Good but not great...

I wholeheartedly... disagree.

It’s good enough. In other words, great. I love Rise, but if that film is better than good, then War isn’t anything less. No way. War is a top-notch film on every level.

Dawn was a superior film to the first one, and War is arguably a stronger entry than Dawn. Don’t get me wrong, I can see why some would find the first two films more enjoyable... War is relatively slower-paced and it can be quite a downer... but from a filmmaking AND emotional standpoint, War is hands down the strongest film in the trilogy. I mean, how was it a step backwards? Dawn was undeniably phenomenal, yet War’s direction, cinematography, visuals, performances, musical score, pacing, character development and stakes are all better than ever. (Truly, Reeves’ direction by itself is the definition of great.)

As it is, I wouldn’t consider War just good — it’s an exceptionally crafted film. What’s more, it goes without saying that Serkis gave his most powerful performance as Caesar in War. And for the record, I wouldn’t 100% say that War is my favorite. It might be Dawn or War... tbh I probably appreciate all 3 films in the new trilogy equally.... but ultimately I see War as the most accomplished film in the series. To reiterate, I get why some might’ve been disappointed by War. The film was build up as this big epic conclusion to the trilogy, and the final result maybe didn’t quite have that boom factor many expected. Nonetheless, it’s an incredibly impactful film.