“War for the Planet of the Apes” Movie Review

“War for the Planet of the Apes” (WPA) is a satisfactory conclusion (it does leave the possibility of future movies though) to a trilogy that has been able to combine heavy themes like war, subjugation and the hope for peace with the spectacle we come to expect of action movies. The series has improved with each addition, and ends on a high with WPA.

A word of advice, you do need to be caught up on the previous instalments (atleast “Dawn”) to fully enjoy this movie – the text during the opening credits aren’t enough. WPA starts off not long after the events of “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”. Despite the efforts of their leader Caesar (Andy Serkis), the apes are being targeted by an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson). When an attack by the humans leads to tragedy, Caesar sends his clan of apes to relocate across the desert as he sets off with a few others to exact revenge on the Colonel.

Matt Reeves is at the top of his game here. WPA is predominantly a war movie, and draws inspiration from movies like “The Great Escape” and “Apocalypse Now”, among others. The battle scenes in particular are very well executed, and the first scene in particular brilliantly captures the essence of war. But the focus is more on the emotional aspects, and the movie is more a meditation on the cost of war and themes of revenge, compassion and tolerance. In fact, the middle portion of the movie is quite slow as Caesar and his group make their way to find the humans. The portions with the little girl whom they come across, though a good plot device, feel like the brakes have been pressed hard, and slow down proceedings in a big way. That’s not to say it’s all slow and plodding. The moments of confrontation between Caesar and the Colonel were, for me, among the best moments of the film. 

Unlike the last movie, there are some lighter moments in the movie, mostly on account of the new character ‘Bad Ape’. These moments give the movie a more ‘filmy’ feel, but Matt Reeves is able to create a good balance between these lighter moments and the greater themes the movie wants to convey while still being a big budget action movie.

The performances are excellent. Woody Harrelson as the Colonel brings humanity to the character, and it helps that his character is very well written. The other supporting cast is also exceptional. But the movie undoubtedly belongs to Andy Serkis, who conveys so much emotion despite not having a lot of lines. It helps that the CGI has advanced, which helps to showcase his performance all the more. The CGI is so advanced that you have to remind yourself that the apes are computer generated. 

All in all, despite the inconsistent pacing, this is a solid movie and well worth a watch.