Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I decided that I was going to take a break from the big explosion, action adventure, CGI laden movie and watch something with a little less, and then I saw Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.  This is a continuation of the more updated Planet of the Apes and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  This movie is set in a future in which most of the human population has been wiped off the earth and the apes are taking control. It is nice to see a more modern look on the series and with a complete and utterly needed retelling of the classic.  I was a big fan of the original shows, even with the cheesey costumes.  It is nice to see modern CGI that can make humanistic apes seem completely realistic.  The only thing that makes me excited about movies is if this is where we are at above and beyond 20 years ago, what is the next step 20 years from now.  I honestly look forward to seeing some amazing things from the film industry in the upcoming future. 

Ceasar returns in this movie as the leader of a group of isolated apes living in Northern California.  The movie takes place about five years after Rise.  The human population has been decimated by the simian flu and the apes are thriving with their new found brain power.  Although a little slow in the beginning due to story development, the pace does quickly pick up.  There is an emotional attachment not only to the humans but to the apes as well.  The human characteristics are evident throughout and helps one empathize and sympathize with a lot of the hardships they must endure. 

There is a dark tone throughout the movie and does have some strong violent scenes.  The apes are extremely realistic looking and would make anyone think twice before messing with one.  There are a few spots of comedy in the movie but the overall theme is very dramatic.  I was impressed that more of the story revolved around the apes and didn't completely center on the human issues.  There are a lot of lessons that can be gleamed from paying attention to the suttle undertones. 

I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoyed the first series.  There is a some great action scenes and the violence, though not bloody, can be intense at times.  If you enjoy movies about animals, a great plot line, and gun welding apes riding destria, the this is the movie for you.  There is even a little bit of a love story in it.  I don't reccomend this for the younger crowd because of the violence and dark tones.  Recommended age would be twelve and up and that would also depend on the childs maturity level.  This is not a dating movie, but feel free to take your spouse or long time relation to this movie.  Stay clear if you are looking for happy, romantic, feeling movies, this one is dark pretty much from the beginning to the end.