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Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (2024)
PG-13 ‧ Action/Sci-fi  ‧ 2 Hours 25 Minutes
Written by Josh Friedman
Directed by Wes Ball

THE CAST

Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy.

THE STORY

(In their own words). 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.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” are:

1. Outstanding Special Effects and Motion Capture Technology: The realism of the apes is incredible, making it easy to immerse yourself in their world.
2. Thrilling Action Scenes: The well-paced and engaging action sequences that keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the 2-hour and 25-minute runtime.
3. Continuity and Nostalgia: The callbacks to previous films in the franchise provide a sense of continuity and nostalgia for long-time fans.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film are:

1. Lack of Deeper Philosophical Messages: The film doesn’t delve as deeply into the human condition or societal issues as the original films, missing an opportunity for thought-provoking content.
2. Predictable Storyline: The hero’s journey follows familiar tropes, which might make the plot feel a bit predictable.
3. Limited Human Characters: The focus on ape characters means there are fewer human characters, which might not appeal to all fans of the franchise.

THE COMMENTS

One notable aspect of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is its exploration of the new ape society. The film introduces viewers to different ape cultures, each with their own unique characteristics and customs. This adds a layer of richness to the world-building that fans of the series will appreciate. The film also excels in its pacing, seamlessly transitioning between intense action scenes and more reflective, character-driven moments. The cinematography and set design effectively create a believable post-Caesar world, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Additionally, the performances by the cast, especially Owen Teague and Freya Allan, bring depth and nuance to their roles, making the characters relatable and engaging.

THE LESSON

The LESSON in this film is that power can corrupt, regardless of whether one is human or ape. It also touches on themes of trust and the importance of questioning what we are taught about the past. The young ape’s journey is one of self-discovery and understanding the complexities of leadership and power.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is rewatchable, especially for fans of the franchise. The action scenes and special effects are impressive enough to warrant multiple viewings. Additionally, there are many callbacks and references to previous films that fans might catch on a second or third watch.

THE FINAL WORD

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a thrilling and visually impressive addition to the beloved franchise. While it may not offer the same depth of social commentary as the original films, it provides a captivating and action-packed story that fans will enjoy. The new characters and cultures within the ape society add fresh elements to the narrative, making it a worthy installment.

THE VERDICT

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. For “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” I give it a Love It. Despite missing the deeper messaging of its predecessors, the film’s stunning visuals, exciting action, and nostalgic callbacks make it a must-watch for fans of the series.

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