The Wasteland Reviewer

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Written Review

What is left in the tank for the Planet of the Apes franchise? This cinematic franchise launched back in 1968 with the classic science fiction film led by screen legend Charlton Heston. Four sequels later (mixing in all types of science fiction elements), the franchise finally ended after making quite the cultural impact. Then Tim Burton remade the original which is not necessarily a film that many like to go back to. But back in 2011, the franchise was revived in a modern context with new CGI created apes through motion capture performances instead of the Chambers design ape costumes. Between Rupert Wyatt’s Rise and Matt Reeves’ magnificent double effort with Dawn and War, audiences were treated to one of the greatest trilogies in the history of cinema. 

But why are we getting a fourth film in this modern segment of the franchise when the trilogy told such a perfect and complete story? Many thought that same question but luckily, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes finds its own path and does justice to the legacy of Caesar (even if not all its characters do). Wes Ball (of Maze Runner fame) takes the reins from Reeves and runs with it. The film explores the legacy of Caesar who now has become mythical due to his efforts for all of ape-kind. The bastardization of Caesar’s legacy is one of the most intriguing elements of Kingdom as we meet the Roman Empire obsessed tyrannical ruler of a new ape kingdom, Promixus Caesar. His narrow focus on only some of Caesar’s ideas resonates so well in modern society as Christian values are regularly warped and the teachings of Jesus all together abandoned in the name of White Christian Nationalist superiority. Proximus leads in the same manner as he will do anything to further “ape-kind” but it is just increasing his own power of influence. Thematically, the film also explores the human elements of this world and how the fallen majority will process their new lot in life. This is also quite the symbolic exploration of what will very well happen with the ever-changing demographics of the United States.

There is certainly plenty said in Kingdom but does the film deliver on the other science fiction and action/adventure trappings audiences come to expect from this franchise? Ball does a fine job of picking up the baton from Reeves and creating another great entry in this legendary film franchise. Unlike the first three films in the modern franchise, Kingdom really leans into the sense of wonder and adventure creating a unique stamp on this story. Noa (Owen Teague’s lead ape) explores the world of apes with its greenery encompassing the man-made world that used to thrive and is now just a mausoleum. Noa is a young ape from a recluse tribe who follows their own path alongside eagles. Noa must go on a great adventure to find his tribe, taken out of a belligerent squad of warriors from Proximus’ tyrannical kingdom. The sense of wonder and scale is there and it’s awe-inspiring. Ball is also able to balance some truly effective comic relief that balances well with the heavy emotional beats that inhabit quite a bit of this screenplay. Dawn and War certainly set a more mature tone and deeply emotional anchor to this franchise which Ball is respectful of while still creating some adventurous and wonderful. From the opening sequence (a prologue featuring the funeral of Caesar), we know there will be plenty of big emotional beats to come. 

Does Kingdom reach the same visual heights as the previous entries from Reeves? First off, the CGI is top notch and brings this new ape world (centuries after the death of Caesar) to life. This is a breathtaking and gorgeous world that mixes the ruins of humanity perfectly with a natural world slowly taking the planet back. The production design is fantastic with Noa’s home being a detailed and organic looking tower made of wood and natural elements. Proximus’ fortress is an interesting mix of elements including his own castle being a giant ocean liner run aground. The ape effects are better than ever as each ape we encounter feels so real and they are brought to life with so much authenticity. The film is well shot, and Ball makes sure to build the wonder and tension well. There is a distinct lack of dynamic filmmaking that Reeves brought to the franchise, but the film is so well put together that most audiences will not notice the difference. 

How about the characters and the performers who bring them to life? Teague is excellent as our new hero. He had huge shoes to fill after Andy Serkis put in awards worthy turns as Caesar. Teague can find the complexity in Noa’s journey and bring that into his evolving performance. Noa goes through a lot in this film, and you can feel that in the maturing performance that Teague delivers. Kevin Durand is commanding and chewing every bit of scenery as Proximus. You do not get a ton of him in the film (which the trailers might make you suspect otherwise) but he embodies this towering threat and brute so well. Freya Allan holds her own as the main human character in the story. There are so many more elements related to humans in Kingdom than you might expect (some are welcomed more than others) but to avoid spoiling, this will be kept vague and brief. Allan gives a strong and unexpected performance surrounded by apes. But the real MVP of the story is Peter Macon’s Raka. This orangutan is full of empathy, knowledge, and charisma that you immediately connect to the character. Macon has a rich voice that brings so much personality to Raka and makes him probably the most memorable character in the film. He is an elder and a keeper of the word of Caesar which makes him an essential piece of Noa’s growth and development as a character in the film. 

Does Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes rise and make for another great addition to this franchise. Absolutely. This film is filled with adventure and thrills. But more importantly, there is a level of depth that adds so much richness to the legacy of Caesar and the modern part of this franchise. Teague is the new star of this franchise and the film’s finale opens the door to so much more that can be explored if this franchise continues forward. This will be one of the crown jewels of the 2024 blockbuster season.