Today, Matt & Todd are joined by guest Gabe Crate to explore the original Planet of the Apes saga one last time (sorta, the movies, anyway).
Released in 1973, Battle for the Planet of the Apes is the fifth and final film in the series, directed by J. Lee Thompson (who also helmed Conquest) and starring:
Roddy McDowall as Caesar
Claude Akins as Aldo
Natalie Trundy as Lisa
Austin Stoker as (Bruce) MacDonald
Whit Bissell Award winners Paul Williams (as Virgil) and Lew Ayres (as Mandemus)
Arguably the weakest entry in the franchise, with the least new ground to cover—but also, maybe, the most approachable. On one hand, it feels like an extended TV episode designed to tie up loose ends for the franchise faithful. On the other, it’s a well-directed, well-acted film with solid set pieces and the most hopeful ending of the series.
Sure, the ideas and budget may have been running low, but the performances pull you in and keep you there—right up to the confusing finale. Maybe it deserved better. But this is what we got, and honestly? It’s an awful lot of fun.
The fifth and final end to the story. Once and for all. No bombs. No bullets. Good night, nurse.
That is… except for the TV series. And the animated series.So maybe don’t lose your tack and saddle just yet.
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