Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

My Take – Indeed, the Planet of the Apes franchise has shaped out to become a rare Hollywood triumph in more ways than anyone could have initially perceived. Based on the 1963 novel from author Pierre Boulle, the excellent science fiction series has come a long way since Charlton Heston‘s lost in time astronaut memorably hated on the “damn, dirty apes” back in 1968.

Followed up by four mixed received sequels, two short-lived television series (live-action and animated), and a disastrous Tim Burton directed reboot in 2001 starring Mark Wahlberg, the franchise once again found space in the Hollywood blockbuster landscape with the excellent reboot series which started brilliantly with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), raised the bar with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and ended things grandly with War for the Planet of the Apes (2017).

By striking gold with both critics and audiences, the series not only made Andy Serkis‘ motion captured Caesar an icon in recent pop culture, it also proved that there was a market for talking apes whose battles with humans broadly reflected themes of racial tensions, Cold war politics and animal rights.

Now, after a seven-year break, in the hands of director Wes Ball (The Maze Runner trilogy), we get yet another deeply satisfying sequel that neither ignores the lessons of the acclaimed films that came before it, nor feels too reliant on them. Back by storytelling that is top-notch, weaved together through a compelling narrative that keeps you glued to the screen from start to finish. Once again, demonstrating how there’s still plenty of intrigue left to be found in the simian-dominated world.

Most importantly, the film’s visuals are truly breathtaking, transporting audiences to a richly detailed and awe-inspiring realm. Allowing a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and masterful storytelling to create an engrossing adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

Yes, it doesn’t match the considerable heights of its three predecessors, but director Ball does a commendable job maintaining the atmosphere and empathetic approach previously established.

Personally, I appreciated how the film pays homage to Caesar without directly continuing his story; his legacy felt respectfully acknowledged. And we get to see how the environment, the apes and the humans have evolved.

But while the film’s length and the extensive world-building sometimes made it feel a tad slow, every scene served a purpose in the end, especially considering how it is setting the stage for a new trilogy.

Set generations (300 years) after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) and Caesar’s death, apes have become the dominant species on Earth and have established numerous clans, divided by their different beliefs and customs. While the remaining humans have become feral, who either roam listlessly as half-naked Neanderthals or try to avoid being hunted and captured.

The story follows Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee who is a member of a peaceful, isolationist clan that measures its inhabitants’ maturity by their ability to catch and raise an eagle companion. Like his friends Anaya (Travis Jeffery) and Soona (Lydia Peckham), he desperately wants to prove himself to his elders, but is also painfully unaware of what dangers truly lie beyond the edges of his small world.

Unfortunately, his blissfully ignorant youth is brought to a fiery end when several members of an ape clan led by the power-hungry Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand) destroy his home and kidnap nearly every one of his fellow clan members.

Determined to save his friends and family members, Noa sets out to bring them back home, and he quickly finds himself joined by Raka (Peter Macon), an academic orangutan who’s well-versed in Caesar’s beliefs, and Mae (Freya Allan), a resourceful human who is smarter than she lets on. As the three team up to bring Proximus and his followers to justice, Noa begins to question who he can trust, as well as his own instincts.

Without a doubt, advancing the timeline was a smart move, allowing director Ball to depict a dramatically changed world while screenwriter Josh Friedman (2005’s War of the Worlds) shifts gears into an appealing adventure mode. This is a different Planet of the Apes flick, but it still feels like it fits in with what came before. His direction on handling the narrative’s setting, characters, and themes are solid and many of the special effects, motion capture, sound designs, and costumes are colorful, vibrant, and stunning.

What sets this film apart is its remarkable attention to detail in creating the ape civilization. Each of the movements and VFX designs are genuinely impressive with their movements and realistic style. The visual effects are nothing short of spectacular, bringing to life a world where apes rule with stunning realism. Clearly, the makers have polished every frame and gone all out to make these apes look utterly real and believable.

From the lush landscapes to the intricate ape society, every aspect feels meticulously crafted and immersive. But beyond the spectacle, the film delves into deeper themes, exploring complex issues like power dynamics, societal structure, and the moral dilemmas that arise when different species coexist. It’s a film that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations long after the credits roll.

Sure, at the onset, you get this feeling of missing Andy Serkis’s Caesar, who was the soul of the series, and Noa isn’t as layered and goes on a more straightforward hero’s journey here. Still, he’s a likable and easy to root for.

A particular stand out character is Raka who is doing his best to carry on the teachings of Caesar all these time later, even as Proxima perverts the ape revolutionary’s message to justify his violent actions. Even Noa’s relationship with Mae evolves at such a measured pace that the levels of both trust and distrust that grow between them not only feel earned, but also just as thorny and compellingly ambiguous as they should.

The performances are stellar across the board, with the cast fully embracing their roles and bringing depth to their characters. Whether it’s the charismatic ape leader or the human protagonists fighting for survival, each actor delivers a memorable performance that adds layers to the story. Owen Teague and Kevin Durand perfectly capture their characters personalities and arches. Peter Macon is a standout, while Eka Darville, Lydia Peckam, Travis Jeffery, Sara Wiseman, Ras-Samuel Weld A’abzgi and Neil Sandilands do well.

Among the humans, William H. Macy brings his familiar cynically attitude to the screen, while Freya Allan is excellent in her first major film role. Hopefully Dichen Lachman will have more than a cameo next time around. On the whole, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is a worthy addition to a solid franchise that delivers a spectacular cinematic experience.