“War for the Planet of the Apes” is a superb finish to the trilogy.
Rarely is the third movie in a trilogy the best one, but “War for the Planet of the Apes” is just that. Concluding the sci-fi tale of evolved apes battling what’s left of mankind, this summer movie raises the bar for tent-pole entertainment. Nuanced acting from leads Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson, a complex score by Michael Giacchino, and production design that could rival “The Revenant” help make this one of the year’s best. Of course, it all starts with a smart script by director Matt Reeves and Mark Bomback which builds character through action, ensures its villains are sympathetic, and seamlessly blends the set-pieces into the character’s journey.
