Review of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) by Mrmoviebuff — 13 Jul 2017

Already one of my favorite movies this year, so far. 'War for the Planet of the Apes' is a fitting end to a classic trilogy that revitalized the long running "Planet of the Apes" franchise which started as far back as the late 1960s.

This movie sees Caesar (another brilliant Andy Serkis performance) still trying to fight for survival with his entire family and friends of apes also looking for ways to survive. Things take an ugly turn when The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) discovers the apes' habitat, and Caesar feels he must take action.

There is a lot to talk about in regards to the plot, but things do happen early on that the trailers did not show, so without the fear of spoiling the movie, I'll just review the movie in regards to what I loved so much about it.

Director, Matt Reeves takes the personal and poignant (two words you never thought would be used to describe a "Planet of the Apes" movie) aspects of the previous movie, "Dawn", and makes it arguably more emotional here.

Some new characters are also a welcome addition to the franchise, particularly Bad Ape (Steven Zahn), who provides just the right amount of comic relief when the movie needs levity, instead of being that funny character who overstays his welcome.

.. in other words, he is nothing like Jar Jar Binks of the "Star Wars" prequels. Serkis is obviously better than ever, playing the emotionally distraught ape, Caesar, who is still horrified after the events of 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' (2014), the CGI looks just as good, if not, better than ever from the previous movie.

The human characters are also very well developed, more so than in the previous two movies. This movie reminded me of 'Logan' (2017), in that, it's personal... it's not some colorful, fun blockbuster like 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017) (which I really liked), but it's also not some dumb action extravaganza like the "Transformers" sequels.

It's just a small, emotionally stirring and gripping movie that does not feel like a product of a big studio trying to spend their money, and waiting to make it back. 'War for the Planet of the Apes' is the perfect sequel to the surprisingly great "Rise", and the equally entertaining "Dawn".

Also, Michael Giacchino's score is as terrific as ever, probably his best work since 'Inside Out' (2015). His music just fits the tone beautifully for the movie, and is sure to get a lot of people thinking once they see this.

I cannot stress this enough of how great this movie is, it's one of my favorites this year so far.