REVIEW: War for the Planet of the ApesBy Quinn OxleyJuly 17, 2017I cared a lot more about this movie than I thought I would. It’s such a strange premise - apes become hyper-intelligent, band together, rise up against humans, and become known as another sentient species with whom we share the planet. And yet, this simple premise has produced five of the most iconic films of all time - one classic with a striking twist reveal, one incredible prequel trilogy, and one god-awful attempt at a reboot.

But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. War for the Planet of the Apes was a surprisingly moving, interestingly shot, well-performed finale to a trilogy that has actively engaged audiences since 2011.

After War, Andy Serkis must get the recognition he deserves. He could give human nuance to a copper pot. He can make a stone bleed, whether the stone is watching his performance or he’s portraying an actual stone.

This film is also beautifully, knowingly, purposefully, clearly shot; sweeping overhead shots, smooth and seamless, camera motion, creative angles, and intentional focus make War a visually stunning experience.

There were a few moments that took me out of the experience of it - one or two trite or formulaic moments or moments of comedic relief (which were, admittedly, funny, but not in harmony with the film’s gravitas) that I could have done without. It was also very long, long enough that I noticed and wondered how much longer I’d be watching the movie, which is never a great sign, but I’m nitpicking at this point.

It is overall an incredibly heartfelt film that really affects the viewer. Perhaps the thing that gave War its more profound emotional depth - apart from its remarkably empathetic performances and its skillful camerawork - is the story’s allegorical implications which are particularly timely. Hurt people hurt people, and form prejudices against the people that hurt them. This is just as true today as it has ever been. This film shows that there is never something as simple as “All ____ are bad.” There are good humans and bad humans; there are good apes and bad apes. There is good, and there is bad, and no one group is all of one or the other, and ultimately, we need to align ourselves with the good and resist the bad to the best of our ability. The “us vs. them” is not based on any kind of physical distinction; it’s an ideological one.

Is it good, though?

It’s not a great popcorn flick. It’s a dark, poignant poem of a film.

Rating: 8/10

P.S. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that the score for this lovely and emotionally powerful film includes tracks with puns in their titles, like “More Red Than Alive” and “Planet of the Escapes.”

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