Film: War for the planet of the apes

Without any fanfare, the Planet of the Apes series has come to guarantee amazing visual entertainment that is not at the expense of a good story with themes that are actually worth thinking about.

You don’t even need to believe in superpowers to enjoy these films. But you do have to accept talking, sensitive apes. That is made much easier by astounding modern technology. Other than their exuberant hair growth, these clever apes are not too different from us humans.

Nevertheless, the two species come into conflict and even the peace-loving ape leader Caesar falls prey to a blind craving for revenge. He is faced with an army colonel (Woody Harrelson) who is as mad as Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now (some wall graffiti proclaims Ape-pocalypse) but is much more dangerous and dynamic.

As is so often the case, war brings out the worst in people. Their days are numbered. This sombre, gripping war drama doesn’t pull any punches. Apes and humans die in their droves, even if they are primary characters and even when it hurts to watch it. We can only hope that other filmmakers will ape the attitude, intelligence, and quality of this blockbuster.

> War for the planet of the apes. US, dir.: Matt Reeves, act.: Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, Judy Greer