You can see a lot of Reeves' best qualities in the opening 30 minutes. Quiet, atmospheric images of outcasts attempting to live independently. Nature as a shield from human encroachment. It really is beautiful, until the plot kicks in. Reeves handles the shift irably, and DAWN manages to retain a nasty veracity despite its PG-13 rating. Serkis, once again, reigns supreme as Caesar. His performance should be recognized come awards season, but it won't be.