Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is released in US cinemas this Friday. The film has already caused controversy but early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and indicate it may prove a huge success.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Early reviews have praised Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Watch The Movie Trailer For Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes sees peace loving Caesar (Andy Serkis) challenged when his new nation, run by genetically evolved apes, is threatened by a group of human survivors. He and his tribe must battle against the humans to become the dominant species. Serkis is supported by an all star cast including Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke and Keri Russell.

With only five days until the film's release, here's what the critics have been saying so far:

All Consuming and Action Packed

Critics unanimously agree that the film is highly watchable and it's easy to become "wrapped up" (Tom Huddleston, Time Out) in the action. The film's use of visual effects and thought-provoking characterisation of both humans and apes have been frequently commented upon by critics. 

Whilst the premise of the film is somewhat bizarre and has remained so since the 1968 original film, director Matt Reeves has evidently dealt with the subject matter well and with sensitivity. It has all the potential of becoming a farce but manages to bravely steer clear. Tim Robey (Telegraph) wrote "However often it risks monkey-mad silliness, it's impressively un-stupid."

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The film has already caused controversy with critics reading political agendas. 

Gun Control

The film has already created debate as critics have read political agendas into the film, especially with regards to gun control. It's a hot topic in the States and Variety's critic, Guy Lodge, claimed the film weighs in on gun control and appears favour of the widely debated political hot potato. Lodge wrote "You'd have to be pretty obtuse to miss the pro-gun-control subtext attached to misdeeds on both sides of the man-monkey battle."

However, writer Mark Bomback has claimed there is no political motivation behind the film. He emphasised how guns had a different meaning in the environment the film is set in as the NY Daily News reports. He said "First, the issue of gun control involves lots of complicated reasons why that is or isn't a good idea. This film takes place in a post apocalypse in which there's a different meaning behind guns. 

Another Sequel?

Critics claim the film sets up the opportunity for another sequel. The Guardian critic, Steve Rose, points out the sequel to 2001's Planet of the Apes,Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011, surpassed expectations. It seems this latest instalment in the franchise is likely to do the same and another film is likely to continue Caesar's tale. Rose wrote "this sequel delivers on its promise and leaves us wanting more - which we'll almost certainly get."

Indeed, some critics including Variety's Lodge, have claimed the film surpasses its predecessors. He wrote Dawn of the Planet of the Apes "bests its predecessor in nearly every technical and conceptual department."

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is out in US cinemas from this Friday (11th July) and in the UK from 17th July.

Read More: The Apes Have Shotguns (And The Earth) In New Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Stills.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The film is released this Friday in the US and on 17th July in the UK.