Movies: Massive Ape-Hunt In “War For The Planet Of The Apes”

Now screening in (Phils.) cinemas nationwide, the massive hunt for apes continues as man slowly faces extinction in the intense and thrilling “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

In “War For The Planet Of The Apes,” the third and climactic chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster trilogy, director Matt Reeves and an all-star cast unleash the rapidly evolving simians into a world boiling over with divisions and rage as the ape vs. human battle for control of the world careens towards the ultimate winner-takes-all decision.

At the core of “War for The Planet of the Apes” is the story not only of the coming of the decisive battle between the rapidly rising apes and desperately declining humans but also of a dark night of the soul for the apes’ noble leader, Caesar. He now faces his most perilous, legend-making moment, and an urgent moral dilemma, as he begins to mistrust his ape principles and any hope for peace with a human species that has wounded him in the deepest of ways.  As the terror of war spreads to the heart of his own family, this is a Caesar at war with humans, but also with himself, one whose burning anger at the suffering he has seen must give way to a new vision if he is to take his kind forward and out of chaos.

Movie Review: War For The Planet Of The Apes

Two things that I did not expect to do as I was watching "War for the Planet of the Apes" 

Laugh. Cry. 

I was honestly so caught up with the characters that I found myself cheering on Caesar and his family of apes rather than cheering for my race (humans can be so mean sometimes, or as is the case in the movie-all the time). 

The film, is a brilliant ending to the trilogy which has redefined this tale of science of fiction and placed it on a larger, blockbuster scale with hints of raw human emotions, you can't help but be moved. 

"War for the Planet of the Apes" delivers on its promise of impressive special effects and breath taking battles but the film's strength is really in its story, and in its characters whom we have come to know in the last few movies. Especially Caesar (Andy Serkis) whose journey we have followed from the first film (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) until this explosive conclusion. 

Michael Bay should take a cue from "War for the Planet of the Apes" director Matt Reeves, who highlighted character and emotions to draw his audiences in over explosions and fight scenes-although the movie lacks none of those action scenes for sure. The heart of the story is Caesar, his journey and his struggles to protect his family and his tribe despite the ever growing threat of humans, in this film represented by the ruthless Colonel, played by the talented Woody Harrelson. 

If you're concerned that you can't remember what happened in the second movie (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) or the first one for that matter (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) don't worry as there is a bit of a reminder at the start of the film. A quick hint though, the first film is the one with James Franco and this is where Caesar comes into his higher form of intelligence, basically where the whole story begins. To understand where "War for the Planet of the Apes" stands, the second movie, (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) ends with an emergency signal being sent out to a military operative and this group has slowly been making its way to Caesar's home and this is where "War for the Planet of the Apes" starts. 

Aside from Woody Harrelson's stone cold performance, which compliments the iron-fisted colonel, there are also a couple of great additions to the film, which definitely help make it the gem that it is. 

Kudos to Steve Zahn's portrayal of 'bad ape' is spot on! A former zoo animal, 'Bad Ape'  learned to speak and got smarter as the humans around him got sicker from the Simian Virus. He escaped the zoo and now lives in isolation as survives as a scavenger. Being alone for a long time has had its toll on 'bad ape' who seems a bit quirky but in a hilarious way that makes you like the character. He is the only comic relief in the film, hence my laughing at some scenes in the film (which I did not expect to do, going into watching the movie) but every time 'bad ape' is in the scene, you will just laugh out loud and love this little guy. 

The other impressive addition to the cast is not a monkey or a man but a young girl, portrayed by 12 year old actress Amiah Miller. Miller plays "Nova" a mute, infected child who unexpectedly becomes part of Caesar's family, much to the insistence of his adviser, Maurice. Since Nova is mute, Miller has had to convey her feelings through her facial expressions and this is something that the child actor was able to do well. Watch out! She plays a surprising pivotal role in the film that will just pull  the rug from under you! 

Throughout the film, Caesar struggles to keep his tribe safe, he also deals with his inner demons and instincts and he must rise above these in order to ensure the safety of his family. 

I must commend on the spot-on musical score of the film from Michael Giacchino which just highlights every bit of emotion in each scene. 

8.5 out of 10 -  the film is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, it has all the elements of a great film, action yes but it is also grounded on the characters and the emotions that they make you feel. Definitely a must see and a contender for one of the top films this year! 

