Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Movie Review: Success, Themes, and Character Journeys

The Planet of the Apes franchise is iconic. Just the name brings forth intelligent apes, human downfall, and big questions tied to thrilling sci-fi action. It started in 1968 and continues with *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*. This series captivates audiences, provoking thoughts about our place in the universe with spectacular ape conflicts. Curious about this primate-packed universe? Great choice! Let's dive into these legendary films and answer all your burning questions.

Are the New Planet of the Apes Movies Any Good?

First, you ask if these new movies are worth your time. Specifically, you wonder about the recent trilogy and *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*. Let’s break them down, film by film, to see if these ape flicks are bananas or just plain disappointing.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Still a Good Watch?

Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes a good movie? Yes. Think of it as a strong middle chapter in an exciting trilogy. It builds on *Rise of the Planet of the Apes*, expanding ape society and deepening human-ape conflict. Critics praise it as a great follow-up that enhances the first film. You will see outstanding visual effects and strong performances from the ape cast. There is action that keeps you on edge. But it isn’t without minor flaws.

A common critique, echoed in user reviews, is the simplicity of human characters. The apes are complex. The humans in *Dawn* and *Rise* feel somewhat flat. They serve their purpose but lack the emotional depth of the apes. Still, this isn’t a major flaw in an otherwise wonderful film. Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes worth watching? Definitely. It’s a solid entry that moves the story forward while promising a world dominated by apes.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: A Solid Start?

What about the film that kicked off this modern saga, Rise of the Planet of the Apes? Is it good? Yes, it’s a very good movie and a strong reboot. It cleverly sets up Caesar's origin story and introduces the Simian Flu, which devastates humanity and elevates apes. This origin story blends science fiction with poignant character development.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Worth Seeing?

Now, let’s discuss *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*. Is it worth watching? For many, yes. Some fans view *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* as their most anticipated film of 2024 and their favorite film this year. High praise! Overall, it is considered a strong start to a new trilogy and a fitting successor to the previous one. It expands the ape world by exploring Caesar's legacy and introducing new characters.

However, not all reviews are shining. Critics and viewers have some concerns. Why do some find *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* lacking? Some think the visuals, while still CGI-heavy, are less impressive than the previous two films. Another critique focuses on new characters lacking depth compared to iconic characters like Caesar, Koba, and Maurice. This perception could make the story feel slow to gain momentum. Despite this, it is regarded as a worthwhile cinematic experience for franchise fans.

The Best of the Bunch: Which Film Reigns Supreme?

With many films in this saga, you may wonder what’s considered the best. Often, critical consensus and fan polls name War for the Planet of the Apes as the top choice. Yes, it is widely seen as the best “Planet of the Apes” movie. It concludes the Caesar trilogy powerfully and emotionally. Audiences praise its performances, stunning visuals, and a narrative about war, survival, and empathy.

Money Talks: Planet of the Apes Box Office Success

Beyond critical acclaim, in the movie business, success often comes down to money. How have these ape adventures fared financially? Was Planet of the Apes a hit or flop overall? The franchise has done quite well financially. While individual films have had mixed financial success, the name has consistently attracted audiences.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: A Financial Apex

Which movie made the most money? That title belongs to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. It is the most profitable installment, grossing $710 million worldwide. Was it a success? Absolutely! Not only was it critically acclaimed, but also a box office giant, becoming the eighth-highest-grossing film in 2014. It's also the highest-grossing film in this franchise. That's a lot of bananas... I mean dollars.

How Did Other Films Perform Financially?

What about other movies? Was Tim Burton's *Planet of the Apes* (2001) a flop? Not really. It earned $362.2 million globally, making it the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2001. Still, its high production costs and negative critical reactions meant it wasn’t the rousing success Fox wanted.

What about War for the Planet of the Apes? It was not a flop either. It grossed $490.7 million against a production budget between $150-190 million. While it did not do as well as *Dawn*, it was still financially successful.

