Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes: Epic Saga Continues

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”, the fourth instalment in one of the most celebrated science fiction reboot trilogies, is a film that manages to hold its own despite its daunting legacy. Directed by Wes Ball and written by Josh Friedman, the film may not reach the lofty heights of its predecessors, but it is far from a wasted effort.

Synopsis: A New Dawn on the Planet of the Apes

In the aftermath of the “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017), the world has undergone a seismic shift. Centuries have passed, and the apes, having survived a deadly virus attack, now hold the reins of power. Humans, on the other hand, are a shadow of their former selves, having lost their ability to speak.

Our story revolves around Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee from the Eagle clan. Thrust into a world of turmoil, Noa embarks on a journey that will test his mettle and shape his destiny. His path crosses with Mae, a mysterious figure who holds the key to a hidden vault and a book with the power to restore speech to humanity. Noa agrees to help her, driven by the hope of dismantling Proximus’ stronghold and leading his clan back to their homeland.

Their journey is fraught with danger. Proximus and his tribe, hell-bent on their destruction, confront them. But Mae’s quick thinking and a well-aimed shot save them from immediate peril. Proximus, however, is not easily deterred. He offers Mae a deal – her freedom for the location of the other weapons. Mae refuses, triggering the explosives and flooding the bunker with the apes still inside.

As Noa’s clan returns to rebuild their home, Mae part ways with Noa. She believes that humans deserve another chance, a sentiment that Noa questions. Can apes and humans coexist peacefully? With this question lingering in the air, Mae sets off to a human settlement at a satellite base. Her mission? To deliver the decipher key that will reactivate the satellites and reestablish contact with humans worldwide. This is a tale of survival, of the struggle for dominance, and ultimately, of the quest for coexistence. It’s a new dawn in the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”. Will it bring peace or further chaos? Only time will tell.

Review

The film is inventive in its own modest but focused way, offering a commentary on the state of our world even as it unfolds in a time and space far removed from ours. It is dominated by apes, with only two human characters who speak sparingly. The apes not only communicate using human language but also display a high emotional quotient, adding depth to the narrative. Despite its length and the familiarity of its universe, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is engaging and entertaining. It serves as a solid starting point for potential future big-screen adventures, promising a departure from the typical Hollywood tentpole movies.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance exposition with action. The narrative is packed with high points that keep the audience engaged, and the visually arresting film maintains a pace that keeps the mind focused on the unfolding story

Final Thoughts on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes marks a commendable continuation of a beloved franchise. While it may not surpass the monumental success of its predecessors, it certainly carves out its niche within the series. The film is rich in substance, making it a must-watch for both long-time fans and those new to the franchise. Director Wes Ball masterfully channels the narrative’s inherent dynamism to craft an engaging and thought-provoking story. The film doesn’t compromise on its core elements, ensuring that the narrative remains robust and meaningful amidst the high-octane action.

The film’s set pieces are not just visually stunning but also integral to the overall narrative structure. They contribute significantly to the film’s unique identity, setting it apart from the run-of-the-mill Hollywood blockbusters. In conclusion, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is much more than a sequel. A promising start to the Planet of the Apes epic saga and a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal

Cast of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H Macy, Director: Wes Ball

If you enjoyed this review, I highly recommend checking out my other post on the movie “Aranmanai 4”. It offers an in-depth analysis and interesting insights that you wouldn’t want to miss!