Review: The War for the Planet of the Apes

Matt Reeve's has, in two sequels, taken the modern Apes trilogy to heights rarely seen in a summer studio release. He is working far above the standard blockbuster fare, trying to create a stirring and visually assured picture. In doing so he elevates the story of Caesar, lab ape turned revolutionary, into something truly epic.

War for the Planet of Apes works largely as both a Western and a prison-break film. Not every choice Reeves makes works. The film features a few tonal elements that feel out of place including some cartoonish oppression and brutality in its prison scenes. However, for the large majority of the film, one finds themselves wrapped up in the fate of several digitally created apes. I was even rooting for the demise of the human race by the end of the film. Now that is some effective filmmaking.

At the beginning of the film, we see Caesar and his tribe hiding out. Caesar, after trying to avoid war in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, has now resigned to a life of war. In the middle of the night, human soldiers led by Col. McCullough (Woody Harrelson) attack his camp and kill his family. This sets Caesar on the path of revenge, hunting down those who attacked him.

One of the film's most powerful themes is the notion of abandoning humanity to save humanity. This becomes the inner battle for Caesar who realizes he is losing his ideals that made him the great leader in Rise. This is contrasted with Harrelson's crazed colonel which has clear allusions to Col. Kurtz from Apocalypse Now. 

As the film progresses from the apes tracking down the humans to a more standard prison break film, the film does lose some of its steam. However it picks up in a rousing final sequence that is loaded with surprises and offers a satisfying if dark resolution to the series.

One of the film's main highlights is the stunning motion-capture within it. Andy Serkis as Caesar gives a performance worthy of an Oscar. Reeves allows so much of the film to be communicated through looks. The fact that the eyes of these creatures emote so much and it is all a fabrication is truly stunning. Steve Zahn as Bad Ape brings a welcomed levity to the film and also stands out for creating an emotionally rich performance.

Time will hopefully show how successful this Apes trilogy is. Reeves in particular has elevated the series in the last film and now War to something that feels current and empathetic to how so many feel in the US. Just like the original film, there are images in this, particularly of a wall, that are loaded with social commentary. Here's to a satisfying conclusion to a great series of films. 

4/5