I watched War for the Planet of the Apes and I really liked it! 4/5
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The conclusion to the “Planet of the Apes” prequel trilogy, War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), directed by Matt Reeves, delivers an emotionally charged, visually stunning film that dives deep into the complex relationship between humanity and nature. It’s a heavy, slow-burn war film that’s as much about internal battles as external ones. With phenomenal performances, stunning visuals, and a poignant narrative, War solidifies this trilogy as one of the most consistent and intelligent blockbusters in recent years.
The heart and soul of this film lie in Andy Serkis’ exceptional motion-capture performance as Caesar, the intelligent ape leader. Over the course of three films, we’ve seen Caesar evolve from a young, curious ape raised by humans into a seasoned leader who grapples with the weight of his choices. In War for the Planet of the Apes, Caesar’s journey takes a more introspective turn. Having lost much of his family to human aggression, Caesar is no longer the hopeful, peace-seeking leader from previous films. He is now a character driven by vengeance, tormented by inner conflict as he wrestles with the darker side of his nature. Serkis’ performance is a tour de force—his ability to communicate such complex emotions through subtle facial expressions and body language is nothing short of remarkable. This character arc provides the film with its emotional anchor, making Caesar one of the most compelling protagonists in modern cinema.
Despite its title, War for the Planet of the Apes is not the all-out war film that some may expect. Instead, Reeves chooses to focus more on psychological warfare, tension-building, and the moral complexities of leadership and survival. The film is more about the internal war Caesar wages against himself and the struggle for the apes to preserve their society in the face of mounting human aggression.
That said, the action sequences, when they come, are beautifully shot and intense, with Reeves showing a masterful command of scale and tension. The film opens with a gripping battle scene, setting the stage for what seems like a traditional war film. However, the middle act is slower, more meditative, as Caesar embarks on a journey to confront the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), a ruthless and unhinged human leader bent on eradicating the apes.
Harrelson delivers a chilling performance as the Colonel, a man obsessed with winning what he sees as the last stand for humanity. His character is clearly modeled after Marlon Brando’s Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now, complete with philosophical monologues and a cold, detached demeanor. The Colonel’s motivations, while brutal, are somewhat understandable—he believes that humanity’s only hope for survival is to annihilate the apes before they can completely overtake the planet. His interactions with Caesar bring forth some of the film’s most thought-provoking moments, as both leaders grapple with the moral cost of their respective missions.
On a technical level, War for the Planet of the Apes is nothing short of breathtaking. WETA Digital once again pushes the boundaries of CGI, creating hyper-realistic apes that feel fully integrated into the world. The detail in the fur, the eyes, and the nuanced expressions of the apes is astounding, making them feel more human than many of their human counterparts. The film’s cinematography, especially in the snow-covered landscapes, evokes a sense of isolation and desolation that perfectly complements the film’s themes of survival and loss.
While War is an impressive film, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing, especially in the second act, can feel sluggish at times. The film’s meditative approach to its story works well for character development but might leave some viewers wishing for more momentum. Additionally, the film’s reliance on familiar war-film tropes and its heavy-handed messaging about the cost of violence and revenge might feel a bit overbearing for some.
Ultimately, War for the Planet of the Apes is a deeply moving and visually stunning conclusion to a trilogy that redefined the scope of blockbuster filmmaking. It’s a film that dares to ask big questions about the nature of humanity, leadership, and survival, all while delivering an emotionally resonant story. While the pacing may not be for everyone, and the film leans heavily on familiar war-film archetypes, the emotional weight and technical brilliance elevate War to a powerful and fitting conclusion to Caesar’s story.