I couldn't make up my mind up wether to see this or Richard Linklaters 'Boyhood'. It was a close call, particularly as I suspected 'Boyhood' wouldn't be showing when I next visited the cinema. But, as it turned out, this one was a doozie.
First, a brief bit of background. If you've seen 'Rise Of...' this one picks up the baton 10 years after. The planet has been ravaged by 'Simeon flu' and only a small minority of humans are alive. As there sources of power are dwindling they send an expedition up in the hills to see if they can kick start the hydro electric dam system. And it's during this trip they encounter the apes who have survived and are now a thriving community.
One thing leads to another and an uneasy truce is agreed apon. Needless to say if the truce had remained it would have been a fairly mundane movie. Luckily (for the viewer at least) the unease in both the Ape and Human camps comes to a head and if you've seen the trailer you know what happens.
Unlike 'Rise' the full plot wasn't revealed in the trailers and as a result the movie was probably better for it. Andy Serkis reprises his role as Caesar, and once again shows why he's the 'go to' guy for motion capture.. Gary Oldman plays the bad guy but you do sympathise with him to a degree. The good/bad line is definitely blurred, even the 'bad' ape has perfectly valid reasons for his behaviour..
The effects are outstanding. Some much so, you forget they're CGi apes and just go with it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Another 'intelligent' blockbuster and after 'Transformers 4' it's good to see they still make them..
Overall, an entertaining ****.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
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