Review of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) by Byron B — 09 Jan 2019

With more nods to characters from the original series of films, more of the apes gaining distinct personalities, Caesar showing some grey hairs and therefore the weight of the years of struggle, and more social commentary on the history of human wars this science fiction franchise concludes its new trilogy by holding an often used mirror up to our many flaws.

Harrelson as the one notable human character channels an Apocalypse Now type Colonel. The development of the ape culture, especially when they are not strategizing war tactics is great fun to observe.

Calling them animals and denying their emotions and desire to care for their families is something of course that this franchise cautions us about. We should be careful how we dehumanize those who we start wars with.

It is not really an either/or question of survival. On top of this anti-war philosophy is of course two sides fighting their hardest with many thrilling explosions, horseback charges, and guerrilla (pun intended!) surprise attacks.

A Spartacus like rebellion including apes banding behind an inspirational leader will also get your heart pumping.