The Cinematic Achievements of War for The Planet of The Apes
Firstly, I want to say what an outstanding, memorable achievement for the franchise and filmmaking. “Caesar” Actor Andy Serkis (from LOTR fame as “Gollum”) and Director Matt Reeves (recently made the newest director for “The Batman”- DCEU fans should be so lucky) have truly outdone themselves. I would like to thank them and the rest of the staff for giving us a beautiful, immersive experience in the cinemas today.
The film currently sits at a commendable, 94% RT Score and if this movie does not receive a Best Picture nomination in the 2017 Oscars, that could truly discredit the groundbreaking, intense work the franchise’s staff and actors have produced since “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” in 2011. Surprisingly, I found NO cons for this film. Yes, this movie is nearly perfect! Shall we begin?
Pro # 1: The Film never forgets the “Core Story” – Caesar’s Coming-of-Age Journey
Since the beginning, the franchise has never strayed from grounding its audience with the evolving story of Caesar. Since 2011, we have seen Caesar grow as a naïve and innocent adolescent, a caring and devoted father, and a young leader grappling with the potential ramifications of his actions.
And now, we are watching an “older, seasoned” Caesar reaching his full destiny as more of a biblical figure (i.e. Moses) in the “Apes franchise” mythology. And yet despite all the tragedy and heartbreak, Caesar maintains the core of who he truly is. He never truly bends to the atrocities he experiences over the course of the trilogy – and that kind of restraint is not only admirable but a quality we should find more in ourselves. I will not spoil his fate, but I will say that Caesar’s journey is one of the most inspiring
journeys put on film.
Pro # 2: The Special Effects, the Action, and the Characters all elevate the Film
Across the board, this movie delivers on nearly every facet. The special effects are the most superior and continually improve over the course of this franchise. The action is an intense, visceral and pure spectacle. This film fills all the criteria of big-budget, blockbuster movies. And most importantly, the
film grounds its characters with realistic motivations – while the actors (Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, and scene stealer, Steve Zhan as “Bad Ape”) that portray them maintain the tone and seriousness of the film’s subject matter. What an experience!
Pro # 3: The Film’s Conclusion Continues to Elevate the Entire Trilogy
Another standout achievement from a screenwriter’s perspective is how the film neatly wraps up all the loose plot threads (i.e. the Simian virus). The writers had a clear intention since the beginning of the franchise and conclude on a note that I believe will satisfy long-time audiences. What’s even more impressive, is that the film leaves the door open for even more compelling story-lines that will continue the path Caesar started. Although I hold “The Dark Knight” Trilogy in regards as the best film trilogy ever created, I now believe that title of the best rightfully goes to the modern “Planet of the Apes Trilogy.”
Pro # 4: Andy Serkis’s Oscar- worthy Performance
I simply cannot understate this - Andy Serkis is OVERDUE for an Oscar nomination for his performance as titular character “Caesar.” Forget about the technicalities of mo-cap and acting expression. An Oscar nod towards Serkis’s performance would not only be a sole testament to his role in
this film but for his services in the movie industry period. The hard work of Andy Serkis is a remarkable gift. Be sure to check out his continued work on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Marvel’s Black Panther,” and “Jungle Book” as a director.
The Most Important Factor: The Entertainment Value – Will you Enjoy this Movie?
Of course, you will. No question. The movie is a cinematic achievement you owe it to yourself to check out.
David’s Score: A+, 5/5, 100%
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