Go Ape.

Directed by Matt Reeves

Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller

The third is always the worst. That's what they say, but I don't know if I can agree with that this time round, because of Matt Reeves' Ape's prequel trilogy, this is the best. It's one of the best Ape films since the original 1968 film, and I was blown away with how unexpected it turned out to be. It did feel very 'Dawn' from the trailers, so I felt it would be too similar. But I was wrong. Sheer silence flood the cinema at my showing, and despite having to watch it in 3D, it didn't matter, this is one of this year's best movies so far.

So we pick up where we left off from Dawn, with Koba's acts influencing a war between the apes led by Caesar (Serkis) and the humans led by the sinister 'Colonel' (Harrelson). When the safety of Caesar's people is threatened, he prepares an assault on the humans, a final act that will hopefully end the conflict for good - but not before running into a mysterious young girl who seems more ape than human.

Now I was skeptical at first, with the first act being a little too slow for my liking. That quickly changes as the conflict properly kicks off and Caesar and the Colonel meet for the first time (in a very powerful and excellently shot scene) and we are giving a refreshing reminder of what kind of a character Caesar is. He's played to the fullest by Serkis who gives one of the best performances of the year, and absolutely incredible. I have to applaud Harrelson's Colonel who also proves to be a very intimidating villain. The ape actors are all as good as they always have been, with the new addition 'Bad Ape' being a highlight. He provides much of the comic relief in the film, which is great every time, and I have to compliment Reeves for not utilising this too much, as a little is ok, but overdoing it would have ruined the tone.

Speaking of the tone, it is constant and as impactful as you'd least expect it to be. The second and third act are given a heavy, dark tone that really shows the brutality of humanity and really allows Serkis to do his best work. It's also a very emotional film that, if you've stuck with the series, will possibly have you tearing up at points. Reeves knows how to provoke reactions in this film and he sure does it well. There's a lot of symbolism, obvious, but it's supposed to be. This is a film that really makes you think and dwell, and there is something extremely marvellous about that. The opening scene is just as strong and it reminds you how dark and gritty a film about apes can be. If you're big fans of the franchise as a whole you'll notice and uncover many easter eggs for the future of the franchise that'll make you grin and gawp.

On the technical side of things, the motion capture works with Serkis again like a treat, as it does with all of the apes. Every facial movement is recorded with extreme detail and you can really see Serkis' face shine through. The visual effects are pretty strong, the ending battle scene is a marvel to watch and feels very gritty and isn't over exaggerated at all - it's highly entertaining in that respect. I have to comment on the cinematography as well which, in some scenes, provides some of the best cinematography I've seen all year. Every shot and every frame is well considered for detail. But one technical aspect I have to pick on in particular, and that is the music (ok, not that technical) but it's something that works fantastically well with the rest of the film. The score is just as deep as the film, and there are some clever musical nods to the original films too, if you prick up your ears enough.

It's a shame that a film such as this may not get the reception it deserves compared to other franchises, and it should. The ending to this trilogy is one that shines above so many final series films that it really does need your attention. If you've not seen the rest of the films, watch them soon and then go see this. You'll be sold immediately. The film truly respects the franchise, the characters, the impact it has on it's audience and finally film as a whole. Glorious applause isn't enough.

The Good

- Serkis' Caesar 

- Well respected tone

- Wonderfully written and directed

- Visual effects and motion capture

- Music and cinematography compliment each scene terrifically 

- Truly impactful 

The Bad

- Some pacing problems in the first act