In the climactic scene of the 1968 classic Planet of the Apes, Charlton Heston’s George Taylor confronts the shocking truth: the desolate planet he’s stranded on is Earth. Decades later, this iconic moment still resonates, inspiring filmmaker Wes Ball (The Maze Runner) as he helms Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the franchise.
After a seven-year hiatus, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes marks the beginning of a new trilogy with a powerful entry that captivates audiences with its moral complexity and thrilling adventure. Directed by Ball and written by Josh Friedman, the film offers a fresh perspective while honoring the franchise’s rich legacy.
Set centuries after the downfall of humanity, the story follows Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee on a quest to rescue his family from a ruthless empire led by Proximus (Kevin Durand), who claims to be Caesar’s heir. Along the way, Noa encounters a gentle orangutan philosopher, Raka (Peter Macon), and a mysterious human woman, adding depth to the narrative.
While Noa initially lacks depth as a protagonist, the introduction of Raka injects the film with warmth and humor, challenging notions of pacifism and moral certainty. Proximus serves as a formidable antagonist, embodying diverging belief systems from a common source and adding complexity to the narrative.
Drawing from childhood memories of the original film, Ball infuses Kingdom with the same sense of awe and wonder. Set many generations after the events of the previous trilogy, the film charts the perilous journey of a young ape navigating a new empire. Ball describes it as both a prequel and a sequel, bridging the gap between the previous films and the 1968 classic.
Following the transformative journey of Caesar in the prior trilogy, Kingdom introduces a fresh narrative perspective, inviting audiences to rediscover the world alongside a new generation of characters. Despite this fresh direction, the film remains faithful to the franchise’s legacy, incorporating groundbreaking special effects and immersive world-building.
REELated:
Utilizing performance capture technology, Kingdom brings its ape characters to life with unprecedented realism. The film’s post-apocalyptic setting is rendered with stunning detail, showcasing a world reclaimed by nature yet haunted by the remnants of human civilization.
Beyond its visual spectacle, “Kingdom” explores themes of identity and humanity, offering a reflection on contemporary society through its ape protagonists. As Ball explains, the franchise serves as a mirror to our own humanity, prompting audiences to contemplate the essence of what it means to be human.
With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Wes Ball delivers an epic cinematic experience that honors the legacy of the franchise while offering a fresh perspective for new and returning fans alike. As audiences embark on this latest adventure, they are invited to immerse themselves in a world that is both familiar and full of surprises.
Amidst franchise fatigue, Kingdom revitalizes interest in the 56-year-old franchise, offering hope for its continued success. As fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds, one thing is clear: the king reigns supreme.
Bottom Line: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes sets a strong foundation for future installments, leaving the franchise with an intriguing status quo. While not surpassing the heights of its predecessor, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, it establishes itself as a worthy successor and a promising start to a new chapter in the beloved series. It’s a REEL SEE.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
