Through The Rear Window: 07/30/2017

Monday, July 31, 2017

Movie Review … War For The Planet Of The Apes

For nearly fifty years, the ‘Planet of the Apes’ films have been enduring successes. The key to longevity has been its depth making it more than an action-adventure ‘monkey movie’. It has always been about how humans should share the world and accept those that are different. Unfortunately this theme is more than relevant today with prejudices still sadly seen. The third in the re-booted series and ninth movie in the overall franchise, ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ continues these issues in its usual startling manner.

Leader of a tribe of genetically enhanced apes, Caesar (Andy Serkis) fights a never-ending battle. At war with earth’s humans, the reluctant simian warrior just wants peace amongst all inhabitants. Peace becomes unlikely due to people such as The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) who stops at nothing to eradicate the apes. The ongoing antagonism quickly escalates with the war’s conclusion only allowing one victor to rule the planet.

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ succeeds due to integrity. This isn’t a quick sequel cash-in full of non-stop action. It’s a thought-provoking adventure/drama film filled with genuine emotional intensity. The action is incredible but it’s the personal moments in between that stay with you. Caesar’s conflict feels genuine as he battles his animalistic and intellectual side as he tries not to give in to simple hate. This drives him and his friends to seek new horizons amidst a gripping tale of survival. The narrative connects seamlessly with previous entries, making ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ an invaluable addition to the series.

Director Matt Reeves deserves praise for making us care about CGI apes. Each have their own characteristics making them unique and are amazingly rendered. Unlike many CGI-driven films, ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ is exceptional in its detail for the primates and overall effects. The CGI allows you to fully invest in the story with a freedom of movement adding to the realism. The cast are all first-rate although it’s amusing seeing how the apes are more interesting to watch than their human counter-parts. Money has clearly been spent in all areas to craft a solid movie and it is gratifying knowing care has been taken in producing a good story.

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ rounds out the current series well. Whether it’s the ‘final chapter’ is up to how many box office dollars it makes. It’s a great sequel and a strong western-style move in its own right. It does good credit to a long-running franchise continuing to fascinate decades after it blazed a trail on the silver screen.

Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

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Movie Review … The Trip To Spain

Originally conceived as a TV show, the ‘Trip’ movies have been popular. An edited version of the third series, ‘The Trip to Spain’ utilises the talents of comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Portraying fictionalised versions of themselves, they travel the best restaurants in Spain in the guise of doing culinary reviews for the Observer newspaper. Their third co-conspirator is director Michael Winterbottom who uses skills for documentary-style filmmaking to good effect.

‘The Trip to Spain’ is almost like the premise for ‘Seinfeld’. Whilst the latter was a ‘show about nothing’, the former is basically a loose collage of amusing incidents full of ab-libbed lunacy. Their style of humour may be an acquired taste as the movie rests firmly on their shoulders. The comedy doesn’t always hit the mark but there are more hits than misses. Coogan as the arrogant lonely egotist and Brydon as the easy-going family man are a strange but amusing combination. They work well together as often hilarious sparring partners.

Fans of previous entries will appreciate how far both men have come. As the series ages, so do they with their experiences defining how they look at themselves and life in general. This has an impact on their latest journey as they reflect on where they’ve been and where they want to go. Whilst it’s clear they are playing heightened renderings of their personas, the quieter moments have as much impact as the comedy. Family and career issues weigh heavily on both men with these uniting them.

‘The Trip to Spain’ is enlivened by locations and Winterbottom’s smooth direction. He wrings much from gorgeous locales with the cinematography wonderfully showing off Spain’s beauty. Coogan and Brydon clearly have a great time walking amongst the locales and dining on mouth-watering food. Foodies of all ages will enjoy the treats on display making it advisable not to see this movie on an empty stomach.

The quirky directorial flourishes and consistently amusing humour make ‘The Trip to Spain’ a trip worth taking. There’s no need to have seen the other instalments although fans of the series should enjoy this just as much. Another trip with this duo wouldn’t be unwelcome with the culinary comedians affable companions most would enjoy as travel-mates.

Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7