Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a science fiction film and sequel to 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield), the story picks up 10 years after the events of the first film in which a virus created by man gifted apes with advanced intelligence while simultaneously wiping out most of humanity. Now a small band of human survivors are battling for control of the planet with a large ape colony led by Caesar. There is a shaky alliance in place, but not everyone can bury the hatchet and past feelings drive the two groups towards an all out war for dominance. The film stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell.

Continuing his series of incredible motion capture performances, Andy Serkis pulls out all the stops playing the ape leader Caesar. But it’s a performance that’s more than movement and grunting; there’s an emotional layer to the character that Serkis had to explore. “Caesar is a father now: he’s got a mate, a son and a baby,” the actor notes. “He is responsible for the survival of a community. On the other hand, he has empathy for humans, and still, deep down, he feels a need to be able to communicate with them.”

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG.