• War for the Planet of the Apes

    July 17, 2017 - By 

    Like the cinematic equivalent of the ‘evolution of man’ graphic, each installment of the Planet of the Apes prequels has stood that bit taller than the last in terms of scope and ambition, as the franchise inches closer to the simian supremacy of Charlton Heston’s sixties space odyssey. 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes remains a stunning achievement in summer film-making, thanks to its expectation-defying mix of tragic fraternal conflict, lush botanic texture and a totally compelling hero. On Andy Serkis’ conflicted, motion-captured face was writ large the practical limits of Caesar’s longed-for apetopia and its non-violent covenant.…

  • Classic Movie: Planet of the Apes (1968)

    July 18, 2014 - By 

    It was the beginning of the comedown after the Summer of Love. 1967 had been a remarkable year, where pop culture had truly broken down the barriers, becoming perhaps the most important part of most young people’s lives. Inevitably, the year that followed took on a darker hue, and it was only a matter of time before someone would capture the fear and paranoia that had slowly crept into youth culture. And unbelievably, this dread was perfectly encapsulated in the unforgettable image of a bare-chested man on his knees, pounding his fists into a sandy beach, whilst the waves indifferently…