I know the first film is considered the bona fide classic, but I have to say that I really think the series as a whole is excellent and the four sequels aren't the standard cash-in retreads that most continuations to popular hits end up being. Just the time trajectory of the events alone are fascinating (will the events from the later movies affect the outcome of the first?) and I love that each entry is tied to the others. Personally, I prefer the use of recurring characters and events here to the 'stand-alone' sequel model. Fox's ill-advised cutting of budgets and their sad inclination not to produce some of the more challenging scripts aside, these are all still strong on story and political/social themes of race and class. Even though this series was heavily marketed toward children, it's unusual that there would be an element there that would appeal to adults as well without managing to alientate both audiences. These are also astonishingly grim, violent, and nihilistic for such popular family entertainment. Conquest of The Planet of The Apes may be my favorite of the sequels for its insurgent Ape Power message and its savage scenes of the Ape Uprising. Even Battle For The Planet of The Apes-- considered the weakest and most shoddy entry-- has improved for me with repeated viewings.
