Dawn of the Planet of the Apes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke. Sci-fi action drama. Directed by Matt Reeves.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

PREVIEW REVIEW: It’s action-packed, for sure, but it also has some emotional range and even some insight. The makeup and special effects are mesmerizing, the technical aspects, ranging from editing to cinematography to production design are what action movies are all about when done right.

There is some scary imagery and lots of jolting action, including some violence that gets very close to crossing over into the R category. And sadly, there is one misuse of Christ’s name. But there isn’t a dull moment in the film. This is an armrest-grabbing sci-fi actioneer that also contains a thoughtful metaphor concerning mankind’s struggle with its own good vs. evil nature.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: 20th Century Fox