And what’s up with *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*? Was it a flop? No, it achieved $394.7 million worldwide, surpassing its $160 million budget. It's profitable but fell short of expectations, not reaching box office heights of past films. Perhaps audiences are experiencing ape fatigue or changes in cinematic trends.

On the Other End: What's the Lowest Grossing Movie?

Curiosity might lead you to ask about the lowest grossing movie ever. That dubious honor belongs to Zyzzyx Road (2006), which earned only $30 at the box office. That’s right - thirty dollars. That's less than popcorn and soda in modern theaters! Clearly, the Planet of the Apes franchise is far from that end of the spectrum.

Rotten Tomatoes: Apes by the Numbers

For quick insights into critical reception, Rotten Tomatoes is a go-to source. How did Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes fare? Here are Tomatometer scores for recent films:

• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): 82%
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): 91%
• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): 94%
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): 81%

The Caesar trilogy received high acclaim, with *War* hitting a near-perfect 94%. Though *Kingdom* scored a respectable 81%, it sits lower than its predecessors. This might reflect some mixed reactions addressed earlier.

Dive into these scores and rankings. Rotten Tomatoes has a helpful guide: Planet of the Apes Movies Ranked by Tomatometer.

Ranking the Apes: From Great to... Less Great

Let’s rank these films. You wanted to know, Planet of the Apes Movies Ranked by Tomatometer? What’s the overall best film? Based on Tomatometer scores and fan sentiment, here’s a ranking from best to least adored, focusing on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb user ratings:

Clearly, War for the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes dominate both critical and fan rankings. The 1968 classic also ranks high. The 2001 remake and earlier sequels fall lower in acclaim. Movie taste varies, but this gives a sense of critical reception within the franchise.

Character Arcs and Fates: Apes We’ve Loved and Lost

The Planet of the Apes saga features characters, primarily apes. In a war-torn world, not everyone survives. Let’s explore the fates of key figures, especially Caesar.

The Fate of Caesar: Apes’ Greatest Leader

Is Caesar dead in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? No, he is alive. He leads the apes in Dawn. However, his journey ends in War for the Planet of the Apes. Caesar dies in this film. His death is significant. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes opens with his funeral. He does not appear alive. His legacy remains central and debated. Apes interpret and discuss it. Although absent, Caesar’s teachings impact many characters in *Kingdom*, guiding their beliefs and actions. So, is he alive in the current timeline? No, Caesar is not in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Who is the strongest ape? In terms of leadership, influence, and will, Caesar is the greatest and strongest ape in the franchise. Other apes may possess brute strength, but Caesar excels in intelligence, compassion, and leadership.

Tragedy Strikes: The Loss of Caesar’s Family

Who killed Caesar's wife? In War for the Planet of the Apes, Colonel McCullough (Woody Harrelson) intends to kill Caesar but accidentally kills Cornelia, Caesar's wife, and Blue Eyes, his son. This tragedy motivates Caesar’s quest for revenge.

Are Cornelia and Blue Eyes dead? Yes, they die tragically at the Colonel's hands during the infiltration of the ape colony. What happened to Blue Eyes in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? He survives *Dawn*. He reconciles with Caesar after learning about Koba’s betrayal. Sadly, he dies in *War*, alongside Cornelia.

Human Fates: Will Rodman and Malcolm

What happened to Will Rodman? Will Rodman, played by James Franco, appears only through archival footage in *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes*. He died due to the Simian Flu outbreak. Some fan interpretations say he dies in *Rise*, taking a bullet for Caesar. Officially, he dies off-screen due to the Flu.

What happened to Malcolm after *Dawn*? Malcolm, portrayed by Jason Clarke, plays a vital role in *Dawn*, promoting peace with Caesar. However, his fate is unclear after *Dawn*. Some believe he was killed by the Colonel. Malcolm and his family leave for safety at Caesar's urging. The films leave his death ambiguous, as he does not appear in *War*.

