One step forward, one step back. The apes have been reduced to chained slave pets in this one and a rebellion is imminent. On one hand that plot feels fresh enough for a new installment, not just some rehash of the first like the previous two movies were. On the other hand we're back to the "omg they can talk" storyline + a few other similar elements which is a step back.

I relatively enjoyed the first two acts but it feels like something was missing. The rebellion aspect is barely touched upon in the first two acts which is a shame. Caesar isn't fleshed out enough as a character, for a while I thought he was Cornelius. The third act was the best part, some pretty cool action moments and visuals. Good score especially in the opening sequence and third act. The speech at the end felt like a stage play but I like where this is going for the next one.