The Next Reel Film Podcast

How well does this film follow the unrated cut of the last film? Do the budget cuts show? Is Roddy McDowall still as good as ever or starting to show some boredom? Tune in to this week’s show to find out these answers and more!

Show Notes

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"Ape never kills ape."

Twentieth Century Fox had found great success with their Planet of the Apes franchise, but they also were learning that a continuous run of sequels would bring less and less money back in. So by the time they got to the fifth entry in the series, the budget was a pittance compared to that of the first film. This time, however, it really feels like the cheap end of a franchise. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Apes series with J. Lee Thompson’s 1973 film, Battle for the Planet of the Apes.

We talk about the problems we have with this film and look at the likely source of our issues to be the screenwriters – John William Corrigan and Joyce Hooper Corrigan. We talk about Roddy McDowall returning to his role as Caesar and struggle with some of the ways his character is depicted. We discuss the concept of a battle for a planet, and compare that with what we get here – largely something that doesn’t feel that epic. We look at the budget cutbacks Thompson and his team continued to deal with in these films. We discuss the differences between the theatrical and extended cuts. And we look at logic problems found in the script all through the project and wonder what would’ve made it stronger.

It’s a disappointing ending for the franchise… until it kicks in again decades later. Still, for what we have here, it’s pretty rough. Still, we have a good time talking about it, so check it out (or not) and tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.