REVIEW:
Like that other near half-century old allegorical science-fiction franchise Star Trek, there’s been a quick rule of thumb about the success or failure of each instalment of this “simians-rule” series. Every second movie is worth seeing.
But while it’s been the even numbers that have stirred the imaginations of Trekkers, the odds have ruled when it comes to Planet of the Apes (which given that one went from TV to film and the other the opposite way has just the right “parallel universe” feel to it).
The 1968 original, the time-travelling Escape From and the original series circle-completing Battle all have their merits, while 2011’s Rise reinvigorated the story’s “reimagining”, left floundering by Tim Burton’s monkeying around with the basic concept a decade earlier.
History suggests then that Matt Reeves’ (Let Me In, Cloverfield) new Dawn should be treated with caution, but I’m pleased to report that it is a vital, vigorous and vibrant sequel to Rise – one that not only charts the progression of the science and art of motion capture (Burton’s 2001 prosthetic jobs now look laughable in comparison) but also the highs and lows of ape society, led by the enigmatic Caesar (Andy Serkis).
It’s 10 years after the events of Rise and the Simian Flu has left humanity on its knees. Government functions have been suspended and San Francisco’s remaining residents are two or three weeks from running out of fuel.
Their only hope is restarting a long dormant hydro dam, but standing between them and the power they crave are Caesar and the rest of the ALZ-113-enhanced apes.
Yes, Weta’s mo-cop magic is breathtaking, but it would be nothing if not allied to some smart, suspenseful storytelling from The Wolverine’s Matt Bomback and returning Rise duo Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. They takes us from a Quest for Fire-esque opening, through Lion King-esque potential tragedy to a stirring yet poignant showdown.
At times, the parallel father-son symbolism is ladled on a little too thick, but it’s hard not to be swept along by the thought-provoking premise and sheer entertainment value of watching gorillas as guerrillas.
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (M) 130 mins
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– Sunday Star Times