In 2011 ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ successfully re-invented the stalled franchise. Providing an intelligent approach to the material whilst having the requisite action, it proved popular with audiences and critics. Its sequel ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ is just as effective. Continuing the engrossing story of ape vs. human, it benefits from the new century’s reliance on CGI. Enabling believability the original series could only have wished, the new Apes continuation gathers at a more furious pace in its latest instalment.
A decade after a lethal virus has destroyed most of humanity; its remnants attempt to survive. This is made harder to the presence of a group of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar (Andy Serkis). Malcolm (Jason Clarke), a prominent member of the human tribe, wants to form a bond with the simian inhabitants. Unfortunately others from both the ape and human camp want to seize Earth as their true home. With the battle between them intensifying, only one group can survive and claim ultimate victory.
‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ successfully adds more textures to its predecessor. Having its non-human characters display a myriad of emotions mostly without actually speaking is no mean feat. That the movie pulls it off is a credit to the performers and animators. Unlike most CGI-driven films, ‘Dawn’ is in a class of its own with some magnificent effects. This aids in allowing for full immersion into its world with the apes becoming more interesting than their human counterparts.
The amazing CGI highlights how the ‘Planet of the Apes’ concept works much better now than when it first appeared. Free of the ‘people in rubber suits’ hampering enjoyment of the original movies, the new apes feel more natural and real. The action sequences underscore this freedom of movement with the creativity gone into them evident. Director Matt Reeves excels himself with these scenes but also allows the story to breathe. This isn’t a simple sequel cash-in – genuine thought has gone into crafting a gripping tale of conflict, betrayal and survival
.
Building on the success of its forebear, ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ is a worthy follow-up. Continually arresting until its final frame, it whets the appetite for the expected next outing for the animalistic series.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment