Review of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) by Jeffrey S — 19 Jul 2017

As much as I enjoyed this film, previous entry "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" felt more like the pinnacle of this trilogy for me. For my two cents, the themes just came across generally stronger, and I liked how even-handed it was in portraying both human and ape sides of the conflict (revealing both ends of the moral spectrum within each group).

Meanwhile with "War," most of the interactions with humans were pretty one-note, with that group being treated as little more than hateful nemeses so that the audiences' sympathies can easily be swayed to the ape camp.

The only one we really get to know (as far as a backstory or motivation) is Woody Harrelson's ruthless Colonel, and all that really brings about is a way to tie his past into an ironic twist; this revelation really does not surprise in the moment.

In addition, unlike with its predecessors, the main ideas and themes promoted in the movie's plotline are so transparent that the screenwriters might as well be utilizing their metaphors as literal hammers on the viewers' heads as they see the flick.

Without spoiling anything describing how, the title of the film is all smoke and mirrors. While some of those elements might not work too well, the movie is still a stunning commentary on innocents caught in the crossfire being the worst ones to suffer in any military conflict and is definitely worth watching at least once.

The mo-cap digital effects are convincing enough for the most part (though as my bro mentioned they make our protagonist Caesar "human" enough with the visual effects that it edges towards the "uncanny valley," even though Caesar uses monkey posturing and mannerisms) that unless one really sharply focuses on it, they make the apes feel more like characters and less like CG creations.

Also, I know I'll be preaching to the converted, but I'll join the chorus of those calling for Andy Serkis to AT THE VERY LEAST be nominated for as Oscar for his performance, if not a win (not only for this film but across the movie trilogy).

Even at the weaker points in the plot, this movie - as with the others from the rebooted franchise - serves as a great character arc for Caesar, showing how his motivations change throughout the time of each flick; in "Rise," he's fighting for his place in the world and looking for equal respect.

With "Dawn," he tries to show compassion for humanity, prove apes as the more-forgiving species, and create peace for both incompatible groups. When we finally reach "War," he must reconcile his image as a unassailable leader with his sins and misgivings as he seeks to deal with the consequences of his past choices.

All in all, it is not the best individual movie in this incarnation of the series; however, taken as a piece of the whole [as the culmination of Caesar's story in these movies], it is much more successful in attaining that goal.