Directed by: Matt Reeves
Casts: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell
Genre: Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Release Date: 10 July 2014
Humanity is at the brink of extinction after the break of a deadly virus (like always) 10 years ago at the end of the first film, with the world inhabitants now split between a nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar and a band of weary human survivors. Peace is fragile between the two as both desperately fight for a place to call home.
Praises: Extraordinary. From the casts to the visuals to the set pieces to the screenwriting to the sound effects, everything about this film is extraordinary. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a brilliant reboot to the franchise and back then everyone thought (well, mostly everyone) that was probably the best there ever will be, for a sequel that surpasses a great reboot rarely occurs. Now we get to scoff at how limited our thoughts were.
DotPotA further expands the story of Caesar, whom we last seen separated from the man who raised him to lead his own newfound family. Where in the first film Caesar was a lost ape trying to find a place where he belongs, this time we see him fully grown into a leader and a father, bearing huge responsibilities of keeping all apes under him safe. We love seeing a character on screen grow (even if he's covered in fur) and his maturity means having to make more difficult choices, and each comes with a heavy emotional price.
Most certainly, apes have parenting issues too! Being a grown up and a parent sometimes mean seeing your children following the footsteps of your younger, hotheaded stubborn self and that's the case with Caesar and his oldest son Blue Eyes. The strained relationship between the two makes for a compelling storytelling, as Caesar attempts to teach his youngling to see the world through his eyes which can prove challenging as he has seen both the kindness and cruelty of human; his son have not.
Andy Serkis did a fantastic job with Caesar. The actor is just so versatile; he goes from portraying a cute, young and curious Caesar into a tough strong-willed leader he is now. Every character he touches comes to life; it's simply magical. He does not let the graphics define his work and style; he mesmerises us on screen with his gifted talent to dive in deep into character. Tell me, between Gollum and the blue cat-aliens of Pandora which is more memorable? Of course, the entire team of actors and actresses who gave the other apes their individual persona deserves a praise of brilliance as well.
While Jason Clarke isn't the most prolific actor out there, he carried his role well enough. His character, Malcom, understands the great costs of war as much as Caesar does and it's this common ground that led to their newfound friendship and respect for one another. Mortals and apes alike have their ugly sides, we get to indulge in both and make our own judgment. Various factors such as hatred and jealousy comes into play but quite frankly, the antagonists of the film actually care for the survival of their kin, even if it means plunging their hands into blood. Throw in Gary Oldman and everything becomes dramatically intensified.
What's truly remarkable is how every pieces in the film falls together to give off a character-driven, summer blockbuster work of art. Each element is an extension of one another, and they all cohesively form a story that speaks to the heart, and as far as I'm concerned not many sci-fi adventures these days do that.
Complains: No James Franco? Okay I'm kidding. The film could use a little balance of lighthearted humour, for everything felt too intense throughout.
Rating: 9.2/10
Hit or Miss: The amount of goodness here is thicker than gorilla fur, so yes, HIT.
What's truly remarkable is how every pieces in the film falls together to give off a character-driven, summer blockbuster work of art. Each element is an extension of one another, and they all cohesively form a story that speaks to the heart, and as far as I'm concerned not many sci-fi adventures these days do that.
Complains: No James Franco? Okay I'm kidding. The film could use a little balance of lighthearted humour, for everything felt too intense throughout.
Rating: 9.2/10
Hit or Miss: The amount of goodness here is thicker than gorilla fur, so yes, HIT.
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