Quick Review: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes

So while everyone else was rushing out to see "Guardians of the Galaxy," I took advantage of a bit of extra cash to see Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the second chapter of the reboot. It takes place ten years after the events of "Rise of the..." The virus that gives apes an intelligence boost has wiped out human civilization. The apes, led by Caesar (Andy Serkis), have built a community in the Muir Woods north of San Francisco. They eventually discover that a colony of humans, immune to the virus, remains in San Francisco and some of them are trying to access a hydroelectric dam that could restore power to the city. The story plays out under a cloud of distrust. The humans don't entirely trust the apes. The apes don't trust the humans. There's some dissent in the ranks of the human leaders (Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman), as well as among the apes. Oh, and there's a point to be made about guns, as the humans have a stash of weaponry. I enjoyed it all, but not overwhelmed. Maybe it was because there was only a cameo from James Franco? My grade: B.