War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

7/10

Starring

Andy Serkis

Woody Harrelson

Steve Zahn

Directed by Matt Reeves

When the story of the Planet of the Apes reboot began, I couldn’t help but wonder what the journey would be like, the direction it would take, and the changes it would make compared to the original series. When I saw the first movie, Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), in this supposed trilogy (though there could be more films in the future), I was blown away by the performances and the screenplay. James Franco’s role in the first movie made me worry about his absence in the second, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). But the sequel had everything you’d want in a great movie—battles, coups, and a decisive plot twist that set the stage for the franchise’s future. Franco’s lack of presence has a lot to do with his personal life issues, and nothing to do with the movie production.

This movie, War for the Planet of the Apes, picks up where the second left off. The ape colony is under attack by humans, and the death toll on both sides is massive. The sad part of the first act is that some apes are siding with the humans, helping them attack Caesar’s colony. The battle doesn’t go well for the humans, and Caesar, wanting to send a message that he desires peace, spares the lives of the survivors.

Things take a dark turn when a traitor within the colony leads a team, headed by a man known as The Colonel, into their home. The apes defend themselves, but the casualties include Caesar’s wife and son. Consumed by grief and rage, Caesar orders the colony to head to the desert while he sets out to hunt down The Colonel. Maurice, his trusted advisor, warns him against this path, but Caesar is determined to seek revenge.

This decision nearly costs Caesar his life. Along the way, he discovers that the humans are divided into two factions, and The Colonel isn’t just cruel—he’s evil, willing to kill anyone to prevent the apes from taking over and the humans from regressing into primitiveness.

War for the Planet of the Apes is everything I expected and more. Matt Reeves’ work as director and co-writer deserves applause, as the movie explores themes of empathy, mercy, and revenge. The dramatic twists will leave you marveling, and the explosive visual effects and art direction will stay with you long after the credits roll. This was a ride I wouldn’t mind taking again, and I think you’ll love the movie too.