Directed by: Matt Reeves.
Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller.
Two years after the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the war between man and ape continues with the lines continuing to blur between the two. Caesar and family are back with hopes for peace and safety but the humans have other plans. Consumed with grief and rage over the loss of his family and his shrewdness enslaved in cages Caesar must do what he can to save his kind, whether that's by doing things the right way or the wrong.
War for the Planet of the Apes is the most hyperreal addition yet with the apes becoming more human-like and emotive with every scene. With the CGI and special effects managing to capture every detail from fur to wrinkles paired with the stunning cinematography creates an on-screen universe that is hard not to go sucked into and easy to forget is fake.
With the CGI advancing from it's previous series, as does the writing. With themes of war and power it's hard not to imagine this is as a political reflection of today's world and the possibilities of what could happen if peace isn't priority. Not only this but the character development of Caesar and co is outstanding, with the apes starting to show real emotion, depth and intelligence (arguably more so than the humans), it's impossible not to root for them.
This third Planet of the Apes installment is the strongest yet, in all aspects of it's production. Not only is it an emotional rollercoaster, one which is not for sensitive souls, but it is a great piece of art that many lessons can be learnt from. The fresh addition of humour through new character, Chimpanzee named Bad Ape, makes the tear-jerking and anxiety inducing trilogy a lot easier to watch.
Whilst rumours of a Planet of the Apes 4 are circling, it's hard to imagine what could come next with the demise of core influential characters but if there's anything we know, it's that Planet of the Apes knows how to do a franchise to justice.
