I’m thinking that I’ll go ahead and keep the trilogy theme moving forward, this time centered around the absolutely epic Planet of the Apes reboot series. Based on original ideas and DNA of the classic namesake film, including elements of the subsequent franchise that sprung up around it, this series instantly became one of the great sci-fi trilogies of our time. I don’t think that anyone could ever have predicted the critical and commercial success of this rebooted series, particularly given the muted response to the Tim Burton remake over a decade prior. Until the relatively surprising announcement of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the Mark Wahlberg fronted rejigging was the most recent entry in the franchise. I think it was a bit harshly received. I watched it last year for the first time in a few years and really enjoyed it for what it was, as opposed to what it “should” have been. Rise was a shocking reimagining and a much needed shot in the arm for the dormant ape universe, and perfectly set up the subsequent Dawn and War for the Planet of the Apes. Dawn was a nearly flawless mid chapter, expanding upon and adding character, soul and texture to Caesar and his struggle. The humans weren’t as engaging as in the first film, but I liked how the conflict between the two species was actually very well set up, and much more dynamic and complicated than good vs evil. War is a fitting, somber, dark, and emotionally resonant conclusion. Together with the previous two chapters, it caps off one of the best trilogies in the last couple of decades. Of course I would love to see more quality Apes films, maybe even see a full blown remake of the classic original one day, but if that isn’t in the cards, it couldn’t have ended better than it did. Any fans of these new age Planet of the Apes films? Which was your favorite? collection