Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Caesar: "War has... already begun. Ape started war. And human... Human will not forgive. You must go... before fighting begins. I am sorry... my friend."
Malcolm: "I thought we had a chance."
Caesar: "I did too."

release year: 2014
genre: sci-fi/drama
viewing setting: home Bluray, 1/8/17

synopsis: In a post-disease world with very few humans and a lot of apes, large groups of each teeter on the brink of war.

impressions: This could have been an allegory for any race-related issue (or war) throughout history. There are small sub-groups on each side who are rational and don't want war and bloodshed, there are also those who do, and there are the masses who are easily manipulated, fooled, and led. So it goes here. The humans just want to re-activate the dam to provide power, the apes just want to be left alone, but stupidity and ambition on both sides eventually cause war.

acting: Andy Serkis is Caesar, the compassionate and wise chimpanzee leader of the apes who fails to see his peoples' capacity for treachery until it's too late. Jason Clarke is the main human good guy, and Keri Russell is his wife, and Kodi Smit-McPhee is his son. Toby Keddell is the evil ape who wants to be in charge, no matter what the cost. Gary Oldman is the overall leader of the humans, who will do whatever is necessary to protect them.

final word: Good sci-fi/action.

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