Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Though a sequel was never guaranteed, Rise of the Planet of the Ape's ending coupled with its unexpected level of success meant that a sequel was almost guaranteed, regardless of quality. But expanding the intimate film's world, budget, and set pieces didn't guarantee a second success. Which is why seeing the series continue down its well-crafted path was almost as refreshing as the first film. The end result was another box office and critical smash. So much like yesterday's revisit of Rise today we'll see what positive new directions Dawn took the series.

A decade after the Simian Flu wrecked havoc on the human population, humans and an ape colony led by Caesar are in the midst of recovering/developing their societies, albeit separately. However, when a group of humans looking to restore power to their city accidentally stumbles across Caesar's group, the two sides develop an uneasy truce. However, the deep-seeded distrust bubbling beneath the surface seems destined to lead to violent conflict, despite cooler head's best efforts.

While there's a natural inclination to compare Rise and Dawn to one another it's a moot point. Truth is Rise is a far more intimate origin story and Dawn is a bigger movie dealing with the aftermath of the world Rise built. So what stands out here?

Highly Sympathetic Villains

Continuing the series even-handed portrayal of self-aware mammals, the movie's major villains have sympathetic perspectives. On the human side we have Gary Oldman's Dreyfus, a man who lost his entire family to the virus, and whose role responsibility is keeping his people safe. As such, sentient apes, even those led by an angry/power hungry rebel, present a consistent threat that he needs to prepare for and fight against. Would more trust help the situation? Sure, but his experience doesn't allow him to.

And on the ape side we have Koba, a seemingly broken individual whose torture at the hands of humans has scared his psyche and warped his sense of right and wrong. He hates humans, but he has good reason to and seeing Dreyfus' men stack up weapons, even if they are meant for self-defense, looks like aggression. To his mind, this justifies taking a more peaceful Caesar and his followers out, consequences be damned. Once again, it's hard to argue against his worldview because he's a victim of trauma and sometimes trauma breaks you.

The Story Feels Honest to the Situation and Characters

Unlike many other movies, that seemingly toss inexplicable loose cannons onto a box of tinder and gunpowder, Dawn's central conflict between humans and apes feels like a train wreck our heroes are powerless to stop. The humans led by Malcolm are well-intentioned, hold no ill will towards apes, and simply want to co-exist as does Caesar. But they're both painfully aware of how sensitive and close to violence their co-horts are. Time after time they have to step-in to prevent violence, so much so that neither is surprised when shots are finally fired. We can see almost every move coming, but the tension of not if, but when, actually improves the viewing experience. Case in point, watching Koba dupe Dreyfus' soldiers and then pick up a gun is master class in developing tension in film.

Even Better Effects and Set Pieces

Dawn is working with almost twice Rise's budget and it shows in the best possible way. The first noticeable change is the ape motion capture work which is astoundingly better, which greatly improves the apes fur texture and response to water and light. In the same camp, the set pieces including a final tower tussle betwee Caesar and Koba, Koba's revolution (especially the oft-reverred single take), and even hunting outings with the apes, are all miles beyond the first film's capacities. It's the best kind of blockbuster and sequel making.