So far, the summer of 2014 has been one of the best in recent years. From “Captain America,” to “Godzilla,” to “Edge of Tomorrow,” it has mostly been hit after hit. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (“Dawn”) is yet another entry on this list, as it is not only an enjoyable sci-fi, but somehow becomes a deep and satirical work as well. It is also the 8th movie in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, and the sequel to 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”

Set 10 years after the events of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” the world is now in complete disarray. The same virus that made the apes more intelligent also became a toxin that wiped out most of humanity, except for a select few, who live together in small communities and struggle to survive. When the two groups unexpectedly cross paths, it sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to all-out war, despite efforts on both sides to prevent it. The apes are lead by Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee that was the first to receive the super virus.

While watching “Dawn,” a quote from the latest season of “Game of Thrones” kept going through my head, which states: “It’s tempting to see your enemies as evil, but there’s good and evil on both sides of every war ever fought.” It seemed relevant in “Dawn,” which is a very conflicting and ambiguous film, as far as as in its representation of who are the clear antagonists of the film. Neither the apes nor the humans are completely bad or completely good. In addition, on each side, you see similar personalities. There are those that fear and hold a grudge against the other group, while there are also some that try to understand and empathize with them. Unfortunately, there are always those few that tend to ruin it for everyone.

But, above all, we came here to see the apes, who can talk, ride on horseback, shoot guns, and fight as fearlessly as people. As is hinted in the film’s trailer, war is coming, and it is up to Caesar to try to save his apes. Andy Serkis holds a commanding presence in his motion-capture performance of the character. Caesar is the clear leader of the group, and even though not the largest (there are also silverback gorillas and orangutans), he demands respect from his clan, and is the sole decision maker. Yet, he also has the apes’ well-being in mind, and will do anything he can to prevent his family from dying. He forms a bond with a man named Malcolm (Jason Clarke), who, along with just a few others, are the only ones that try to reason with the apes. But, as Caesar sadly states: “War has already begun.” Though unlikely to win any actual awards for his performance (unfortunately), Andy Serkis has once again shown why his name is synonymous with the art of motion-capture.

And he’s not the only one. The detail added to each ape is sometimes so lifelike, at times you think you are really looking at an animal. At one point, when we gaze into the tear-streaked face of an ape in mourning, it is hard not to feel for the majestic creature. It’s truly amazing how far technology has come, and I doubt that any of the filmmakers of the original “Planet of the Apes” series could have even imagined the sheer scope of “Dawn.”

“Dawn” shows that even the simplest of circumstances could eventually spark into a war. There are clear satirical tones throughout, especially when looking at the current state of the world, and how many wars are needlessly fought every year. It may, at times, be too dark for some, with its message sometimes overshadowing its also present entertainment value. Yet, unlike some recent films, such as “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (which I felt was needlessly dark at times), “Dawn” has a clear and relevant purpose. With its messages of race, identity, and the future of the human race, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is much more than just an entertaining summer blockbuster.