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War for the Planet of the Apes
(20th Century Fox)
By Lucas Allen
In 2011, we witnessed the “Rise.” In 2014, we witnessed the “Dawn.” Now we’re witnessing the “War for the Planet of the Apes.” The third and final film in this rebooted trilogy based on the 1968 sci-fi classic from the novel by Pierre Boulle delivers action and drama on full force with a touching conclusion. It also comes full circle not just for the story, but for a character audiences all over the world have grown to love thanks to an actor of immeasurable talent under layers of digital fur.
Ape leader Caesar (Andy Serkis) is trying to maintain peace in his ape community despite the human threat looming. He still has his family, including wife, Cornelia (Judy Greer), son Blue Eyes (Max Lloyd-Jones), and 5-year old Cornelius (Devyn Dalton) to look after, but is still haunted by the war caused by the treacherous Koba (Toby Kebbell). But his world is completely shattered when a rogue army led by The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) breaks into their hideout and causes immense tragedy. Swearing revenge, Caesar and his fellow apes Maurice (Karin Konoval), Rocket (Terry Notary) and Luca (Michael Adamthwaite) try to follow the army back to their home base.
Along the way, they pick up a human girl (newcomer Amiah Miller) who cannot speak. Then they meet another ape who calls himself Bad Ape (Steve Zahn) hiding out in the mountains after escaping from the humans. Eventually, the group finds the army hideout that is housing apes as slaves to build a wall for the Colonel’s own reasons. Once he’s captured, Caesar has to fight to escape with the other apes leading to a battle that will finally decide the fate of our planet.
Like in the previous film, director Matt Reeves brings his dark visual style to the Apes universe adding his own epic ambitions in each scene. Also as co-writer with Mark Bomback, he conceived his epic finale with a sense of grand valor in his vision. In addition to that, he gets help from his production team to bring it all to life. All the rainy and snowy scenery adds to the grandeur feel with its stunning widescreen scope.
Reeves also did a great job referencing classic war movies for a war film like this, including “Full Metal Jacket” and “Apocalypse Now” with Harrelson’s Colonel character. The scenes at the military base are also reminiscent of “Schindler’s List,” and also very heartbreaking. It’s also the only set where the third act is the most action-packed out of all of the movie, while the rest has a quiet tone. Fortunately, you’re immersed in the story and characters from the beginning, and you won’t be bored throughout this two hour and 20 minute movie.
It’s also worth noting that the digital effects by Weta Digital once again bring the apes to life in great detail. They look the best in the whole trilogy to the point that you forget that these simians aren’t real. The actors do a convincing job walking and moving like real apes, as you would expect. But let’s not forget the most important aspect, which is Serkis giving one of the year’s most triumphant performances. It’s been said before that he deserves a nomination despite being a digital character, but it shouldn’t take away the fact that it’s still the same actor on set giving a real performance.
Harrelson is also worth mention in a knockout performance as a man with a dark purpose. There’s a great scene where he has an extended conversation with Caesar about his own purpose, which shows the versatility of his talents. Zahn adds some much-needed comic relief as Bad Ape. He doesn’t take the Jar Jar Binks route and try too hard to be funny at every single moment, so he’s more of a welcome addition.
Not only it’s the best of the trilogy, “War for the Planet of the Apes” is a major achievement in science fiction entertainment that will be recognized as a classic of its kind. Full of emotional drama, edge-of-your-seat excitement, and stunning visual effects that makes it both a summer blockbuster and an important film in its own way. This series sure has come a long way since Charlton Heston in a loincloth.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, thematic elements, and some disturbing images)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 4 Stars (Out of Four)
