Monkey business turns deadly serious in this climactic
installment of the rebooted film franchise based on the work of French
science-fiction author Pierre Boulle (1912-1994) and directed in 3-D by Matt
Reeves. An epic battle is under way between the super-sentient simians and
what's left of the human race after a devastating epidemic. When the erudite
ape leader (Andy Serkis) suffers a personal tragedy, he puts aside his
peace-loving ways to seek revenge on the leader (Woody Harrelson) of the human
army. Accompanying him on his journey are a trusted orangutan adviser (Karin
Konoval), a mute human girl (Amiah Miller), and a clownish ape (Steve Zahn).
Regrettably, the spiritual messages are mixed; while the apes espouse winning
Christian values of peace, love, and family, there's an anti-Christian theme in
the evil human leader, who wears a cross around his neck, displays one in his
quarters, and gleefully announces that he is waging a "holy war."
Watch out for: Frequent
stylized violence, two uses of profanity, and a subtle anti-Christian message.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA:
PG-13
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2017