My favourite of the trilogy. I think Dawn is maybe more original in its story but the heart and the journey in this just win out for me. Visually amazing again as well. Films with this tone and narrative are just the best - Deathly Hallows Part 1, Mocking Jay Part 1 - loss of hope, inevitable sacrifice, camaraderie, true characters shown, desperation, internal doubt and conflict, beauty amongst the ugliness, values and purpose as the driving force - so good. Normally, with the referenced films, this is put as a part 1 to set up a worse more grandiose part 2 but here they trust this is enough and it is, more than. The characters are the best thing about the franchise so let the characters drive the finale - Caesar’s raw emotion and thoughts are the focus and this is why it’s great.

Some great action amongst it of course too - the balance is good. The opening scene is amazing also - the setup texts and a gritty gripping battle engages you immediately and sets the tone perfectly. Dawn and War feel very separate from Rise which isn’t a bad thing really - Matt Reeves taking over was a very good move I think - he feels perfect for them.