Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 7/11/14

Reviewed 7/12/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Jerry

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The previous installment of Planet of the Apes was about three years ago, so if you do not recall much, never fear! The writers do an adequate job with the backstory right off the bat. It's a bummer there's no James Franco this time, but the lead Jason Clarke as Malcolm does a good job. But the real star in this one is Caesar, resilient leader of the apes.

This is set in the San Fransisco area 10 years after the last film took place. A viral epidemic has killed off millions of people and with all the chaos that erupts, Earth has been set back 100 years. There is no power, food shortages, and pandemonium widespread. Contrary, the apes are living the high life (by their standards) in a nice woodsy setting with plenty of food and shelter to go around. They are led by Caesar, one of many escaped apes that was part of horrific lab experiments. As we learned in the last film, this has caused the animals to be able to communicate and adapt far surpassing the typical. A clash of humans and beasts ensue when their paths cross as mankind needs what the apes have - resources. This leads to war, traitors, and alliances. Lots of battles keep the audience engaged, especially in the latter half of the movie. The movie concludes with turmoil still waging, leaving it wide open for the next film. There have been many so-so versions since the unforgettable 1968 original with Charlton Heston. Be patient through the initial scenes with apes signing and subtitles to decipher. It picks up the pace to be an entertaining version and for sure good enough to see now or down the road.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2  Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJