
In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Director Matt Reeves sees out his part in the Planet of the Apes trilogy in considerable style with the thrilling and emotional War for the Planet of the Apes.
The film starts with Caesar and the apes on the run from a human army led
by a ruthless and determined Colonel (Woody Harrelson). After tragedy hits
the ape's mountain hideout, Caesar sets out on a path towards revenge.
An impressive blockbuster that is equally adept at delivering emotionally
involving characters as it is at mounting exciting and visually exciting
set pieces, War for the Planet of the Apes is a satisfying and fitting end
to the trilogy. Obviously you can't rule out more films in this profitable
series and the ending is certainly left open for that possibility.
Strong motion capture effects and vocal work from Andy Serkis with a little
help from Weta digital ensures that Caesar remains a strong and compelling
protagonist. Though special mention should also go to Karin Konoval as
Maurice and Steve Zahn as newcomer to the franchise Bad Ape.
Woody Harrelson is also a solid and watchable villain even if he leans a
little too heavily on Brando's Colonel Kurtz for inspiration.
It's arguable that it might have been nice to have seen a little more of
the 'war' that the title promises and the pace suffers a little due to a
lull in the action over an hour in. Thankfully the film rouses itself for a
gripping and action-packed finale.
Michael Giacchino's stirring score is also the icing on the cake on a very
fine film.
Go see on the biggest screen you can.