Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – Personal Worth of Primates and Power … Together, Strong

In life, we take a step forward with a pondering eye.  It is a step defined in likeness, passion, and wonder, a path that leads to what makes us, us.  These journeys become a basis for good storytelling, especially in film.  No matter the clichés that bound, if the story provides a window within … it becomes an enjoyable experience.  In this review, I look at the latest installment in a popular IP.  In a world of indifference, we get to see life through a new perspective.  Even within a simple quest, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is an enduring tale about what it means to live and survive.

In a world populated by apes, young Noa (voiced: Owen Teague) will journey into unknown lands and rediscover himself in the truth about this world.  With storytelling, there is an intrigue that encapsulates what it means to press forward (and beyond).  From this thought, when you combine it with a popular IP that has a vast array of lore, trying to reignite that momentum is a difficult task of unique draw with the eye of captivation.  With this latest entry, the filmmakers manage to capture the heart of the world, while progressing forward into a new dynamic.  We begin this latest chapter with a look back to the previous trilogy: Ceasar has led the apes into a new world, but his passing provides the catalyst for a new story (generations into the future).  Once the foundation is set for the new tale, we come into it through the drop-in method, focusing on Noa and the lively hood of the eagle clan.  Through a slow building narrative, we get to watch how this ‘new civilization’ works.  After a series of convenient plot moments, the clan is attacked by another group of apes/gorillas.  This tragic event propels Noa to travel beyond his village borders and find those that were taken (main plot).  From this point, the slow burn narrative provides a grounding sensation of innocence, as Noa encounters new lands and companions.  When Noa meets the wise orangutan Raka (voiced: Peter Macon) and human survivor Mae (Freya Allan), they provide context to his naivety about the outside world.  Through there conversations (and interactions with other apes), it provides a layered development about the tales of Ceasar, surviving humans, and the conflicted history of past civilizations.  Each moment becomes a surreal complexion of growth and astonishment, providing characterization of stark truths within a conflict of morality.  With each passing moment, Noa becomes the catalyst of an alluring complexity:  In a world that is dominated by apes … can they coexist with humans? 

From the journey to the spectacle, the world of this latest chapter is a realistic onus of breathing sights and sounds.  Within the creative aspect of bringing the fantastical to life, Noa’s journey becomes an enlightening visual masterpiece of raw moments.  The awe of seeing this unique biosphere grounds the audience to Noa’s journey, wanting him to succeed in his mission.  As new places (and situations) come about, it brings him into an endearing conflict of ideals and survival.  This conflict leads to a stand down with a fanatical ape leader, Proximus Ceasar (Voiced: Kevan Durand).  His introduction further layers the current caste system of the ape civilization, a masking of truth within fanatical zeal that mimics manipulation and power.  With Noa beginning to understand his (and his clan) place among both other apes and humans, it leads to a third act of heightened drama and telegraphed moments.  Within the predictable confrontations, we head into a full circle climax and an ambiguous epilogue.  Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is an enduring tale that builds up a new chapter for this popular IP.  If you are a fan of this franchise, fantastical worlds, or journey like films, this is one for you.  I believe this is a visual spectacle that is worth seeing on the big screen.  

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)