Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

A review by Shlomoh Sherman
Tuesday, July 15, 2014


Director: Matt Reeves
Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa
Stars: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis
Plot: In the wake of a disaster that changed the world, the growing and genetically evolving apes find themselves at a critical point with the human race.
Plot Keywords: ape - critically acclaimed - 3 dimensional - fistfight - suicide - Taglines: One last chance for peace.
Genres: Action - Drama - Sci-Fi - Thriller
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language
Parents Guide: View content advisory »
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Details
Official Sites: Official site - Official site [Brazil] - Country: USA
Language: English
Release Date: 11 July 2014 (USA) Also Known As: Untitled Rise of the Planet of the Apes Sequel Filming Locations: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Box Office
Budget: $170,000,000 (estimated)
Opening Weekend: $72,611,427 (USA) (11 July 2014)
Gross: $72,611,427 (USA) (11 July 2014)
Company Credits
Production Co: Chernin Entertainment Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime: 130 min
Sound Mix: Dolby - Dolby Atmos - Datasat
Color: Color


Storyline:
YAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Also Reviewed By Me On Fandango, July 15, 2014

Ever since the well made Charlton Heston movie, PLANET OF THE APES, based on the best seller, LA PLANETE DES SINGES, came out in the mid 1960s, the sequles have been getting progressively boring and dumb, with the possible exception of RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. This latest sequel, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, is ok, I suppose - but just ok.

Andy Serkis reprises his role as the chimpanzee leader, Caesar, and does an adequate job. The rest of the cast performances did not especially move me to care about what happens to them. That includes Keri Russell whom I love from the TV Series, THE AMERICANS. It also includes one of my favorites, GARY OLDMAN, who I believe was miscast as any other less capable actor could have filled the role.

The story plods along with far too much violence and not enough story depth.

In his review, ALL HAIL CAESAR!, Mr ccponds (United States) notes, "I will not include any specific examples, but there are moments when the humans and apes encounter each other that have very predictable outcomes.", which is all too true for any moview like this one. We [apes and men] may be predictable in many circumstances but seeing action moving toward resolutions that you can just acurately guess is nonetheless annoying.

One saving grace [excuse the totally Christian turn of phrase] in the film is Caesar's observation, late in the film, "I thought once that apes were better than humans but now I see we are very much alike."

It was sad to see the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, where I once lived, totally in ruins but even in ruins, the Golden Gate Bridge still looks majestic.

If you like action and great CGI effects, you'll be able to turn down your critical faculties for a few hours and enjoy the film.

It's not bad. It's just not really excellent. I just thank the powers that be that no one in the film said, "Take your paws off me, you damn filthy ape!"

Spoiler, the director, Matt Reeves, changed the original ending. I won't spoil it for you but you can read about it at
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Why-Dawn-Planet-Apes-Changed-Its-Ending-Last-Minute-66240.html

To see my review of RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, click HERE


Did You Know?
Trivia:
Terry Notary, who plays Rocket, worked as a movement coach on the original Planet of the Apes (2001) remake. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES's original ending made it into the trailer but not the movie - Movies.com

Goofs:
On multiple occasions, when a character goes into a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station, they are seen jumping over a classic subway-style turnstile. In fact, BART stations do not have these kind of turnstiles, they have more modern looking ones that slide open.

Quotes:
Koba: Apes not kill apes.
Caesar: You are no ape.

Soundtracks: Ain't That a Stinger written by Griffith Giacchino

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will there be another sequel?
Q: What happened between The Rise and the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?
Q: Is this movie about humans or apes?

Message Boards:
Recent Posts:
"Do you think they will remake the original Planet of the Apes?" - John_Ax
"Was Dreyfus Lying?+ - utopia_plenitia
"SO MUCH CRYING!!!" - NewKlear_Phil
"What was your worst theater experience?" - rayrodgpa
"It does not matter if humans extinct and apes rule" - saurabh_sharmax
"I think 2014 was a year of good movies." - StudentOfAslan

Discuss Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) on the IMDb message boards


Cast:
Cast first billed only:
Andy Serkis  ... Caesar
Jason Clarke  ... Malcolm
Gary Oldman  ... Dreyfus
Keri Russell  ... Ellie
Toby Kebbell  ... Koba
Kodi Smit-McPhee ... Alexander
Kirk Acevedo  ... Carver
Nick Thurston  ... Blue Eyes
Terry Notary  ... Rocket
Karin Konoval  ... Maurice
Judy Greer  ... Cornelia
Jon Eyez  ... Foster
Enrique Murciano ... Kemp
Larramie Doc Shaw ... Ash
Lee Ross  ... Grey


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