War For The Planet Of The Apes — A Preview

Films to Watch
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

Ahead of writing the retrospective piece on War for the Planet of the Apes, I re-watched the first two films of the series. Especially because of the buzz director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) is getting for The Batman movie. For ‘Dawn’ an initial script was being worked on by ‘Rise’ screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. Later Matt Reeves was hired to direct the sequel and he brought with him a new take on the story.

It’s funny how invested you become when you witness a good story unfold. A story that surprises you and satisfies you at the same time. Ceasers story in The Planet of the Apes movies has been just that. The archetypal heroes journey, of having lost his real parents and growing up to believe that he’s just like this pseudo parent(s) (Harry Potter/Star Wars/etc etc) when later finds out what he is and where he’s meant to live, he accepts that into his true identity. But Caesar is unique in one way from others because in ‘Dawn’ he realizes that that hate and vengeful behavior can come from within his own.

Koba: Koba fight for apes!

After a solid motion captured look.

Caesar: Koba fight for Koba.

He treats Koba as his brother and trusts him because he is also an Ape but that proves to be the reason why war starts between the two species who would otherwise don’t mind to coexist. But the fear of the other attacking them instigates the process of hurt and injury. In ‘Rise’ James Franco’s Will is a great character and his will to push the science of treating Alzheimer’s is genuine because he wishes for his father to get well. The father-son aspects of that with Ceaser as this young ape who’s mother was the first subject of the tests is incredible. Yes the CGI doesn’t hold up just as well but still the Art and Science within the great Anky Serkis stands out in both the films. The shift in director and genres between films has also made this fresh viewing each time you watch the series.

What these films really talk about is how we’re always fearful of the ‘other’. Be it another person from another country or religion or race. We are and we don’t often admit it. These films tap into that fear and makes us curious and gives us hope like all good stories must. Evil can come from within us as well and we’re all capable of doing nasty things to each other and ourselves. So this story in modern times is just so relevant.

Andy Serkis is just great. Just feel like kneeling before his aura. He will get an Oscar. Lifetime Achievement or something or maybe sooner. Guaranteed. One day people will know.

Psyched for ‘War’

Everyone online has talked about how this Arc is one of the best character arcs we’ve ever seen and I would love to get my eyes on it asap.

Recommended hearing while reading this: The Great Ape Processional from Dawn of The Planet of The Apes Soundtrack

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Why watch anything? What snacks to get before watching it? What color do the lights need to be before hitting play? How to live with yourself after a film is o

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