War for the Planet of the Apes

War breaks Dawn’s over-obsession with monkey action and rises to the Apex of virtual emotion. Delivers remarkably little war, drifting instead into the style of a Chimp Eastwood revenge western. Beautiful cinematography, confidently slow pacing and a majestic score make the Hateful Ape an incredibly powerful and deeply human experience.

A Monster Calls

Yew won’t believe the simultaneous emotional depth and high-flying cinematics of the BFTree. Irish male version of Pan’s Labyrinth features a struggling youngster who invents fantasy foliage in order to cope with his Rogue mother’s death and the Alien accent of his grandmother. Brilliant animation leaves little to be desired.

Kong: Skull Island

Sam Jurassic says hold onto your buts. So… Fascinating fights between King Kurtz and apocalizards BUT vfx get crushed by videogame aesthetic. Stellar cast are assembled BUT their running faces are their best contributions to two-dimensional characters. Reilly’s Hopping mad loon is outstanding BUT emotional final scene doesn’t fit in.