War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

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In viewing these 'Apes' prequel films again, I can say honestly that my opinion on them has not changed. I may not have explored the original series much (with the exception of the '68 film), but as far as 'Rise,' 'Dawn,' and 'War' go, they formed one of the most solid trilogies I've ever seen, and I can still say that - except now we have a fourth film. Is it still as solid a series after that fourth film? Well, I'll get to that in that review. For now, we'll stick with what wrapped up the trilogy portion with 'War.'

The film opens with a brief timeline that covers what has gone on since 'Rise,' including the spread of the man-made simian flu, which has now killed most of the human race, aside from those with natural immunity. In the meantime, its effect on the ape family has been a gift, offering heightened intelligence, leading to a whole ape society that looks more human as opposed to something Jane Goodall would be observing for her studies. They're all lead by Caesar (Andy Serkis), who has been liberating ape-kind from the humans from day one.

In the previous film, however, an ape-gone-vengeful named Koba (Toby Kebbell) ended up starting a war between humans and apes, which leads the "Alpha-Omega" human militia to try to locate Caesar, and perhaps "cut the head off the snake." The apes capture their attackers, but Caesar lets them go, with an offer of peace, essentially drawing a line in the sand. Leave the apes the woods, and they can have the rest. Soon, however, the militia comes back, led by "The Colonel" (Woody Harrelson) and causing tragedy among the ape colony.

As it turns out, Caesar's eldest son, Blue Eyes (Max Lloyd-Jones) and friend, Rocket (Terry Notary) found a peaceful oasis while on a scouting mission, and the apes decide it best to move there in order to hide better from the humans. After the human attack, however, Caesar ends up choosing vengeance, drawing some parallels between him and Koba. He kinda just wants to find the Colonel and, again, "cut the head off the snake." He sends his fellow apes to find said oasis, and he heads the other way in search of the Colonel.

He's joined on his journey by Rocket, old friend, Maurice (Karin Konoval) and Luca (Michael Adamthwaite), who are not only there to help but to keep Caesar in check, as they don't need another Koba on their hands. What starts out as what could be a cool revenge flick, however, turns into an emotional ride that will gauge every emotion, giving us so much more than what we came to see, initially. It's a film about survival on both the ape and human side, and it's amplified with a pretty great villain speech given by the Colonel that allows the viewer to understand his perspective, which is the best kind of villain.

Added to the cast here to help alleviate so much of the tragedy that takes place throughout the film (and there's quite a bit - it's honestly a pretty tear-jerking film) are a couple of characters who carry more positivity with their appearances. Giving us a dose of innocence and hope is a little girl Caesar and the others find, eventually named "Nova" (Amiah Miller), another nod to the '68 film. Giving us some really solid comedy relief is an ape who calls himself simply "Bad Ape" (Steve Zahn). To some, I have to admit, he might feel a little out of place. But speaking personally, I love the little guy.

Apart from a solid range of emotions that probably outdoes the previous two, the film manages to stick to the idea of perhaps wondering what side of the fight you might land on. Imagine something you created for good eventually destroying humankind and giving apes a tremendous advantage over us. All of these films have been great for allowing us to route for the apes and nature taking its course so they can live freely, but they do a good job of reminding us that we're the humans, and again, it makes us wonder how we might exist in such a world.

5/5

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