Koba’s Betrayal and Demise

Who kills Caesar in Dawn of the Apes? Koba does not kill him but does shoot him. This results in a near-fatal wound. Blue Eyes learns that Koba shot him. Eventually, Caesar confronts Koba, denouncing him as "not ape" before Koba falls to his death. This illustrates the divide between their ideologies.

Did Blue Eyes know Koba shot Caesar?

Yes, he eventually learns the truth. Caesar tells Blue Eyes that Koba shot him, solidifying Koba’s betrayal and leading to reconciliation.

Unraveling the Plots: Storylines and Twists

The series is renowned for intricate plots. Let’s analyze some key plot points across the films.

The Fate of Humanity After Dawn

What happens to humans at the end of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? The fragile peace shatters. Ten years after the Simian Flu outbreak, human civilization collapses. The film ends with escalating conflict, leading to war in the next installment.

What follows for humans in the story’s broader context? The mutated Simian Flu causes many humans to become feral. This leads to societal collapse and potential enslavement by intelligent apes.

What Awaits in Planet of the Apes 4?

Looking ahead, what will *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* be about? It stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. Set generations after *War*, it follows Noa (Teague), a young chimpanzee hunter. He journeys with Mae (Allan), a human. Their quest determines the fate of both apes and humans in a world where ape societies evolve. Some misinterpret Caesar’s teachings.

The Original Twist: Earth All Along!

For those unfamiliar with the original film, what’s the twist in Planet of the Apes 1968? The dramatic ending shows astronaut Taylor discovering the Statue of Liberty remains. This reveals that the seemingly alien planet is actually a devastated Earth. This twist shifts the narrative dynamic with lasting impact.

This is a cautionary tale about humanity’s self-destructive tendencies.

Why Humans Devolved: The Simian Flu Mutation

In *War for the Planet of the Apes*, the Colonel reveals the Simian Flu virus mutated. This mutation makes infected humans devolve mentally. They lose intelligence and speech, becoming primitive beings. This mutation explains feral humans in later films and how dominance shifts.

The Silence of Humans in 1968

Why can't humans talk in Planet of the Apes 1968? The 1968 film shows that the simian virus evolved further. It targets human speech centers. Infected humans lose the ability to speak. This contributes to their subjugation by apes and the overall human decline.

Decoding the Ending of the Original

What does the ending of Planet of the Apes mean? The ending is ambiguous and thought-provoking. The space-traveling apes land not in the future but years before Leo’s arrival in Burton's 2001 film. They change the timeline, leading to early evolution and ape dominance on Earth.

This creates the planet Leo Davidson encounters. It’s a time-paradoxical narrative reinforcing themes of human folly and potential self-destruction.

Behind the Camera and in Front: Cast and Crew

Let’s focus on those who brought these stories to life.

Mark Wahlberg and Tim Burton’s Apes

Did Mark Wahlberg star in a Planet of the Apes movie? Yes, he starred in Tim Burton's 2001 version, Planet of the Apes. He played astronaut Leo Davidson, who lands on a planet ruled by apes. Wahlberg joined quickly after a brief five-minute meeting with Burton.

Johnny Depp and Burton’s Apes: What Could Have Been

Was Johnny Depp in Planet of the Apes? No, Depp was not in the 2001 film. However, he was considered for Thade, the main antagonist. Had he been cast, it would have marked his fourth collaboration with Tim Burton. Gary Oldman later joined the universe as Dreyfus in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Woody Harrelson: The Human Antagonist

Which Planet of the Apes features Woody Harrelson? Harrelson played Colonel McCullough in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). He served as the primary human antagonist, with a ruthless goal to survive and eradicate the ape threat.

Scarlett Johansson: A Missed Opportunity?

Is Scarlett Johansson in Planet of the Apes? No, she has not appeared in any films. However, Tim Burton’s early concepts reportedly considered her for a role. She would have played Lisa Schaffner, a veterinarian wanting to protect the apes. Ultimately, this role went to Lisa Marie.

