Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (12/2/2014)

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

Starring Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke

Directed by Matt Reeves

I never thought I’d learn so much about humanity from a movie about apes.

Last night my two daughters, one of their friends and myself went to the midnight premier (actually, the almost-midnight premiere… a little before midnight) of the brand new Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and all of us enjoyed it immensely. My Twitter followers heard me raving about it throughout the evening.

This was our second Planet of the Apes premiere in the last few years. Many of you might remember my post about the last one, a true nerd-fest, with some guys dressed up like apes in the theatre.

This premiere didn’t seem to have as much interest, in our theatre anyway. We arrived 90 minutes early, in true nerd fashion, and literally no one else was there. We actually sat alone in the theatre and played charades (Ever played charades on the stage of a 400 seat theatre?) until the 20 minute pre-show began, and then people began trickling in. Less than 50 people attended.

But don’t let that attendance scar your expectations for this film, it was not your typical “been there, done that” sequel. It felt far more like the much anticipated second film of a beloved trilogy.

The story picks up years after the first film. (First Film SPOILER ALERT) The virus has run it’s course killing off 99.75% of the human race, and the intelligent apes live in a world where they wonder if humans even still exist.

Creaser has grown into a prudent and awe-inspiring leader, acting in wisdom, thinking about decisions before acting impulsively.

As the plot unfolds in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, a small group of humans happen upon the apes, asking permission to work on a nearby dam to provide power for the remaining humans. The primates disagree how to respond to the humans. Will this electric power just give them more power to revolt against the apes? Are humans ever to be trusted at all?

As the movie develops, we learn that human jealousy, anger and impulsiveness extends to the apes as well. Both apes and humans alike had leaders with integrity and honor… and both groups had selfish conspirators who cost lives.

Caesar began to recognize his own prejudice, where he once favored apes, he slowly transformed, declaring, “I see now how much like them we are.”

Some of the humans couldn’t get past their distrust and prejudice against the apes. As the apes revolted, the human leader (Gary Oldman) declared, “They may of got their hands on some of our guns but that does not make them men.”

If you’re looking for a mindless action film, skip this one and rent Commando. If you’re looking for a compelling, intelligent film about leadership and survival… catch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at the theatre. You won’t be disappointed.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The movie doesn’t contain anything inappropriate at all other than mild swearing and violence. (Although, there is one instance of Gary Oldman’s character using the “F” word.) I would have let my kids see this when they were in grade school if they weren’t frightened easily.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. At the beginning of the film what does Malcolm want for the humans?


2. What does Cesar want for the apes?


3. What does Koba want?


4. What are the circumstances that lead to war?


5. When was the last time you had a “war” with someone? What happened?

Read Romans 12:18

“Do your best to live at peace with everyone.”


6. What were some of the things Caesar and Malcolm did to live in peace?


7. When you’re fighting with someone, what are some things you can do to lead to peace as opposed to making the conflict worse?


8. What are some things you can do this week to better live out this verse?