PencilTalks

10th anniversary artwork for Monkey King Hero Is Back.

The elevation from Rise to Dawn really hit hard with it's drama/emotional tone. Those subtle gestures characters make when an intense scene arises or an idle moment of quietness; I wish I respected those aspects when I first watched Dawn in theaters all those years before.

Seeing world build with other apes and their relationships with one another, getting invested in Caesar's struggle for peace amidst inevitable battle (and within blood) grips you into a world where nothing comes free-willing without the cost of sacrifice (which makes it all the more devastating rewatching War)

In War, it's that gut wrenching throb you feel throughout the film being reminded of all that character development in Dawn with Blue Eyes and his father snaps in the first section of the film; it's unexpected but impactful.

The great work Weta does and Andy Serkis' performance captivates the audience into something special; a cinematic experience I wish I could relive for the first time again.