Verdict - "A seamless sequel which tremendously outshines it's splendid prequel."
Surpassing an awe-inspiring prequel in every single aspect is a superlative accolade. Adapted from the original (68-73) Planet of the Apes movies, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is the new installment in the franchise and was helmed by Matt Reeves who previously directed two underrated movies Cloverfield & Let Me In.
Cordoned off in a post-apocalyptic wasteland conquered by Apes, human race is been wiped out by a "Simian Flu" as they lead an appalling life far away from the apes communion led by a formidable leader named "Caesar" who believes in keeping peace between the two ethnic groups and doesn't deem about futile hostility activities.
All hell breaks loose when the apes proclaims a war against humanity after a petite misunderstanding which gets brutal in every single aspect because of the anticipation factor.
Word of warning! If you deduce "Dawn" to be a summer-explosion-blockbuster then you're probably on a wrong page. The movie takes time to deliver the action substance and it's lucidly displayed in the first act when the writers took major screen time to develop the characters and the narrative aspects in the movie. It tells the story magnificently with a classic touch of inspiration, trepedition, companionship and audacity.
The second act is stuffed with all the action and adventure we anticipate, but what stands out here is how they flawlessly blended the ongoing drama with the splendid warfare. Few desired shades of disparity between the two races and the treachery factor were sported in a proper way.
Matt Reeves is a greenhorn to this franchise, his approach in telling a momentous tale should be appreciated, the personality and complexion of the Apes are reconnoitered very well, as we get to learn more about them in a precise way. The wide angle shots used by Reeves shows how detrimental these Apes can be and also plots the fear factor perfectly.
Also the best compliment I can give to this movie was that we actually forget that these Apes are unreal when we actually watch the movie and that is plausible only by the efforts of the CGI team, they were certainly the best I've ever seen and we never feel tired for a split second watching these illusory objects move and talk.
Andy Serkis, the darkhorse of the movie does a remarkable job here and portraying an immense character through a motion capture technology was a challenging task and Serkis does it effortlessly. Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Keri Russell had done their part well and exhibited the needed human aspect which was completely missing in "Rise".
Apart from the pointless action blockbusters we usually come across every summer. "Dawn" reprieves us for a bit and doesn't disremember the fact to provide entertainment. It elongates the franchise with a substantial storyline augmenting every single attribute to a better level. Undoubtedly, one of the best movie of this summer.
My Rating - 4/5
Grade - A (The best one around!)
-By Surya Komal aka KM (@SuryaKomal)