Ape-ocalypse Now: War for the Planet of the Apes!

“Apes together, strong!” You better believe it! After two wildly successful chapters (Rise and Dawn), the rebooted Apes trilogy comes to a resoundingly Old School and satisfying conclusion (at least, for now), with director Matt Reeves’ War for the Planet of the Apes. Reeves previously directed the last Apes outing, and along with screenwriter Mark Bomback, has emphasized two crucial imperatives – maintaining the focus on depicting Caesar (Andy Serkis) and the apes as rich relatable characters, while pushing the motion-capture visual effects to simply astonishing new heights.

Caesar and his simian stronghold just want to be left alone to live in peace, but a lingering band of human soldiers is determined to wipe them out. After a particularly devastating raid on the ape community – led by Woody Harrelson’s ruthlessly determined Colonel – Caesar gets his Josie Wales on, and aims to settle the score once and for all. War has a really refreshing old fashioned vibe, at times often feeling like a classic western, or John Sturges picture, with Caesar and his mounted band heading into the snowy Sierras in search of the Colonel’s base. There are some great little surprises in the script, with Steve Zahn doing terrific work as a new character Caesar meets on his quest. Newcomer Amiah Miller is also outstanding and effective as a young human girl the apes are compelled to look after. But make no mistake, Andy Serkis is an absolute marvel. You completely forget that effects are at work to depict these characters. Caesar’s ability to speak has markedly improved, but it’s his face that emotes and captivates, from poignant empathy to unchecked fury. He's a hirsute Henry V  –  a natural leader –  but he’s also a Charles Bronson vigilante out for vengeance.

Which all serves to make Harrelson’s self-righteous Colonel that much more one-dimensional in comparison. He’s much better at opining exposition than he is at running his base camp. The Apes films have always had social commentary on their mind, and this Colonel is a leader determined to build a great wall – an effort others see as “madness” – which gives War a rather timely context.

War for the Planet of the Apes is another example of what happens when filmmakers are given the freedom to tell a strong story and stick to the basics of entertaining the audience. This Caesar has plenty to say about the human condition, and audiences will have a rip-roaring good time, and still leave hungry for more.