Review: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Matt Reeves' "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is the biggest anti-war summer blockbuster possibly ever. The film makes no attempt at hiding a very clear and morally refreshing stance on the horrors of war and as a result becomes the most interesting "Apes" film in ages. The film aims high and succeeds at telling a dramatically rich and character driven story of the start of a great war between man and ape.

The film catches us up quick from the end of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in the opening credit sequence. We learn a simian flu has wiped out most humans and Cesar and his followers have hidden in the forest and begun to build a society. Cesar's a clear leader but his throne is threatened by Koba, a fearful and angry ape who knows nothing but hate from humans. Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke lead a small band of humans who need to get power restored with the help of the apes. Oldman is a parallel character to Koba, distrusting of all apes and hell bent on war.

Reeves has shown before that he is more interested in emotions than explosions and here he often undercuts the thrills of war with sadness and reflection. "Dawn" is a surprising downer of film albeit a very good film. Summer blockbusters are so often riding on end of the world stakes. This film matches the big stakes with personal, emotional stakes. Going to war doesn't just mean the possible end of one of these species but its a moral decision that weighs heavy on all characters. Nothing is done in the film that reeks of pure mayhem and excitement. Everything is driven by characters and their clear motivations. "Dawn" is a rich film full more akin to the moral musing of Bergman than the mindless chaos of Bay.

If there are things to criticize in the film its in Reeves sense of space. While he often employes the camera is striking ways, particularly in a long shot on top of a tank, he rarely establishes the setting. The  layout of the humans bunker is impossible to figure out. Often times the action is confusing as a result of not understanding the location of where things are. The other criticism is that Gary Oldman is underutilized here. He scowls and worries but never has a memorable moment. The real star is Andy Serkis who deserves such high praise for his work here. Cesar is a fantastic creation and the performance is rooted in an almost Shakespearean style. The film is his and his alone.