Sunday, August 10, 2014

Movie Review: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Thought Provoking Display of Human Nature Both Good and Evil

I grew up watching the old Planet of the Apes movies with Charlton Heston. So, I knew going into this that this wasn't going to end with everyone saving the day and humanity overcoming all odds. This movie was much better than I thought it would be, and much deeper than the originals, taking the commentary on what it means to be human to new levels. 

Perhaps the most intriguing moment is when Ceaser, the ape raised by humans, reflects on his kind. At first he thought they were better than humans, but after an almost fatal betrayal of one of the apes closest to him, he knows how alike humans and apes are. This is an exact turn-a-round from the first movie (and the originals), where we think the same thing of the apes. I believe this is the whole point of the movie, and why it starts out with apes fighting together and ends with them fighting each other. They think only humans are capable of destroying their own civilization; that humans had their chance and they ruined it. But, the apes could very well ruin it for themselves. 

There were several mesmerizing moments that played upon my emotions: a teenage boy teaching an ape how to read, a man looking at pictures of his dead family from his Ipad after so long without power, and a mother ape holding a newborn baby in her arms. these moments humanized the movie, taking it to a new level than just another summer blockbuster.

One of my favorite moments is when the teenage boy speaks with his father's girlfriend. He's lost his mom, but he never knew she'd lost a daughter. He asks her daughter's name and says he's sorry for her loss. She tells him not to be sorry. Now she has his father and him. Such a sweet moment.

If you're looking for a good sci fi action movie with a lot of commentary on civilization and humanity, this movie is for you.

1 comment:

Cher Green said...

Thanks for the review. It's on my list of movies to watch. :)