Review: ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ is one of the best films of 2014

Posted on July 18, 2014

I was eagerly anticipating the sequel to 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” But then each new trailer gave us more glimpses of the story, and I was worried the film would be a very predictable affair, so much so that I had already figured out what was going to happen and paced it out in my head.

Only I was wrong. Having now seen “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” I can say that not only does it build off the foundation of the first film to create a product that is even better in just about every regard, its story defied my every prediction.

This movie is easily one of the best summer movies this season (behind only “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “How to Train Your Dragon 2”). It is also firmly in my early Top 5 for the year. Yes, it is that good.

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” proves again you can still combine solid storytelling with wonderful special effects to create something that will truly last the test of time. (A note to parents: This really isn’t a movie for young children, although I saw quite a few in the showing I watched. There’s a lot of violence and heavy material. Just giving you fair warning.)

The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language.

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