"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes": A Fresh Chapter in a Beloved Saga
Director: Wes Ball
Rating: 8/10
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is the latest entry of the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, directed by Wes Balls, it’s a movie that breathes a new life into a saga that everyone is familiar with. It’s a new addition to the celebrated franchise, one that has been beloved and scrutinized by fans and critics over the years. Director Wes Ball has got some big shoes to fill with this installment, following Matt Reeves’ “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “War of the Planet of the Apes”, these films have been considered cult classics by many, and Ball’s task was no small feat. Ball must honor the legacy of the franchise while forging a new path that would feel fresh and compelling, and Ball succeeds in that area. He created a film that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.
The movie follows several generations after Caesar’s reign, where the world has changed and Apes are now the dominant species, and humans---were once the apex predators of the planet---have become the least species and are being relegated to the shadows, living in fear and dirt. The movie created a new world that is both familiar and alien for the audiences, a logical extension of the universe we left behind in Reeves’ films. The backdrop landscapes are lush yet overgrown, and the crumbling architecture and ruins create a majestic visual for the movie---a testament to the passage of time and the rise of a new order.
The movie introduces us to the new character, Noa, played amazingly by Owen Teague, a young ape who embarks on a harrowing journey that will challenge everything he has ever known about Caesar’s legacy. Noa is the heart of the movie, his character’s journey and development are pivotal, at its core, it’s a coming-of-age story that is wrapped in this grand, epic, and compelling narrative. The movie was able to create a great development of his character, not just the physical changes but also the emotional and philosophical quest that forces him to confront and challenge the legacies of the past.
One of the most praiseworthy aspects of this latest installment is its ability to set itself apart from its predecessors. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” could have easily fallen into the trap of retelling and revisiting the old materials from the previous movies, but Ball and Josh Friedman, the screenwriter, avoided this pitfall. Instead, they created a new generation of characters and a new set of challenges and dilemmas, all while remaining loyal to the events and themes of the previous films. They have decided to depart from the previous installments, and at the same time acknowledge it by making sure that the previous stories were already finished and this is a new generation. This balance between old and new is a delicate one but Ball and his team manage it with such grace and crafted the movie with respect.
Although Matt Reeves' work on the franchise will always be cherished by fans, Wes Ball's fresh perspective is a breath of fresh air. The film boldly ventures into new realms, both in its storytelling and its themes. This blend of innovation and respect for the series' heritage is what makes “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” so captivating. It keeps the franchise's momentum going strong, demonstrating that this beloved series still has plenty of exciting stories to tell. The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has proven to be one of the most successful franchises in the cinematic universe.
20th Century Studios
The set design is another standout feature. The archaic boats, buildings overrun with grass and vines, and the ruins of a bygone era are all meticulously crafted. These details create an immersive world that feels both ancient and new. The attention to detail is evident in every frame, making the "Kingdom" feel like a living, breathing entity ruled by apes. To my surprise, the film also has its fair share of humor. The character Raka, played by Peter Macon, is both hilarious and insightful. His interactions with other characters added another layer to the storytelling, offering a satirical and amusing perspective on the truthful nature of humanity. His views on humans and how the Apes also judged humans are hilarious, and you can’t help but to also agree with him.
The action sequences in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” are expertly choreographed and flawlessly executed which makes it an absolute feast for the eyes. But what truly sets this film apart, and what has been the core of this franchise, is its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. The characters' emotional journeys and the film's thought-provoking themes turn it from a mere action-packed adventure into something much more meaningful. Though it takes a while to reach the emotional heart of the story, the wait is absolutely worth it.
However, despite its strong and commendable aspects, the film is not without its flaws. The movie’s script suffers from a sluggish and slow pacing, particularly in the beginning. Since this is a new generation of Apes, the movie has spent so much time introducing Noa and the rest of the clan, which can feel overbearing and overwhelming for some audiences. There are sequences in the movie that could have been trimmed off to make the editing tighter and the pacing to be bearable. However, as the movie progresses, these flaws and issues are forgivable and you’ll realize that even though the movie suffers from a slow beginning, all of those sequences and introductions make sense, and the story begins to unfold in earnest.
The most intriguing element in the movie, which I also find to be clever and smart, is its exploration of Caesar’s legacy. The Apes in this new world have different interpretations of Caesar’s teachings, much like how different sectors of religions there are in the real world. This is a very clever and relevant analogy, considering that humans have different ways of interpreting religious doctrines. Christianity alone has several interpretations of the Bible and they have different practices and beliefs even though they mostly base it on the same doctrines and book. The movie’s clever way of using this conflict to delve into deeper themes of leadership, morality, and the nature of power, is very effective in creating a new universe with its own unique challenges and narratives---all of this while paying homage to the previous installments.
In conclusion, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is yet another remarkable achievement. Wes Ball has managed to establish and breathe a new life into this beloved franchise, creating a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful and resonates very well with the audiences and the fans of the franchise. Although it is far from perfect, the film’s weaknesses are being overshadowed by its strengths and powerful storytelling. At its heart, the movie is a coming-of-age film that follows Noa’s journey to self-discovery and moral awakening, set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer to the franchise, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a film that will surely leave a long-lasting impression on the viewers.
