War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) SPOILER FREE Movie Review
War for the Planet of the Apes opens in theatres on July 14th. It is directed by Matt Reeves and stars Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller, Steve Zahn, as well as others.
I was lucky enough to watch this movie very early about a month ago sometime in June, and they asked us to share our enthusiasm in social media and whatnot.
After watching this movie I was very enthusiastic, and you should be too because the movie is astounding.
It really is. Yeah.
After watching this movie, I was slightly worried. I was afraid that people simply would not watch this movie. Everyone is willing to go to movies like Suicide Squad in a heartbeat, and even this movie is being eclipsed by The Batman (which is also being directed by Matt Reeves) on its press tour right now. It isn't unheard of that mediocre movies are doing better than truly good movies in the box office in the day and age. With movies like Spiderman Homecoming in theatres and Valerian/Dunkirk coming out in a week, this movie could very well be in the shadow of these bigger marketed movies. That being said...
GO WATCH THIS MOVIE!
What this movie has that really surprised me in was its story. Even the title its presented as a war, but it really isn't. Its a very personal story following Caesar, and ultimately it is Caesar's narrative throughout the movie that keeps it engaging and very dark. The story is also not light, but rather heavy, substantial, and heavy. Every piece of dialogue is important, and not "throwaway", and it is also very much a commentary of human nature, especially of that during times of crisis. There is also a sense of mystery throughout the movie that I found very surprising and very integral to the plot.
Also, at a point of the movie, it loosens up and becomes even more entertaining. That doesn't mean what comes before it uninteresting because it is nowhere near that. This shift in tone didn't bother me at all and felt slightly relieving considering the intense tone before.
In terms of acting, Andy Serkis absolutely blew me away. The apes can now talk in almost full paragraphs and that allows Andy Serkis to speak in more intense monologues. His motion-capture is impressive and the way he personifies Caesar is incredible. He makes Caesar feel more relatable in this movie that even the human characters. Another performance that surprised me was Steve Zahn as Bad Ape. He adds a needed comedic and light sense to the movie and he works well in every scene he is in. Woody Harrelson is also pretty good in the movie, but I didn't buy him as I did a character like Caesar. His character motivation seemed inserted in the movie for added emotion, and he felt somewhat stereotypical in his role. However, that problem could also be attributed to the script. Amiah Miller plays Nova, and I won't really talk about her because I knew nothing about her going in. She is very good in the movie and adds so much depth and humanity to the movie, as well adds to the plot.
One aspect of this movie that many won't even take into their minds is the visual effects. It is absolutely jaw-dropping and breathtaking. I'm sure they used practical effects as well but honestly, sometimes I could not even tell the two apart. The apes move as if they are real (that could also be related to the acting as well). There are really no words to describe how well done the special effects are done. If this does not win the Oscar for visual effects there is something truly wrong with the Academy (if we didn't already know that)
What else to praise, hmm. The cinematography is very well done. Most of the movie takes place in a snowy environment and those shots look beautiful. The action is also very epic and when it goes on it is completely, (wait for it), apes and bananas. There really is no extended war scene but it really isn't needed. Michael Giacchino's score is fantastic and adds so much to the movie. As soon as I left the theatre I wanted to listen to it again. It isn't generic and is just amazing. Overall, basically every aspect of this movie works.
Overall, Matt Reeves directed the perfect follow-up to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. It is a very personal, emotional, breathtaking movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It deserves a watch, even if you don't typically watch this type of film. This isn't just a very, very well done summer blockbuster, its a beautiful film. I wrote this review so that I could get you guys to go and watch this movie. Go. Go as soon as possible. Don't skip this one. You probably won't regret it.
I will give War for the Planet of the Apes a 9.7/10.
Seriously, this is a very good movie that will make you gasp, laugh, cry, and in the end, leave you very satisfied. It is better than Rise and Dawn. Don't wait on it, don't torrent it or whatever, go watch it as it should be experienced.
Sk out!
I was lucky enough to watch this movie very early about a month ago sometime in June, and they asked us to share our enthusiasm in social media and whatnot.
After watching this movie I was very enthusiastic, and you should be too because the movie is astounding.
It really is. Yeah.
After watching this movie, I was slightly worried. I was afraid that people simply would not watch this movie. Everyone is willing to go to movies like Suicide Squad in a heartbeat, and even this movie is being eclipsed by The Batman (which is also being directed by Matt Reeves) on its press tour right now. It isn't unheard of that mediocre movies are doing better than truly good movies in the box office in the day and age. With movies like Spiderman Homecoming in theatres and Valerian/Dunkirk coming out in a week, this movie could very well be in the shadow of these bigger marketed movies. That being said...
GO WATCH THIS MOVIE!
What this movie has that really surprised me in was its story. Even the title its presented as a war, but it really isn't. Its a very personal story following Caesar, and ultimately it is Caesar's narrative throughout the movie that keeps it engaging and very dark. The story is also not light, but rather heavy, substantial, and heavy. Every piece of dialogue is important, and not "throwaway", and it is also very much a commentary of human nature, especially of that during times of crisis. There is also a sense of mystery throughout the movie that I found very surprising and very integral to the plot.
Also, at a point of the movie, it loosens up and becomes even more entertaining. That doesn't mean what comes before it uninteresting because it is nowhere near that. This shift in tone didn't bother me at all and felt slightly relieving considering the intense tone before.
In terms of acting, Andy Serkis absolutely blew me away. The apes can now talk in almost full paragraphs and that allows Andy Serkis to speak in more intense monologues. His motion-capture is impressive and the way he personifies Caesar is incredible. He makes Caesar feel more relatable in this movie that even the human characters. Another performance that surprised me was Steve Zahn as Bad Ape. He adds a needed comedic and light sense to the movie and he works well in every scene he is in. Woody Harrelson is also pretty good in the movie, but I didn't buy him as I did a character like Caesar. His character motivation seemed inserted in the movie for added emotion, and he felt somewhat stereotypical in his role. However, that problem could also be attributed to the script. Amiah Miller plays Nova, and I won't really talk about her because I knew nothing about her going in. She is very good in the movie and adds so much depth and humanity to the movie, as well adds to the plot.
One aspect of this movie that many won't even take into their minds is the visual effects. It is absolutely jaw-dropping and breathtaking. I'm sure they used practical effects as well but honestly, sometimes I could not even tell the two apart. The apes move as if they are real (that could also be related to the acting as well). There are really no words to describe how well done the special effects are done. If this does not win the Oscar for visual effects there is something truly wrong with the Academy (if we didn't already know that)
What else to praise, hmm. The cinematography is very well done. Most of the movie takes place in a snowy environment and those shots look beautiful. The action is also very epic and when it goes on it is completely, (wait for it), apes and bananas. There really is no extended war scene but it really isn't needed. Michael Giacchino's score is fantastic and adds so much to the movie. As soon as I left the theatre I wanted to listen to it again. It isn't generic and is just amazing. Overall, basically every aspect of this movie works.
Overall, Matt Reeves directed the perfect follow-up to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. It is a very personal, emotional, breathtaking movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It deserves a watch, even if you don't typically watch this type of film. This isn't just a very, very well done summer blockbuster, its a beautiful film. I wrote this review so that I could get you guys to go and watch this movie. Go. Go as soon as possible. Don't skip this one. You probably won't regret it.
I will give War for the Planet of the Apes a 9.7/10.
Seriously, this is a very good movie that will make you gasp, laugh, cry, and in the end, leave you very satisfied. It is better than Rise and Dawn. Don't wait on it, don't torrent it or whatever, go watch it as it should be experienced.
Sk out!
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