Setting aside the forgettable 2001 Tim Burton remake that marked a lackluster start for the 21st-century Planet of the Apes franchise, the subsequent trilogy proved surprisingly robust, drawing from source material that originated in French author Pierre Boulle's 1963 sci-fi novel.
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| 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' COURTSEY OF 20TH CENTURY |
Balancing action-packed thrills and stunning visuals with a profound challenge to the notion that humanity is exclusively human, these films stand out as rare summer blockbusters that offer both muscle and intellect.
Director Wes Ball confidently takes the helm from Matt Reeves, catapulting the story several generations forward in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. While some may have been indifferent to Ball's work on the Maze Runner series, his time with that YA trilogy has evidently honed his ability to craft intricate worlds, generate suspenseful survival scenarios, and deliver dynamic action sequences.
In a time when authoritarian regimes are gaining ground worldwide, Josh Friedman's intelligent screenplay mirrors the contemporary political landscape, much like its predecessors. However, the film also excels as pure entertainment, utilizing its two-and-a-half-hour runtime to deliver gripping thrills while also allowing room for character development and storytelling depth.
The decision to bring in Planet of the Apes veteran Andy Serkis as a special consultant has paid dividends, resulting in strong performances from a new cast led by the soulfully sensitive Owen Teague. The actors' performances are further enhanced by the stunning motion-capture technology from Peter Jackson's Weta FX company, which was also responsible for the effects in the previous three films. Unlike the actors in primitive monkey masks from the original 1968 film starring Charlton Heston, the apes in this iteration possess expressive features and remarkably lifelike movement.
While extensive CG elements enhance the landscapes of New South Wales, Australia, standing in for America's West Coast, the film avoids the flat, artificial look of much recent "live-action" cinema that borders on animation. While not entirely photorealistic, the film's visuals are close enough to reality to give it a visceral physicality and visual splendor. The imagery of nature reclaiming man-made structures—dilapidated skyscrapers, planes, ships, and industrial sites overrun with vines and foliage—is particularly striking.
The film opens with a somber funeral for Caesar, the revered ape leader portrayed by Andy Serkis. Onscreen text explains that human arrogance led to their downfall, while a virus robbed them of speech and intellect, forcing them into hiding. Meanwhile, the apes evolved, becoming the planet's dominant species. The story picks up "many generations later."
The thrilling opening introduces Noa, Soona, and Anaya, close friends on the brink of adulthood, as they scale forests in search of eagle eggs. Noa, attempting a daring climb, narrowly avoids a fatal fall. Their code dictates leaving one egg in the nest, highlighting the moral values instilled in them from a young age.
These chimpanzees are part of the Eagle Clan, a thriving community centered around a massive tower constructed from branches and logs. Noa's father, Koro, known as the Master of Birds, oversees the eagles that protect and hunt for the clan. The clan's tradition of "bonding" requires each ape to care for an egg until it hatches, forming a lifelong bond with the eaglet and mastering falconry.
Noa soon discovers a threat to their community. He encounters a young human female stealing food and later finds slaughtered apes and witness further bloodshed by ape warriors on horseback wearing face armor, indicating a looming conflict.
The antagonists are revealed to be the troops of Proximus Caesar, a bonobo dictator who distorts the ideals of his namesake for his own power-hungry ambitions. After an attack on the Eagle Clan village separates Noa from his community, he embarks on a classic hero's journey to find the abducted apes, evading Proximus Caesar's forces along the way. Noa's personal growth, as he grapples with his insecurities and discovers his courage, adds depth to his character arc.
He is joined by Raka, an orangutan who adheres to the original Caesar's teachings, and Mae, a seemingly feral but intelligent human. The trio travels to Proximus Caesar's coastal colony, where enslaved apes are forced to labor in an attempt to open a massive iron vault believed to contain mankind's knowledge and technology. Proximus Caesar, influenced by Trevathan, a human who seeks favor with the apes, believes that unlocking the vault will secure his rule and advance ape evolution.
The film's climax intensifies as Noa, reunited with his friends and family, works with Mae to thwart Proximus Caesar's plans by destroying the vault. However, Mae's true intentions are revealed, leading to a tense confrontation and setting the stage for future developments in the franchise. The action-packed final act features a thrilling pursuit through a satellite communications facility, culminating in a violent showdown between Noa's group and Proximus Caesar's army, led by the formidable silverback Sylva.
Collaborating with editors Dan Zimmerman and Dirk Westervelt, Ball expertly manages the film's pacing, knowing precisely when to ramp up the adrenaline in this action-packed adventure. While some story points could have been clarified further—such as how Proximus Caesar came to believe in the vault's significance and the relationship between Noa and Soona—the film's brisk tempo keeps audiences engaged. Despite its fast pace, the film still finds moments of quiet introspection, particularly in the heartfelt interactions between Noa and the kind-hearted Raku.
Cinematographer Gyula Pados, known for his work on Ball's Maze Runner films, brings a dynamic visual style to the movie, capturing breathtaking landscapes and thrilling action sequences. John Paesano's rich orchestral score adds to the film's emotional depth, propelling the story forward with a powerful energy. Fans of the franchise will appreciate this strong new installment, which sets the stage for a potential reimagining of the dynamic between humans and apes.
