Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Movie Review: A Visual Feast with a Familiar Plot?

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise returns with "Kingdom," a film set centuries after the events of "War for the Planet of the Apes." Directed by Wes Ball ("The Maze Runner" trilogy), the film throws us into a future where apes have become the dominant species and humanity has regressed to a feral state. This review will delve into the film's strengths and weaknesses, exploring its place within the larger franchise.

 

A World Evolved: Apes Ascend, Humans Descend

Gone are the days of Caesar's struggle for ape equality. In "Kingdom," apes rule with an iron fist, led by the tyrannical Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand).  Humans, once the dominant force, are now barely surviving as slaves or hiding in the wilderness. The film establishes a clear power shift, leaving viewers to grapple with the consequences of humanity's fall.

 

Our protagonist, Noa (Owen Teague), is a young chimpanzee caught in the midst of this power struggle. Witnessing the destruction of his village and the loss of his loved ones, Noa embarks on a journey of survival and revenge.  He encounters a mute human woman named Mae (Freya Allan), forming an unlikely alliance. Together, they must navigate a world fraught with danger, navigating both ape and human threats.

 

 

 

 

A Visually Stunning Spectacle: Motion-Capture Tech Shines

Just like the previous films, "Kingdom" utilizes impressive motion-capture technology. Owen Teague delivers a compelling performance as Noa, capturing the ape's emotions and vulnerabilities. Kevin Durand and Peter Macon excel as the antagonists, Proximus Caesar and Raka, respectively. The film's visual effects are top-notch, creating a believable world dominated by apes.

Familiar Tropes: A Hero's Journey and Recycled Conflict

While the film's visuals are impressive, the narrative leans heavily on familiar tropes.  Noa's journey follows a predictable hero's arc, complete with loss, self-discovery, and a final confrontation.  The conflict between a tyrannical leader and a group of oppressed beings feels derivative, echoing themes explored in previous installments.

 

 

A Critical Look: Missing Emotional Depth and Character Development

A key criticism of "Kingdom" is its lack of emotional depth. While the film features moments of action and suspense, it struggles to connect with viewers on a deeper level. The characters, particularly the humans, feel underdeveloped, leaving audiences with little emotional investment in their fates.

A Spark of Relevance: Parallels to Real-World Issues

Despite its narrative shortcomings, "Kingdom" offers a glimmer of relevance by drawing parallels to real-world issues.  The film explores themes of power, oppression, and the dangers of blind faith. Proximus Caesar's manipulation of Caesar's legacy for personal gain resonates with the misuse of historical figures and ideologies.

"Kingdom" exists in a curious space within the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. The film attempts to move forward chronologically, introducing new characters and a different conflict. However, the narrative formula and thematic focus feel repetitive compared to the previous entries.

 

 

The Verdict: A Worthy Effort, But Not a Groundbreaking Return

"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is a visually stunning film with a compelling premise. The motion-capture performances and world-building are impressive. However, the film's reliance on familiar tropes, lack of emotional depth, and underdeveloped characters hold it back. While "Kingdom" doesn't quite capture the emotional resonance of its predecessors, it offers a glimpse into a future where the power dynamic has drastically shifted. Whether the film paves the way for a more innovative future for the franchise remains to be seen.

FAQs Related To Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Q:  Is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes a reboot?

Ans : No, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is not a reboot. It's a sequel set hundreds of years after the events of the "Planet of the Apes" reboot trilogy that began with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011) and concluded with "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017).

 

Q:  Who plays Caesar in Kingdom of the Planet of Apes?

Ans : Caesar is actually dead in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." The film takes place long after his reign and explores the legacy he left behind.  The new ape leader is Proximus Caesar, played by Kevin Durand.

 

Q:  Is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes worth watching?

Ans : Reviews for "Kingdom" are mixed.  If you enjoy visually stunning action films with a science fiction setting, you might find it entertaining.  However,  critics point out a lack of emotional depth and originality compared to previous installments.  Ultimately, whether it's worth watching depends on your personal preferences. 

 

Q:  What are the special effects like in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?

Ans : The film utilizes advanced motion-capture technology to create realistic ape characters.  Critics generally praise the visual effects, commending the filmmakers for creating a believable ape-dominated world.