“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a wonderful continuation of its predecessor, appearing deeply in the reimagined world established in the previous trilogy. The legacy of Caesar (a respected leader whose memory still haunts this growing saga) extends in a way that draws our own parallels and how his actions are used for both good and evil purposes. Set nearly three centuries after the tumultuous events of “War for the Planet of the Apes,” this standalone entry serves as both an homage to its predecessors and a bold new start for the franchise.
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into this world set several generations into the future following the reign of Caesar, where apes are the dominant species living in harmony and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a ruthless new leader of the apes builds his empire, another young ape embarks on a difficult journey that will make him question everything he knows about the past and make decisions that will define the future of apes and humans alike.
In Caesar's absence, Noah (Owen Teague) takes the lead role, carrying the responsibility of ushering in a new era. Noah's character is finely crafted, showing a delicate balance of respect for Caesar's principles and a bold willingness to question and reexamine them. Teague's multi-faceted portrayal of Noah is crucial to the narrative, as he reinterprets Caesar's speech – changing the phrase “The apes are strong together” to “No, they are strong together,” and humanity is united – establishing the philosophical, biblical and ideological foundation for the trilogy's future development. Noah is our guide in this new age and evolution, ultimately becoming the heart of this new chapter. He is a kind and strong young monkey. Forced by circumstances to protect his home, the Eagle Clan, Noah embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he struggles with who he can trust and must use his inner strength along the way. Throughout his journey Noah meets the feral human Mae (Freya Allan) and my favorite character the orangutan Raka (Peter Macon).
As a lifelong fan and enthusiast of the Planet of the Apes franchise, I've been in awe of its latest trilogy, helmed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise) and Matt Reeves (Dawn/War). My fondness for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is particularly noteworthy, making it a difficult task for any next director to follow in his footsteps. Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner trilogy, has been announced as the host of the competition. At first, I took a cautious approach, eager to see his perspective on the series. With “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”, Ball not only met but exceeded my expectations, delivering a cinematic adventure that is beyond imagination. This film is not only a fitting continuation of the franchise but also a deep exploration of complex themes, including family, community, trust, and cooperation, that deeply moves you.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a stunning visual achievement, showcasing WETA's unparalleled mastery of digital effects. The team's impressive art easily transcends the boundaries of CGI, rendering the apes as realistic as possible as these captivating characters will leave you fully invested in their world. The careful attention to detail in their movements, facial expressions, lip movements, and fur is especially notable for the visual effects of the singers and actors impersonating and acting as these characters through motion capture/performance, adding a sense of authenticity and immersion. In addition, the film's scope, and world-building delves deeper into the complex society of ape civilization than ever before in the Planet of the Apes franchise, a testament to the filmmakers' vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Screenwriter Josh Friedman brings such an impressive portfolio to the table that includes notable collaborations with Steven Speilberg, the latest James Cameron in the Avatar franchise. Now he brings his expertise from the Na'vi to the Centers, taking the time to build such a relationship between these characters and their setting whether that be the house of the Eagle Race or the empire of Proximus Caesar. He skillfully combines elements of previous entries such as War Horse's road trip mixed with complex character arcs, motivations, and conflicts from Dawn. But this being a new era for the franchise, Friedman introduces new concepts and ideas as the film delves into the rift between humans and apes, refusing to simplify the different layers of conflict and coexistence that define their interaction. This commitment to maintaining tension provides rich soil for character growth and development and ensures that general audiences and die-hard fans stay invested in the journeys of both characters.
The addition of legendary actor Andy Serkis as a special consultant has had great results, as the new cast brings a new yet faithful interpretation to the iconic franchise. While we admire the pioneering work of the original cast, including Serkis, Karin Konoval, and Terry Notary, for their stellar performances as Caesar, Maurice, and Rocket, it cannot be denied that their absence is deeply felt. However, Owen Teague's brilliant portrayal of the lead character, Noah, infused with a sense of soulful sensitivity, helps bridge the gap. Teague's subtle performance skillfully captures the complexity of the character's personality, doubts, and worldviews while maintaining the essential essence of Caesar's wit and beauty. Noah is on the verge of an important event to reunite the elders, but as he begins his dangerous mission, Noah finds an unexpected friend in Raka (Peter Macon), a wise and elderly orangutan who follows Caesar's teachings and joins the others. He is also the story of the leadership of the first Elder.
Peter Macon excels in this role, in my eyes, becoming the villain. Raka adheres to the ideals of peace and harmony adopted by Caesar. With unwavering hope, he wants to pass on Caesar's wisdom to Noah and preserve Caesar's legacy for the new generation. Unfortunately, the teachings in question have been misinterpreted and twisted to justify and condone behavior that would have been unacceptable to Caesar. Apart from this, Macon's performance is notable for its humor, sincerity, and thought-provoking impact on the character of Noah, portrayed by Teague.
Kevin Durand delivers a surprisingly good performance as the main antagonist, who is feared by all. Proximus Caesar is a force to be reckoned with. With his blood-red eyes and his noble demeanor, the new ruler of the Monkey Kingdom seeks to gain power through the use of human knowledge and technology, ensuring the continued supremacy of his species. Proximus is terrifying next to his army.
While Mae, the film's central human character, may at first seem to conform to the damsel in distress archetype, Freya Allan's nuanced performance reveals a much more complex and multi-faceted individual. In his first cinematic role, Allan brings depth and richness to the character of Mae, who defies easy categorization. As the story progresses, Mae's intentions become more and more ambiguous, leaving the audience to question her motives and loyalty. Allan's portrayal of Mae is marked by a subtle relationship of loyalty and cunning, which keeps the viewer in a state of uncertainty, reflecting the conflicting emotions and assumptions of the main character. This clever balance of features not only adds depth to the story but also fosters a sense of emotional stirring and psychological complexity.
What sets “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” apart as a sequel is its innovative narrative approach to its predecessors. The film reimagines the original story as a deep mythic framework, imbuing it with a sense of respect and value. The passage of time has removed certain details of human history, leaving behind remnants of decay and rebirth. However, when Noah is faced with competing visions of the past and the world beyond his community, the space left by this forgotten history becomes a meaningful character in its own right.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although the film is a visual feast for the eyes, it also has a lot of heart, making it a complete cinematic experience. The title “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” left me wanting more, eager to see where this story will take us next in this wonderful world. This film resonated with me long after the credits rolled, a testament to the power of storytelling and visual art and visuals for fans of the franchise. 20th Century studios must have invested heavily in this world, as Ball's imaginative approach and detailed, colorful motion-capture games create a rich collection of characters and backstories. These carefully crafted stories serve as the foundation for a thrilling new trilogy that builds tension and suspense as the stakes rise, culminating in a heart-pounding action sequence that touches both physically and emotionally.
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