Review of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) by First L — 28 Jul 2017

A trilogy-closer for the modern Planet of the Apes outings, we reunite with ape leader Caesar (a motion captured Andy Serkis) as he seeks to locate a safe haven for his clan whilst avoiding war with the humans.

Trouble is, after the high-casualty conflict caused by Caesar's troubled right-hand ape Koba (Toby Kebbell - back here in dream sequences only) in the previous film, a battalion of men led by Woody Harreslon's ruthless Colonel are out for blood.

Opening with two gripping battles-the first loud, intense and full of explosions; the second a suspenseful sneak attack with brutal results-the action stakes are set high and the narrative tempo is set fast.

So much so the remainder of the movie struggles to maintain either. Screenwriters Mark Bomback and Matt Reeves continue the series' bleak theme of how narrow-mindedness causes self-destruction, the uncompromising sombreness and occasional over-sentimentality tolerable due to the immense intelligence and maturity imbued in the story.

Reeves, who also directs, furthers this world primarily through character development, Caesar again proving to be one of the most complex and engaging protagonists in blockbusters today; his potency as a revered leader coming from the sacrifice and emotional turmoil he endures to protect his kind.

Caesar's ability to captivate comes courtesy of a joint effort, with Serkis' passionate and tormented performance captured and enhanced by the visual effects team who then produce beautiful and flawless photorealistic CGI.

There are also relatively minor moments littered throughout that have a lasting effect: meeting Steve Zahn's lonely and slightly crazy simian Bad Ape, Caesar's rage at the torture dished out to a slave ape, and mute girl Nova (Amiah Miller) quietly entering a prison to feed the hungry.

It may not stick the landing due to a finale that strangely restrains Harrelson's villain, but it's easily forgiven thanks to the goodwill built by the franchise through crediting its audience as grown-ups who can engage with the weighty and intellectual themes on offer.

Arguably the greatest trilogy since Nolan's Batman films, WFTPOTA provides this rebooted series with an appropriately epic, affecting and contemplative closing chapter.