Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier.

Director:

Matt Reeves

Writers:

Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa

Stars:

Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 17 wins & 47 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Andy Serkis	...	Caesar
Jason Clarke	...	Malcolm
Gary Oldman	...	Dreyfus
Keri Russell	...	Ellie
Toby Kebbell	...	Koba
Kodi Smit-McPhee	...	Alexander
Kirk Acevedo	...	Carver
Nick Thurston	...	Blue Eyes
Terry Notary	...	Rocket
Karin Konoval	...	Maurice
Judy Greer	...	Cornelia
Jon Eyez	...	Foster
Enrique Murciano	...	Kemp
Larramie Doc Shaw	...	Ash (as Doc Shaw)
Lee Ross	...	Grey

Storyline

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

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Plot Keywords:

ape | planet of the apes | post apocalypse | sequel | leader | 

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Taglines:

One last chance for peace.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the first issue of the prequel comic series between Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and this movie, it is revealed that Ash's mother is a chimpanzee named Tinker, but it is unknown whether she's alive or dead by the time the events of this movie roll around.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the movie, Caesar does not have his birthmark/scar on his upper chest.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Physician: If you have a fever and cough or a sore throat, stay home.
Man on TV: I'd say 95% chance of this is manufactured. Came out of a laboratory.
Female Reporter: The source of the virus was traced back to drug test done at Gen-Sys Laboratories in San Francisco.
Male Reporter 1: The lab technician, now known as Patient Zero, was accidentally exposed to retrovirus ALZ-113, an Alzheimer's trial drug that was being testing on chimpanzees.
Male Reporter 2: The infected chimps showed signs of erratic and aggressive behavior that led to their escape from the...

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Crazy Credits

After the credits there is an audio cue of Apes digging through, and removing rubble and concrete. Then Koba's distinctive breathing is heard, hinting at Koba surviving the fall after his struggle with Caesar.

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Connections

Referenced in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Grooming Show Dog Balls (2018)

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Soundtracks

The Weight
Written by Robbie Robertson
Performed by The Band
Courtesy of Capitol Records, LLC
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

A blockbuster that takes a bigger approach and with brains and heart

As someone who really enjoyed Rise of the Planet of the Apes, expectations were high for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. And apart from a rushed ending and the underdeveloped human characters Dawn of the Planet of the Apes didn't disappoint and is just as good. It looks amazing for starters, the cinematography and lighting are of great beauty and atmosphere and the scenery is equally striking. But the visual highlight, and most likely the best thing about the film, are the special effects for the apes, that they look so real and that it's hard to believe they were done by computer is testament to how good they look. The soundtrack is haunting and rousing with no dirge-like tempos and it doesn't feel overbearing either, even with sound with as much authenticity as here. The script also impresses, it's very intelligently done and has a lot of tension and heart. What impressed even more was how simple and nuanced some of it was, like when the apes speak they only need to say a few words and it still feels like it's saying a lot, a couple of times even a sideways glance brings more impact than you'd think. The story takes a bigger and somewhat bolder approach than Rise of the Planet of the Apes and this is an instance of it working very well, especially with the visceral action sequences which are very tense and look terrific and in the incredibly intense and emotional final act. It's compelling stuff where you feel compassion for and identify with every step of the way with Caesar and his family. Matt Reeves' direction doesn't make the mistake of being overblown or lethargic, there is at least a sense that he knows what he's doing. The acting is solid, Jason Clarke and Keri Russell are charming leads and Gary Oldman while criminally underused still gives a spirited performances. But other than the special effects the other highlight is the characterisation of the apes, which is just superb especially for Caesar(who is by far and way the most relatable and most compelling character in the entire film), Andy Serkis never fails to amaze me. All in all a really well done blockbuster, although the human characters do not register anywhere near as well as the special effects and the apes characterisations. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Brazil]

Country:

USA UK Canada

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

11 July 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Rise of the Planet of the Apes Sequel

Filming Locations:

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$170,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$72,611,427, 13 July 2014

Gross USA:

$208,545,589

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$710,644,566

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chernin Entertainment, Ingenious Media, Soho VFX

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Atmos Datasat Dolby Surround 7.1

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1