War for the Planet of the Apes is now showing! 

Movies: Apex Of Man And Apes’ Destiny Revealed In “War For The Planet Of The Apes"

The groundbreaking technological action adventure blockbuster franchise “Planet of the Apes” returns with alpha ape Caesar meeting his most formidable foe in the third chapter “War for the Planet of the Apes” that will open in Philippine cinemas on July 12.

           

From the first contemporary reboot of the franchise in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011), the very first live-action film in the history of movies to star, and be told from the point of view of, a sentient (ape) animal, Caesar grew up under the care of his human friend Will (played by James Franco) after being saved in the facility where he was born.  Caesar became a super-intelligent chimpanzee who at a young age sees humans as being capable of wonderful things, like art and reason. And then he begins to see humanity’s dark side – oppression, bigotry, and the ostracizing of his species. Caesar ended up liberating all the other primates from captivity.  What transpired next in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) cemented Caesar’s place as the leader of a growing nation of genetically evolved apes that are threatened by a band of human survivors. Humans and apes soon reach a fragile peace in “Dawn”, but it proved short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Now, in “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the latest instalment of the arresting action adventure franchise directed by Matt Reeves, Caesar (played in performance capture by award-winning Andy Serkis) goes head to head with his army against the Colonel’s (Woody Harrelson, “Hunger Games”) powerful armada fighting the ultimate battle of survival and reign over earth.  Caesar, an intrinsically benevolent ape as seen in previous early materials for the release of “War for the Planet of the Apes” warns that war has begun, even apologizing that such imminence came to be.  Conflicted with empathy for humans and the survival of his community, Caesar is then forced into battle leading his pack against humans.   

Movies: Man And Apes’ Final Face-Off In “War For The Planet Of The Apes” On July 12 (Phils.)

The last trailer reveal of “War for the Planet of the Apes” sees two legendary leaders Caesar (performed in motion capture by Andy Serkis) and the Colonel (Woody Harrelson) face each other off to protect their own species from extinction.  Check latest trailer here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrNBrJIfGY

Reaching fever-pitch in anticipation as reflected in global indicator such as www.rottentomatoes.com, the movie has so far scored a 98% high in the want-to-see meter and enjoys a 96% high on the critics’ corner stating that the movie combines breathtaking special effects and a powerful, poignant narrative that concludes the blockbuster trilogy.  Meanwhile, on the local scene at www.clickthecity.com, “War for the Planet of the Apes” enjoys a full 5-star Users’ Rating on the said online portal.
             
Breathless action, big ideas and potent storytelling combine as “War For the Planet of the Apes”, the third and final chapter in the trilogy pushes the blockbuster series into new realms of legend-building as it explores the values that forge a civilization.  It all comes to life driven by the most complex and intense performance by Andy Serkis yet as the majestic Caesar, and groundbreaking visual effects from Weta Digital.  Also returning to the series is Karin Konoval as Caesar’s trusted advisor, Maurice, Terry Notary as Caesar’s right-hand man, Rocket, as well as Judy Greer as Caesar’s wife Cornelia and Toby Kebbell as Koba.

Movies: Young Actress Amiah Miller Plays Pivotal Role In “War For The Planet Of The Apes”

One of the most surprising characters in the highly-anticipated “War For The Planet of the Apes” is not an ape or a man … but a little girl with breathtaking courage. Amiah Miller, in her first major role plays a mute, virus-ravaged human child who comes to be known as Nova – and becomes an essential part of the apes’ journey to their new home.

“War for the Planet of the Apes” is set fifteen years after a scientific experiment had gone wrong that gave rise to the intelligent Apes and almost wiped out the human race.  The colonists and apes struggled to coexist but their fragile peace was shattered and Caesar (played by Andy Serkis), leader of the apes, attempted to restore order.  But there was no turning back from the brutal fighting that has already begun.

At heart, this is the story of both a military and emotional last stand.  As peace between species has collapsed -- and a renegade band of human soldiers led by an imperious Colonel (Woody Harrelson) makes a final, all-out attack -- Caesar is hit with an unimaginable personal loss and a dark line inside his psyche is crossed.  Now, he is wrestling with merciless impulses and roiling doubts about his own ability to inspire the apes towards freedom. But if the apes are to survive the coming conflict, Caesar must lead.  In a time when empathy and compassion have nearly vanished both in the world and his heart, Caesar searches for the grit, sense of fellowship and striving vision to lead the apes towards a future of hope.  

