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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Critics going ape over latest ‘Apes’ flick

Dan Webster

You may not be a fan of the "Planet of the Apes" movies — and as long as you admit that the 1968 original is the best of the lot, then I can understand why you might feel that way.

But the fact is, many critics are bending over backward to write nice things about "War for the Planet of the Apes," third installment in the most recent trilogy, which was directed by Matt Reeves, who also directed 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes." (Rupert Wyatt directed the 2011 first in the series reboot, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes.")

Here are some comments on the film, which opens Friday:

Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter: "Almost as rare as winning the Triple Crown in horse racing is to make a film trilogy that clicks from beginning to end, but Fox has pretty much pulled it off with its refurbished 'Planet of the Apes' trio."

Brian Truitt, USA Today: "The satisfying and heart-wrenching climax is a last reminder that Caesar's new adventure is one of this summer's best."

Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press: "Regardless of what happens or doesn't happen next for the 'Planet of the Apes,' this installment is very simply a great time at the movies."

Not bad for a reboot of a series that began as a minor 1963 science fiction novel by the French author Pierre Boulle.