A surprise smash at the time of its release in 1968, the original Planet of the Apes spawned four sequels, a remake (2001) and a prequel (2011). The latest incarnation is a let-down. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is an overblown simian-versus-sapiens spectacle which fails to break through the tried-and-tested action-adventure formula. Ten years after the ape rebellion which concluded the prequel, the human race has been all but obliterated by a deadly simian flu. The genetically-enhanced apes, on the other hand, have established a thriving colony on the outskirts of San Francisco.
The fragile peace between the two species is shattered when a band of human survivors stumbles upon the ape abode. Despite the efforts of the benign primate protagonist, a full-blown battle for dominance erupts between the long-standing adversaries.
Expectedly the warmongering chimp faction led by a man-hating rabble-rouser (Toby Kebbell) has the upper paw in the ensuing apepocalypse.
Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) orchestrates the script’s action component competently.
{{/usCountry}}Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) orchestrates the script’s action component competently.
{{/usCountry}}Aside of the ape community, the human chracters are hardly compelling, except Andy Serkis.