KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES brings the Planet of the Apes franchise back to the big screen. Set years after Caesar’s reign, a young ape lives in a world that leaves him yearning for answers about the past and future. Can his journey lead to a fresh take to revive the future of the franchise?
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
As the latest in the franchise, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES brings the blockbuster feel back by delivering impressive action and thrills. The lifelike CGI gives the audience an immersive experience that transports to a dystopian world from the viewpoint of talking apes. This comes to little surprise with director Wes Ball, also of the Maze Runner films, returning to do what he does best – create a cinematic post-apocalyptic atmosphere based on a book.
Unfortunately, the film does fall short in its plot against the enthralling visuals. The film follows a formulaic storyline filled with old tropes among new faces. It is easy to figure out most, if not all, of the characters’ fates before the 2-hour and 25-minute runtime ends. The political aspect that coincides with the incredible visuals takes away from the point the movie is going for. This leaves a hollow feeling for the characters that we are meant to feel connected with because it feels like the driving force is to check a box to prove a point.
In the end, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES brings the franchise back to life despite its lack of depth. It is a fun blockbuster movie to enjoy with your favorite movie snacks but I recommend saving a drink until the end because of the nearly 2.5-hour time length.
KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is in theaters May 10th, 2024.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Ashley Bell (Contributing Editor) is an Orlando native who loves watching movies. Her favorite genres include comedies, thrillers and sci-fi.Click Here to check out Ashley's Articles.