It’s most definitely one of the year’s best.

8 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry. 

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.