Director Departures: Rupert Wyatt and Dawn

Why did Rupert Wyatt leave Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? He directed Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Originally attached to direct Dawn, he departed due to time constraints. 20th Century Fox's summer 2014 release date did not allow him enough time to develop the film. Matt Reeves took over and directed *Dawn* and *War*, achieving critical and commercial successes.

Burton and Depp: Still a Dynamic Duo?

Are Tim Burton and Johnny Depp still friends? Their collaborations have become less frequent recently. Reports suggest their professional and personal relationship remains positive. Burton believes he and Depp will work together again in the future, whether in another Planet of the Apes film or something new.

Continuity and Connections: Are They All Linked?

With many decades of movies, connections and continuity in Planet of the Apes matter. Should I watch all Planet of the Apes movies? The franchise connects thematically, allowing enjoyment in any order. However, for the modern trilogy (*Rise*, *Dawn*, *War*), watching in order is advisable to appreciate character arcs and narrative progress.

Old vs. New: Are They Part of the Same Timeline?

Are old and new Planet of the Apes films connected? Technically, they are not. The three recent films (*Rise*, *Dawn*, *War*) are not directly connected to the original series (1968-1973). They form a reboot reimagining origins and humanity’s fall in a separate continuity. Elements from originals are borrowed but follow their passage.

Will Rodman’s Cameo: A Nod to the Past?

Did Caesar see Will again after *Rise*? Will Rodman appears briefly in a flashback in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. His cameo serves as a reminder of Caesar’s origins and connection to humanity.

Deeper Meanings: Themes and Metaphors

Planet of the Apes explores deeper themes beyond apes taking over. How realistic is its portrayal of ape intelligence? Primatologists suggest that recent films accurately capture aspects of chimpanzee intelligence. An expert noted that it shows what chimpanzees can do, earning a nine out of ten for realism.

Apes as Allegory: What Does It All Mean?

What is Planet of the Apes a metaphor for? Throughout its history, "Planet of the Apes" serves as an allegory for societal issues. Most notably, it presents chilling ideas about racial conflict and social inequality. Ape-human dynamics reflect racial tensions, with apes representing marginalized groups against dominant powers.

The series also ventures into themes of animal rights, nuclear war, humanity's hubris, and self-destructive tendencies. "Planet of the Apes" emerged as a troubling film for a troubled time, resonating powerfully across generations.

Ape IQ and Gorilla Strength: Animal Kingdom Facts

The intelligence and power of apes are vital to the franchise. Let’s look at real-world facts about ape capabilities.

Ape Intelligence: Who’s the Smartest?

You might wonder about ape intelligence. Who has a 400 IQ? There are no documented cases of a human with a 400 IQ. This number applies hyperbolically to describe extreme genius. Adragon De Mello is often mentioned as a child prodigy with high IQs, though it's not definitively 400.

Returning to apes, which ape has the highest IQ? Many scientists consider chimpanzees as close to "smartest animals" behind humans. They display remarkable problem-solving skills, tool use, and social intelligence, traits evident in *Planet of the Apes* films.

Gorilla Strength: Could They Push a Bus?

How many gorillas would it take to push a bus? Estimates vary. Considering silverback strength, it might take about 25 to 40 gorillas to push a city bus based on hypothetical scenarios. That’s a lot of power!

Chimps vs. Gorillas: Brains vs. Brawn

Who is smarter, an ape or gorilla? While both are intelligent primates, chimpanzees are often considered more intelligent than gorillas. Chimpanzees may be smaller but have larger brains relative to body size. Gorilla intelligence is significant, especially in social understanding.

What’s the average gorilla IQ? Research on gorillas in captivity is interesting. Koko produced scores on tests showing an average IQ around 80.3. This suggests cognitive ability far beyond basic animal instincts.

Final Fun Facts and Lingering Questions

Let’s conclude with some varied questions and intriguing observations.