WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (2017)

Genre: Adventure / Science Fiction

Running Length: 2:20

Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Amiah Miller, Terry Notary, Ty Olsson

Director: Matt Reeves 

Screenplay: Mark Bomback & Matt Reeves 

What I learned from this movie is that leaders are flawed individuals too. They are capable of making irrational mistakes (which could lead to grave consequences). When they err, most leaders will usually cover up, blame others, deny or rationalise their actions. But when a leader acknowledges his own flaws, apologizes and quickly rebound to make good with his actions, his people would trust him even more because they see authenticity, ownership and courage. And courage begets courage because these followers will most likely ape their leader's actions. So when tough times come, these followers will most likely rise up and take ownership of their problems too.

Just like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES defies the conventional summer blockbuster. You would think from the trailer and the title for this final film to the prequel trilogy will lead movie goers to a full-on apes vs humans battle finale, but instead, the filmmakers choose NOT to take the predictable path. 

What we are presented instead is a tale on betrayal, obsession and sacrifice. Everytime I thought I knew where the film was going, it took me to a complete unexpected direction. Some would find such an approach fresh, but I personally think it was tad overdone. Perhaps I like my movies to go deep instead of wide ie. explore only one, maximum two themes but expound on it.   

And it doesn't help that War borrows heavily from classic war pictures and epic biblical movies. As a result, there are just too many references from scenes of finding the promised land to public flogging and crucifixion to an Act of God intervention. It felt a little copy-and-paste at times. 

That aside, the motion capture special effects that transform Andy Serkis into Caesar, as well as the other actors into the different ape characters is the highlight for me. It's the most impressive technical achievement I've ever seen. The close-ups are so realistic I actually felt the emotions and compassion, especially from Maurice the orangutan (played tenderly by Konoval). Harrelson who plays the human character here is equally brilliant too.   

Just like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in the original trilogy, Dawn was my favourite because it became deeper and darker thus it carried the highest emotional impact. But if viewed as an entire arc, War is a fitting way to end this excellent trilogy. It is a satisfying conclusion to witness the journey undertaken by Caesar from a baby in Rise to a reluctant leader in Dawn and finally to a Moses-like leader in War.

RATING: 8.5/10 

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (2016)

Genre: Drama / Comedy
Running Length: 1:58
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Shree Crooks, Nicholas Hamilton, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Ann Dowd, Frank Langella, Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn, George MacKay, Charlie Shotwell
Director: Matt Ross
Screenplay: Matt Ross

In the summer season where blockbusters are meant to be a spectacle fest with loud noises and kinetic action sequences, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC offers an alternative. It's a small and quiet movie anchored around the theme of parenting (so no, this is not another superhero movie).

This film explores two different approaches to raising a family; back-to-nature experiential technique vs. the conventional way. Although the film leans towards the appeal of the former approach (at least from a philosophical standpoint), it balances out pretty well with the practicality of the latter.

Mortensen plays the role of the father raising his six kids away from society in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. His wife had to be separated from the family to seek medical attention in the city for her serious condition. Not long thereafter, she took her own life.

I'm not spoiling the movie because all these happened at the very beginning. For most of the film, we follow this family's road trip which they are forced to take - a journey to the city to attend their mother's funeral.

The synopsis above definitely gives out the vibes of Little Miss Sunshine, the other small quirky film that was both a critical and commercial hit a while back. Although this film has its funny moments, it's primarily a drama. There are some very powerful moments especially the emotional reactions from the children when they found out that they will never see their mother again.

The other potent scene that got me is when his eldest son confronted Mortensen's character on his upbringing techniques, "Unless it comes out of a <expletive> book I don’t know ANYTHING about ANYTHING!" This is an actor's movie and the performances are strong across-the-board. Mortensen is ideally cast but it's Langella's portrayal as our protagonist late wife's conservative dad that captivated me.

Although this probably won't end up winning any major awards, Captain Fantastic is still a refreshing original story from Hollywood.

Rating: 8/10