Movies: Amazing Before & After Movie Stills Using Mo-Cap In “War For The Planet Of The Apes”

Humanity’s last stand is at stake in the upcoming epic action “War for the Planet of the Apes” where peace is shattered in a winner-takes-all war for the planet. Here we see the incredible transformation of the actors in mo-cap (motion capture) technology as they bring their characters to life on the big screen.

As the war rages on in “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the third and climactic chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster trilogy, director Matt Reeves and an all-star cast unleash the rapidly evolving simians into a world boiling over with anger and revenge.  In a flurry of mythic filmmaking, audiences will witness the pivotal moment that determines the fate of human civilization forever –and be immersed in the ape leader Caesar’s emotional quest to lead his young society to a new home, even as a war between his belief in family and honor versus the lure of a vengeful reckoning churns within his soul.

Big ideas and potent storytelling combine as “War For the Planet of the Apes” pushes the series into new realms of legend-building as it explores the values that forge a civilization.  It all comes to life driven by the most complex and intense performance by Andy Serkis yet as the majestic Caesar, and groundbreaking visual effects from Weta Digital.  Also returning to the series is Karin Konoval as Caesar’s trusted advisor, Maurice, Terry Notary as Caesar’s right-hand man, Rocket, as well as Judy Greer as Caesar’s wife Cornelia and Toby Kebbell as Koba.  

Movies: 20th Century Fox Partners with the Jane Goodall Institute to Aid in Rehabilitation of Chimpanzees in Honor of “War for the Planet of the Apes”

In honor of the upcoming release of War for the Planet of the Apes, 20th Century Fox has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to provide care for rescued chimpanzees, many of whom are victims of the illegal commercial bushmeat and pet trades. Housed and cared for on three forested island sanctuary sites and a mainland sanctuary site at the Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in Republic of Congo, nearly 150 chimpanzees will benefit from this partnership.

“I think that the Planet of the Apes series makes people think about the apes and perhaps our relationship to them,” says Dr. Jane Goodall. “And anything that makes us think about our own humanity in relation to the rest of the animal kingdom is important.  So I think the series has helped”.
                                                                                                     
“It is an honor and a privilege to partner with the Jane Goodall Institute in providing needed care for our closest living animal relatives,” said the film’s director Matt Reeves. “Over the course of filming Caesar’s cinematic journey, it’s fascinated me to learn so much about apes and chimpanzees, these amazing sentient animals who organize, strategize and even socialize in much the same way as humans.  Our hope is this reimagined Apes franchise will spark a fresh awareness, compassion and respect for these majestic species for generations to come.”

Movies: Whose End Will Prevail In “War For The Planet Of The Apes” On July 12

The greatest war will be fought in the upcoming highly-anticipated action event of the year in “War for the Planet of the Apes”.  In the latest trailer reveal of the movie, tension between man and ape has reached boiling point that brings both in extreme warfare battle.

Directed by Matt Reeves, “War for the Planet of the Apes” gathers an extremely impressive cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller, Andy Serkis, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Devyn Dalton, Terry Notary and Ty Olson.

In “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

Witness the all-out war for survival when “War for the Planet of the Apes” hits Philippine cinemas on July 12 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

https://www.facebook.com/20thcenturyfoxphilippines/videos/10158671787050582/

Movies: Final Epic War Between Man & Ape In Trailer 2 Reveal Of “War For The Planet Of The Apes”

The tension between man and ape has reached its peak leading to “War for the Planet of the Apes” as revealed in its second trailer.  The latest trailer reveals an armada from both sides of the war in a series of intense, explosive confrontations between man and ape on who truly is the rightful heir of the planet.

In “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

Directed and written by Matt Reeves (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Cloverfield”), “War for the Planet of the Apes” stars Andy Serkis as Caesar, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer and Terry Notary.

Join man and ape in the biggest and definitive battle for freedom, family and the planet in “War for the Planet of the Apes” when it opens July 12 in Philippine cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.                          
“War for the Planet of the Apes” trailer links here:  https://youtu.be/dlRd0KUNMl0  http://bit.ly/2onheJf

Coinciding the with the release of second trailer, leads Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson had a live Q&A on Facebook with IGN for the trailer breakdown of “War for the Planet of the Apes.”  - https://www.facebook.com/ign/videos/10154644149766633/