A triumphant conclusion.
The third picture in the "Apes" reboot series was released nationwide on July 14, 2017 - earning
back its $150 million dollar budget within its first two weekends.
The narrative, penned by returning director Matt Reeves and Mark Bomback picks up two
years after "Dawn" left off - where ape leader Caesar sets off on a quest into human territory
to settle a personal score.
The first two films in this updated trilogy were only appetizers for what will be long
heralded as a landmark achievement in motion capture technology.
Andy Serkis gives the performance of his career as the hardened chimpanzee leader; forced
to seek vengeance after suffering a staggering loss.
He motivates his troops by reiterating his species' motto, "Apes.
Together.
Strong."
The visuals effects by New Zealand's Weta Digital that bring this primate to life are
utterly sublime.
The facial expressions, physical mannerisms, and deep green eyes all evoke a truly emotional,
and human performance.
If any mo-cap character is going to break the proverbial 'glass ceiling' and score an
Academy Award nomination - this is it.
Karin Konoval returns as well, to portray Caesar's trusted orangutan adviser "Maurice"
- who's calm and measured perspective often helps reign in his leader's more brash decisions.
Steve Zahn plays "Bad Ape", a quirky hermit that Caesar's expedition picks up along the
way.
He has a few funny, comic-relief type moments - but they feel decidedly out of place in
the otherwise serious film.
But the implication of a talking ape not from Caesar's initial uprising is a big one, as
it signals the possibility of an entire "planet of the apes" - instead of just a small village
outside San Francisco.
The only real human character of note in "War" is Woody Harrelson as the villainous and uncompromising
"Colonel" - who doesn't hesitate to execute his own men when they show signs of disease.
Echoing shades of Marlon Brando, he delivers a long and emotionally distant monologue about
his son and the tough decisions he's made.
Remarking on the pending war between apes, humans, and his own faction of the military
Harrelson punctuates this speech by stating, "All of human history has come to this moment."
It is a powerful scene, and a real highlight in the 140 minute feature.
The increasingly busy Michael Giacchino provides one of his best scores this decade; although
"Star Trek" and "Up" (both from 2009) remain my favorite works from him.
Blending driving strings, high-pitched woodwinds, heavy drums, soft pianos, and a chanting choir
- Giacchino has composed a truly haunting score that occasionally feels almost ethereal
and patriotic.
It is a beautiful counterpart to the impeccable effects and flawless cinematography.
Even without characters populating the frame, the environments alone are stunning to see;
from the lush Redwood forests to the snow-covered mountains in the north.
Giacchino opens the film with a particularly neat drums-only rendition of the 20th Century
fanfare... which then cuts to on-screen text that helps bring the audience up to speed
on the events that came before.
Even though each of these entries stands on its own rather well - consistent themes and
characters allow them to mesh together extremely effectively.
Living up to its title, the opening ten minutes showcase a vicious and violent woodland battle
between human special forces and resilient apes dug into their Redwood hideout.
Gunfire, explosions, spears, and battle-cries rupture the speakers with a loud and enveloping
sound-mix.
This first chapter is one of the most impressive action scenes of any war movie, and instantly
elevates this picture above its 1970s-era counterpart, "Battle For The Planet Of The
Apes".
The PG-13 rated picture has some tonal and pacing issues towards the middle, as it drastically
shifts from a war movie to a prisoner-of-war movie.
I didn't particularly care for a few of the more convenient plot twists, either.
After 49 years though, these characters and stories are still impressive, and consistently
entertain - even paying homage to earlier films with clever moments and dialogue references.
A must-watch just for the terrifically well-realized motion capture effects, "War For The Planet
Of The Apes" is a thrilling example of why this trilogy is 'together, strong'.
And here's what you had to say about it.
Some called it the best yet, while others felt it was a downgrade.
Your scores averaged to a 9/10.
I agree, I felt this was an AWESOME film.
That does it for this quick excerpt - but if you'd like to watch more "Movie Night",
click or tap the thumbnails on the left.
And don't forget to visit the Jogwheel YouTube channel to see full episodes of this show
in addition to the other content I produce.
My name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!