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Basically…
A decade has passed since the apes broke out
of the testing lab and set up camp on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge.
But their freedom is threatened by a group of survivors of the resulting virus and
they take them to the brink of war to determine who will emerge as the dominant
species.
In other words…
Human, animal and political rights all rolled
into one blockbuster.
The main men and leading ladies…
Andy Serkis has owned performance capture since
his Gollum days but his depiction of Ceaser is as equally, if not even more,
outstanding. Jason Clarke plays Malcolm, the James Franco role of the sequal,
providing a trusty ally for Ceaser. Both have their frenemies though, Gary
Oldman being well fitted to the role of Dreyfus, the no nonsense jobsworth,
while Toby Kebbell hits a nerve playing Koba.
In the chair…
Director of
Cloverfield and Let Me In, Matt Reeves takes over from Rupert Wyatt who walked
away from the hugely anticipated sequel because of creative differences. With a
darker edge he makes the franchise grittier and sets us up well for the next
instalment.
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| Pic: Reuters |
So…?
It’s a sign of the times, and possibly Andy
Serkis, that a film about talking apes rising to power is such a popular
concept and taken so seriously. But while it’s hugely gripping and
entertaining, Dawn also acts as a reminder that sadly war is the default solution
to life’s problems. A challenge should be faced with a sensible head, but
evidently as soon as guns enter the fray, things turn nasty. The special
effects are excellent, the character depth is moving and with an even blend of
action and a heartfelt storyline, we yet again find our sympathies lying with
the apes. Tender, tense and morally complex, it entertains at a brain-dead
level as well as ask deeper questions and leave a lasting impression long after
you’ve left the cinema. Surely in with a shout for some Oscars?
Worth the money?
Yes, yes and yes again.
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