“The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a stellar addition to the much-loved franchise. Set in a time long after Caesar’s era in previous Apes movies, the film cleverly integrates numerous remnants of his legacy, even though Caesar himself is not physically present.
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Director Wes Ball successfully takes the reins in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,’ and delivers relentless thrills alongside sufficient space to deeply explore its characters and storyline.
Adapted from Pierre Boulle’s book “Planet of the Apes,” the franchise chronicles the rise of intelligent apes who now dominate the planet and face new challenges as they try to coexist with humans. The latest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” occurs approximately 300 years after “War for the Planet of the Apes.” It follows a young ape named Noa (played by Owen Teague), who embarks on a quest for freedom and encounters a human (played by Freya Allan of “The Witcher”) along the way. Noa, is part of the Eagle Clan, who are a bustling community centered that live in a multi-level tower of tree branches and logs. Noa’s father, Koro (played by Neil Sandilands), is revered as the Master of Birds. He commands the eagles that safeguard the apes and aid in hunting with them. The eagles are an integral part of the storyline throughout the film and are a heavy part of the symbolism. When Noa’s clan is attacked by apes on horseback under the rule of Proximus Caesar, he must embark on a journey to find his family and collaborate with a human for the future of both apes and humans.
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While the film sets the tone and introduces new characters effectively, it quickly transitions into action-packed sequences that thoroughly engage the viewer. It also showcases some of the best CGI to date, adding a profound emotional depth to the on-screen visuals. This installment significantly elevates the series with its cutting-edge CGI and enhances the perceived realism and emotional resonance of the apes.
Caesar’s Legacy In Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
Throughout the movie, there are numerous poignant moments that reference Caesar and his enduring legacy. Reflecting on the necklace that Raka gifts to Noa, it features the symbol of the window from Caesar’s attic room when he lived with James Franco’s character, Will, in ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’. It’s fascinating to see how the storylines are intertwined, although it might not be immediately apparent. To Caesar the symbol represented hope and he taught the apes that were the closest to him that same meaning, and now it has been handed down through the generations.
As with all the films in the franchise, there is always a teachable moment to see how far humanity is willing to go in terms of manipulating nature and going against nature’s way. We definitely see the repercussions of mankind’s actions, but there are also many more dilemmas faced by the characters throughout the film. There is both an internal and external battle over whether humans and apes can live side by side without one dominating the other, and embedding this storyline within the film adds even more depth to the on-screen experience.
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It’s compelling to see that despite the turbulent history of the franchise when it comes to apes and humans, there remains a glimmer of hope that humans and apes might one day coexist peacefully.
The film is a fantastic addition to the franchise, skillfully setting the stage for future installments and leaving you pondering what’s next for its world as you walk out of the theater. It’s truly exciting to anticipate where the franchise will head after this captivating chapter. It is no doubt that this film will conquer the box office this week.
“The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” will be in theatre this Friday May 10, with early screening available on Thursday night.
