Right from the start the “War for the Planet of the Apes” starts off on the wrong foot. The supposed sequel to “The Planet of the Apes” seems to be on a sphere already occupied by humans. The huge colony of indigenous apes has evolved to a high level where most can speak and reason.
The apes’ leader, Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, wants to live in peace with the humans, but his attempts to reach out for common ground are met with rebuke. The Colonel is in charge of the human armed forces and wants to wipe out the apes. The villainous role is played by Woody Harrelson. This is a miss-cast since Harrelson is a former stand-up comedian who cannot seem to shake his roots.
The plot is a thread of apes versus humans. Costuming is outstanding. I cannot imagine being made-up each day of a normal 30-day shoot, but they did it. Where did they get all the monkey suits for the extras?
As I sat in the theater with a large Diet Coke and a medium popcorn I kept wondering why the apes never needed to search for food and water for sustenance.
On the plus side, the background music is some of the best.
I liked the humor interwoven in the plot. There is an intelligent albino orangutan, man’s closest relative. Also a chimpanzee who has escaped from a zoo calls himself “Bad Ape,” whereas he is really the “Good Ape.”
Unfortunately, there is little in redeeming elements to save this film. I rate it as a D movie. Try something else to spend your valuable time on.
“War for the Planet of the Apes” is currently playing at the Old Mill Playhouse in The Villages.
Jack Petro reviews movies for Villages-News.com
