First look … Apes and shotguns, what’s not to love?
What: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”
Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman and Keri Russell
Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
Director: Matt Reeves
The story: A decade after the simian flu wiped out most of humanity, the survivors are brought to the brink of war with the genetically evolved apes, led by Caesar (Serkis), in this sequel.
The buzz: Its predecessor was surprisingly engaging, and Hollywood is counting on “Dawn” to breathe some life into this summer’s dismal box office. Also, who doesn’t love the sight of a monkey with a shotgun?
— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE