War for the Planet of the Apes

Graham Craycraft

According to critics the reboot of the classic “Apes” franchise has gotten better with each film of the new trilogy. Rise of the planet of the Apes had success on its own but its role was something more. It paved the way for the following two films, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and then War for the Planet of the Apes. Each film had its moments of despair but the latter two were downright heart wrenching. I’m quite aware that these are only apes and so my sentiment to them is lesser if they were humans, or at least that’s what I would’ve said before seeing any of these three pictures. One of the greatest feats the new trilogy pulls off is instilling a seed of thoughtful empathy towards these characters: Caesar, Maurice, Rocket and the like. The only issues I had with the film were some seemingly ill placed humor in humorless situations. But besides that, let’s get into it.

I have been a fan of these movies ever since I saw the original 1968 version. The Planet of the Apes was a subtle but mind bending exploration of society past, present and future. The later films, although still enjoyable, were not to the level of the original and seemed they never could be. That is until Rupert Wyatt started us off and Matt Reeves came in to deliver possibly the best two films of the franchise. War for the Planet of the apes accomplishes a number of things. The mind blowing special effects don’t miss a beat with the high action and quick moving scenes. Not only is this a marvel to look at but it is a journey all of its own. The battle scenes are upbeat and fast tempoed just as they should be, but this film also knows when to slow down and breathe a little.

The gorgeous scenery and the special effects makes the audience feel invited into the story unfolding. The contrast of the dark apes against the brilliant white snowy landscape allowed me to see my own breath in the room. The audience walks alongside Caesar and his command through the harsh environment trying to survive. The imagination and terrain make it a world out of the storybooks similar to a Tolkien or Lewis creation. The world can be beautiful or it can be vicious. War for the Planet of the Apes clings to both ideas.

The capture and enslavement of the apes evokes sympathy, anxiety, and hope. You are alongside those apes in their imprisonment. You feel everything they do and you want desperately for them to be set free. “Dawn” had this same high level of emotion when apes were being murdered as well as humans. Reeves does a more than proficient job in showing the cruelty of humans and these hyper-intelligent apes as well. No one is free from the threat of corruption. The cycle of cruelty between apes and humans in these films mirrors reality to a tee. The emotions cut deep because of the situations of the movie, but also the acting skill of Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson.

We all know Harrelson is amazing, or at least we should. In movies such as No Country for Old Men (need I say more?), Zombieland, and Catching Fire, Harrelson has proved himself a jack of all trades. He is great in those films and he’s great in this one. But Andy Serkis. Perhaps one of the most underrated movie star out there. His films have grossed billions and billions of dollars. From his role as Gollum in all LOTR and Hobbit films, his portrayal as King Kong, his role in Star Wars and Avengers among others, this man has done a lot. He nails the role of Caesar by incorporating a truly believable fear and love of humans as well as apes. Caesar embodies the balance in the cycle but also the action/reaction of it as well. Serkis perfectly handles these emotions and roles.

The War for the Planet of the Apes is not a must see unless you’re a fan of wonderful storytelling, cinematic beauty, and great acting.