We are living in a reboot and remake culture. A modern blockbuster is now more likely to be based on a graphic novel, book or real life event than to be an original concept. Some projects are just rebranded and rereleased stories that have already been told in cinematic form in years gone by, in an attempt to prey on people's nostalgia and draw a larger audience. The issue with this is that it's incredibly difficult to make a satisfying reboot. Either the studio will try to change as little as possible to adhere to fans and the movie ends up offering nothing new or it diverts from the original so much that it loses that spark that drew people to the first incarnation. Either way a lot of modern reboots end up flopping, both critically and commercially. There are exceptions however, the current 'Planet of the Apes' series for example. The amalgamation of some astounding special effects and a fresh, exciting take on the narrative has made the first two entries extremely popular, which put pressure on this film to wrap up the trilogy in a satisfying way. I'm glad to say that it certainly does - 'War for the Planet of the Apes' is great.
There has been quite a significant time shift between this movie and the last. The evolution of both the apes and the Simian flu has allowed Caesar and and his apes to assert their dominance over humanity. However, the apes are locked in conflict with the few surviving humans, led by 'The Colonel' (Woody Harrelson). As the attacks on both sides become more intense and personal, the two opposing sides take one last stand against each other to claim the earth for themselves.
I didn't know that it was possible, but the visual effects have yet again increased in quality from the previous entries. The appearance of the apes is breathtaking. Caesar is of course exceptional but the quality spreads to each and every ape in the movie. Whether they are in the foreground or background, or a main character or an extra, each and every one of the apes looks real. The way sweat and rain runs down and dampens their fur, the ridges in their faces expanding and retracting with different expressions. Its a testament to how advanced the technology of cinema is these days - it is able to create character models that are at times more realistic than the actual creatures themselves.
The visual effects are incredible but it's the performances that really bring the Apes to life. It infuriates me that Hollywood will not reward Andy Serkis with an Oscar for his portrayal of Caesar, when in reality his skill-set has transcended the label of 'acting'. He has transformed himself into an ape - learning in excruciating detail about how they walk, yell, growl. Its this hard work and dedication to his role that allows him to give such a believable and genuine performance. In fact, all of the apes are believable, but Serkis for me deserves some serious credit and recognition for his excellent work. The other stand out performer in this movie is Woody Harrelson. Another aspect of these films that has improved with each instalment is the human characters and Harrelson's Colonel is the pinnacle. Menacing and cold, yet in some ways relatable to the audience as human beings. The perfect antithesis to Caesar.
The action scenes, as to be expected, are great. Apes riding around on horseback wielding two machine guns remains to be one of the most terrifying thoughts I can imagine. Yet the action also feels very believable. I would argue its about the most accurate interpretation of warfare that a movie about talking apes could be. The interactions between comrades and the effect the surroundings have on the battles are fascinating and provide a different element to war.
A surprising element of this movie was it's success at referencing and paying homage to classic films that have come before it. Hints to movies such as 'Apocalypse Now' and 'The Great Escape' are welcome inclusions as they incorporated into the story in a subtle enough way to not distract from the main plot, only to serve as nods to audience members who have seen those films.
Overall, 'War for the Planet of the Apes' is an immensely satisfying conclusion to this trilogy of films. It leaves potential for other stories to be told in the future but also finishes the current arc in a rewarding and heartfelt way. The action is amazing, the performances are great and the visual effects are some of the best ever put to the silver screen.
4/5 Stars
4/5 Stars
