Monkey Shines: ”War for the Planet of the Apes”

There’s something weirdly cathartic about the spectacle of humanity reduced to an animalistic throng. And it gives the film

"War for the Planet of the Apes”

a disturbing, powerful kick. Of course, people are often capable of great evil; we don’t need the movies to tell us that. But the mindless, tribal destructiveness on display in this film is not some outside, unfamiliar force. These aren’t zombies. We recognize this impulse, this willingness to embrace raw hatred and give ourselves over to leaders who focus and cultivate our rage. These days, we know it all too well. READ