Early War for the Planet of the Apes Reviews and Reactions

Early War for the Planet of the Apes Reviews and Reactions

The third installment in the Apes franchise is here, and it looks to capitalize on an excellent cast and the success of the previous two films. The War is here, and Apes look to dominate, both in the film and in the box office/among critics.

Andy Serkis gives an Oscar-worthy Performance

Long before this film, as soon as fans saw Serkis in a motion capture suit as Gollum, they began to realize just how incredible he is. Since then, he's played Snoke and Caesar in two mega franchises, and this film looks like it's the one that may get him the recognition he deserves. Serkis's motion capture performances have been excellent, but the emotion and heart and character he puts into Caesar transcends the motion-capture itself and comes out in his performance, some claiming it to be Oscar-Worthy. 

Matt Reeves's Direction is Fantastic

The director of the upcoming Batman film returns to direct the third movie in the franchise. This time around, the world is bleak as Apes run amuck and the humans fight to survive. Reeves's eye for the capturing moments and scenes are on display in full force in this film as he brings the same grit and realism he did to the previous film. 

Poor Script?

With all the praise this film is receiving, one issue that some critics seem to have is that the script is paper-thin. while there is not much need for talking as the actors all give their emotions through their performances, it is worth noting that at times, the script is thing and flimsy. 

Apes or Humans?

One thing most people are saying is that at times, the apes are more compelling characters than humans. Take that how you want, but Caesar and Maurice come off as more well-rounded characters than humans like Woody Harrelson's character. 

Where's the War?

One comment a critic made is that although this film is called War for the Planet of the Apes, there is no huge war. While fans might be expect a grand finale and a huge skirmish, there is not one. That is not to say that this detracts from the movie - it does not, but the point is made that action is not a huge selling point in this film. 

A Drama at Heart

And since action is not the main point of the film, the director and the actors choose to focus on the dramatic aspects of the film. The drama between Caesar and the humans and the internal conflict that he feels is drawn out as we begin to see the bigger picture and are forced to choose a side. 

The General Consensus

This film is a fantastic third entry to the series. Whether or not it is better or worse than the other ones remains to be seen, but it is worth seeing for its A-level performances and the fantastic directing of this drama that may bring an end to the trilogy.