Going Ape for War for the Planet of the Apes

by Kaitlyn Dillard

War for the Planet of the Apes, the third installation in the Planet of the Apes franchise, is a meandering
moral compass story that focuses on the main character, a primate called Caesar. The main plot of War for
the Planet of the Apes follows Caesar as he struggles with his leadership and his desire to avenge the
death of his family at the hands of a human soldier who is just known by his rank-Colonel.

Caesar is a complex character that brings the audience along his journey, and he is also the most relatable
figure throughout the whole movie. He is a respectable figure, reminiscent of the Shakespearean figure of
the same name, who has to grapple with his need for revenge and the legacy of his leadership which was
founded on peace with humanity. War for the Planet of the Apes returns and heavily focuses on the theme
that has been the foundation for the whole franchise what truly constitutes humanity?

The Colonel, played by Woody Harrelson, parallels with Caesars journey, contrasting his moral journey
with the Colonels personal vendetta against the primates. Harrelson is a perfectly written character and
also a fantastic villain. He is the poster child for just how far humanity will go to keep what they believe
makes them human.

As Caesar is facing a moral battle within himself, his fellow primates are also at risk of being
exterminated by humans. Audiences saw a glimpse of the hate that has been cultivated within humans
towards the primates who have gained a higher level of conscience. War for the Planet of the Apes is no
different. Defectors from Caesars tribe have become lackeys in the Colonels army, and are called
Donkey, a snide reference to the video game character Donkey Kong. Highlighting the descent into
savagery, the disease known as the simian flu, which wiped out a percentage of humanity, has mutated,
attacking the vocal cords and making it to where humans can no longer speak.

However, the most stunning feature of War for the Planet of the Apes is not the plot but the computer
generated primates. While watching the film, you dont even recognize or pay attention to the fact that
Caesar and his companions are not real monkeys. The film also utilizes the new found technique of
performance capture, where the actor, in this case Andy Serkis who plays Caesar, acts out the scenes
while a computer monitors not only his movements but his emotions.

War for the Planet of the Apes receives 2.5 Os out of 5s. It is not the most exciting summer film that has
come out this season, but it holds up as a interestingly complex close to the franchise, making it a film to
see.

Visit the Orpheum this summer for all of your movie needs. Movies run Monday through Friday at 7:15
p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. For more information and movie titles and
times, contact the Orpheum at 918-756-2270.