Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes **½

Matt Reeves directed this Sci-fi film. Watch Preview. Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo, Judy Greer. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language. Running time is two hours and ten minutes.

The genetically evolved apes led by Caesar are threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier and are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

I was less than thrilled when I first saw this on the booking list; just what we need, another Apes movie! But, it's better than expected and those who've not seen any of the earlier films needn't worry as the story stands nicely on its own. This uses the capture motion technique where actual actors act the ape parts and then CG are used to complete the transformation so it appears there are actual apes starring in the film. It makes for a very realistic effect. The plot's not at all innovative with most scenes being quite predictable. But the action and filming technique are very good and action fans should be pleased. My biggest quibble is the length. There is simply no need for at least a half  hour of padding at the end. Had this been a more reasonable 90-105 minutes I'd have given a higher rating. The film's ending implies if this one does well (and it should) there will be more to follow. I saw this in the 2D version so I can't speak to the quality of the 3D film effects.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. The largest possible screen will add to the film's action impact. 2D Theatre/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.