Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Movie Review

In 2011, we met an ape named Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” Then came “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “War for the Planet of the Apes.” You don’t need to see the three films surrounding Caesar’s life, but it helps. ​

The movies are good, so I suggest you watch them; getting to know him is part of the beautiful trip. Sadly, at the beginning of this film, we see Caesar laid to rest. That’s an integral part of the story. Starting it with this sadness makes you constantly think of him. Caesar’s a part of the entire film because of this splendid choice.

That said, it’s a bit slow to start, but overall, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes does well by the franchise in that it leaves you wanting more… and that’s a good thing. This franchise has been around for over fifty years and still manages to capture the attention of and hold an audience. Talk about sustainability! If you’ve liked any of the films, you’ll also have fun with this one. It’s exciting, passionate and gripping.

It’s been several generations since Caesar’s time. The movie starts slow because you’re trying to orient yourself to the timeline. Apes have separated into clans and picked up many human traits—the worst of them, that is. They need to revisit the ideals of old, which were to be kind to one another, work together, and remember the ever-said, “Ape, not kill ape.”

These principles are long gone now. Can apes bring them back? They must, or what humans are becoming will ultimately be their future. This is the bleak world apes face, even though they know better. However, knowing better and willing to do something about it are two different things. We focus on one group called the Eagle Clan, which is known for caring for and using eagles. A young ape named Noa (Owen Teague) attempts to prove his abilities to his father by climbing and getting his own egg, but it breaks. Disappointed, he decides to go back out that night for another try. He’s frightened when he runs into something he would have preferred to avoid at all costs, in the way of masked apes on a murder spree.

His village is attacked, as well, and his father killed. Luckily, he meets Raka (Peter Macon), a learned orangutan with heavy Maurice vibes. Raka helps Noa understand the bigger picture and what he’s up against. He also meets a human named Mae (Freya Allan). In short order, the young ape is taught a crucial lesson. He’s introduced to the ape king Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who’s trying to break into a vault. He isn’t happy when Mae ventures in. This leads to some intense scenes. Proximus doesn’t lead with decency and compassion. His tactic is more fear-based, and his group attacks Noa’s clan. Proximus takes Noa’s mother, breaking his young heart. He becomes outraged.

What pushes the film is heavy emotions. The visual effects and performance artists do exactly what’s needed to keep you glued to the screen. You can’t look away and are deeply concerned about each character that’s introduced. This is done well. We’re on our way to the 1968 “Planet of the Apes” that started it all. Watching this will excite you to get there. The path is beautifully groomed if this sort of work is what the filmmakers will continue laying before us. The CGI is masterful. The writing of the relationships is respectable and easily understood.

But it is hard to see some of this; watching the apes go from good to bad is heartbreaking. Caesar has such hopes for their future. What happened? Easy. Man happened. That’s what has always been so fun about this franchise. If you haven’t, you should watch those you missed. Watch this one and keep going. It’s a fun voyage, so stick with it.