Synopsis: Wes Ball breathes new life into the global epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously, and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all he has known about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
Are peace and harmony achievable? Or is the need for power and dominance in all forms the greatest human flaw? It’s one thing to assume the top of the food chain but if another species begins to ascend as we did, are we to destroy them or attempt to work together and coexist? The questions that seem the most simple are in most cases the most daunting. Humans have always had difficulties thriving as a species due to hubris, ideologies, and superiority. Humans always fall into the same trappings no matter the century or advancements. Hate reigns supreme in every era. Even when you don’t hate anyone, someone undoubtedly hates you. Not only have we been doomed to consistently and constantly repeat ourselves, but the only time there seems to be an abundance of “peace,” if you can call it that, is when multiple segments of society join in hating one specific thing or group together. However, it will always eventually circle back to your group. So when do we decide enough is enough? I don’t know the answers, but I do know that it takes a lot of time and energy to hate something or someone who isn’t trying to hurt you. Hate is a choice. Do better.
“For Caesar!”
From the ashes of war, who will lead them? What can be learned from the past? Who will be cattle and who will be King? The legacy of Caesar is confronted by the remnants of humanity and an uncertain future in this new installment of the Planet of the Apes franchise. Directed by Wes Ball, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a thrilling adventure and refreshing new direction that will have you going apeshit… in a good way. As planes lie rusting in pieces, buildings are empty and covered in foliage, and seeing a human is extremely rare, the world we once knew has come to a screeching halt. Set many generations after the death of Caesar, apes are now the dominant and most intelligent species on the planet. Humans that are seen are unable to speak and are considered lowly scavengers. That is until a young retribution-driven ape named Noa is taught the ways of old and begins to see his human stalker as an ally.
This new world quest is an eye-opening event for Noa and the viewer as well. From unknown dangers to a savage army of unknown apes capturing or killing anyone in sight, finding and saving his tribe will be anything but easy. Captured perfectly on an IMAX screen, the vastness of the terrain and the attention to detail are remarkable to behold. As the journey progresses with the trio of Noa, Raka, an orangutan, and the human, themes of tolerance, coexistence, and trust flow heavily. However, once they come face to face with Proximus Caesar, the ape responsible for their current woes, it becomes a story of extinction versus evolution. That sentiment is not only the crux of the film but the franchise going forward. Yes, this film would seem to be the birth of a new trilogy or at the very least, a sequel. Moreover, it not only warrants a sequel because of how it ends, but your intrigue will be begging for one.
“Never trust humans.”
This film features great storytelling. You never quite know who you can trust, the lines of good and bad are blurred, and it fastballs a twist at you that you’ll never see coming. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is one of those movies in which you spend half of the film leaning forward in your seat because of how invested and excited you become. While it may struggle to measure up to its predecessors, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands firmly on its own two feet as a fantastic start to a new dawn of apes. The CGI looks amazing. There are moments where you just accept that there are talking apes in the world. Coupled with the pulse-pounding score, the action is exhilarating. Not to mention, it was well-directed and acted. There’s something for everyone, romance, action, deception, and plenty of drama. Fans old and new will have an amazing time. And you don’t necessarily have to have seen the previous films, but it does make for a better experience. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
Outside of the rather slow building first act, the pacing is great. We quickly learn more about our characters as they dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dodge those who seek to capture them. Only pausing for rest, the film is all adrenaline and excitement from the second act to the credits. What popped me was the presence of Raka the orangutan. He effortlessly delivers all the laughs due to the vastly different life experiences between Noa and himself. That and his expressive face as well.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy
This ensemble performance is amazing. Freya Allan may have stolen the show. You never knew what to expect from her character and when we get to the climax, wow. Owen Teague is perfect to lead the franchise as Noa. Noa is inquisitive and shows great leadership and mental dexterity. Kevin Durand as Proximus Caesar is terrifying. Not because of his stature or strength, but because he is very aware of what he is doing and will get it done by any means. Peter Macon stands out as Raka. Rake is the last of his ilk and has quite a sense of humor. He pairs extremely well with Noa. The film wouldn’t work with any other performances.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes releases in theaters on May 10, 2024. Stay safe and remember Caesar.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 25m Director: Wes Ball Screenplay: Josh Friedman and Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Patrick Aison Creators: Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver Producers: Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick, Jr., p.g.a., Rick Jaffa, p.g.a., Amanda Silver, p.g.a., Jason Reed, p.g.a. Executive Producers: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a thrilling adventure and refreshing new direction that will have you going apeshit... in a good way.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
