Now it is…Review Time!
With a darker approach to the storyline, steller performances, heart-pounding music, as well as great action sequences, War of the Planet of the Apes has a satisfactory conclusion to its reboot trilogy.
Following after the events of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), after witnessing members of his kind being killed, Caesar (played magnetically by Andy Serkis) goes on a revenge-fueled journey to battle against the Colonel (played by the always brilliant Woody Harrelson).
Pros:
Opening Titles:
Once the film starts, you see unexpected opening titles that even includes words from its predecessors.
Visual Effects:
Firstly, it, as usual, does not disappoint, the majority of the visual appeal being motion capture technology (which Serkis is definitely no stranger to), and secondly, I will not be surprised if it gets nominated at the next Oscars.
Story:
Drawing inspiration from The Bridge of the River Kwai (1957) as well as The Great Escape (1963), the film, as mentioned previously, has a more darker tone than its predecessor in that this time, its war between the apes and humans.
Acting:
Dynamite performances. Particular praise goes to Serkis and Harrelson of course, as well as the supporting cast that also includes newcomer Amiah Miller as Nova, whom Planet of the Apes fans might be familiar with.
Characters:
There are some you care about, like Caesar, while others are simply there to hate (even though they play it well), such as Harrelson’s Colonel.
Cinematography:
Stunning while also praising the scenery which, according to my research, is set in parts of Canada.
Sound Effects:
Again, it is no surprise if the sound team gets nominated for their explosively excellent work.
Music score:
Composed by Oscar winner Michael Giacchino, who won his award for his work on the charming animated film Up (2009), the score superbly ranges from being emotional to thrilling.
Cons:
Predictability:
You immediately know that things end badly to some characters, which will not be spoiled here.
On a personal note, my cry count is 2.
Overall, this is one obvious blockbuster not to be missed for science fiction and nostalgic fans, who are into the classic franchise, and perhaps one of the best of 2017 so far.
