‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ fared even better than its predecessor ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes,’ bringing in $73 million this weekend. Its predecessor brought in $54.8 million during opening in 2011.

This time around Caesar, the ape, decamps to the forest of Marin County with other genetically evolved apes and primates, but a band of humans who have survived a worldwide plague threatens their kind. A fierce divide between the two species has the audience in suspense to learn whether peace will be restored, or if war between the two species will occur to determine Earth’s dominant species.

Coming behind ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ was ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ bringing in $16.5 million to the weekend box office. In its third week out, the film has grossed $209 million.

‘Tammy’ also remained in the top three at the weekend box office with $12.9 million, and grossing $57.4 million in two weeks.

Overall, the box office continues to drag in revenue for the summer – down nearly 24 percent, compared to the same weekend last year.

Fortunately, this week there are several other new releases to further entice people to get out to the movie theaters.

New Movie Releases This Week: July 18, 2014

For those looking for a comedy flick:

• Sex Tape (R)
  Cast: Jason Segel, Cameron Diaz, Rob Corddry, Ellie Kemper
  When a married couple makes a sex tape and finds out the next morning that it has gone missing, they go on a frantic search.

For those looking for an horror, thriller flick:

• The Purge: Anarchy (R)
  Cast: Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford, Kiele Sanchez
  A young couple works to survive on the streets after their car breaks down right as the annual purge commences.

For kids and those looking for an animated adventure flick:

• Planes: Fire & Rescue (PG)
  Cast: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Curtis Armstrong
  When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Come back each week for the latest information on new movie releases and upcoming releases at the theaters! To check out all movie flicks playing at Long Island theaters, visit LongIsland.com’s Movie Times!