Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - Review : A Breathtaking Spectacle and Bold New Chapter

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

A Breathtaking Spectacle and Bold New Chapter

★★★☆☆

A worthy addition to the rebooted saga that pairs epic CGI performances with fascinating future possibilities.

Lucky 13 Review

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Directed by Wes Ball • 2024

Release Date

May 10, 2024

Rotten Tomatoes

80%

Letterboxd Score

3.5/5

Running Time

2h 25m

Official Synopsis

Set several generations after Caesar's reign, apes are now the dominant species living harmoniously, while humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader, Proximus Caesar, begins building his empire by enslaving rival clans to unearth forgotten human technology, Noa, a young chimpanzee from the Eagle Clan, embarks on a harrowing journey. Alongside a mysterious feral human girl named Mae, Noa must challenge everything he has been taught about the past to make choices that will define the future for both apes and humans alike.

Expanded Ensemble

• Owen Teague as Noa
• Freya Allan as Mae / Nova
• Kevin Durand as Proximus Caesar
• Peter Macon as Raka
• William H. Macy as Trevathan
• Lydia Peckham as Soona

Expanded Architects

• Director: Wes Ball
• Screenplay: Josh Friedman
• Producers: Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick Jr., Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
• Cinematography: Gyula Pados
• Film Editors: Dan Zimmerman, Dirk Westervelt
• Music Composer: Paweł Mykietyn

Official Promotional Trailer

Production Info & Specifications

Financial Budget	$160 Million
Global Box Office	$397.3 Million
Capture Format	Digital (ARRI ALEXA LF) • 2.39:1 Anamorphic Layout
Primary Locations	Sydney & Helensburgh, New South Wales, Australia
Production Label	20th Century Studios • Oddball Entertainment • Chernin Entertainment

"The movie also sets up the continuation of the narrative with some fascinating possibilities. Which leaves us in a place of wanting more in the tale, which is the best place to be for the future of this fascinating and expanding saga."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Wes Ball
• Starring: Owen Teague (Noa), Freya Allan (Mae), Kevin Durand (Proximus Caesar)
• Supporting: Peter Macon, William H. Macy
• Visual Effects: Wētā FX

The Vision

Wes Ball takes over the directorial reins from Matt Reeves, shifting the focus generations after the death of Caesar. His vision is one of a "post-post-apocalyptic" world where nature has reclaimed the earth, and ape clans have diverged into unique cultures. By leaning into world-building over constant action, Ball creates a more meditative experience that honors the legacy of the previous trilogy while carving out a fresh identity. The technical mastery provided by Wētā FX ensures that the emotional beats of the ape protagonists remain the film's beating heart.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Generational Leap: The film takes place roughly 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, meaning the legend of Caesar has evolved into a religious or mythical figure.
• Ape School: The actors spent six weeks in "Ape School" with movement coach Alain Gauthier to unlearn human movements and perfect the specific gait and mannerisms of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
• Location Scouting: Much of the lush, reclaimed scenery was filmed on location in New South Wales, Australia, utilizing real environments to ground the heavy CGI elements in reality.

✅ Pros

• Industry-leading CGI and motion-capture performances.
• Breathtaking action spectacles and cinematography.
• Intriguing world-building that leaves you wanting more.

❌ Cons

• Occasional pacing lulls during the middle act.
• Struggles slightly to emerge from the massive shadow of the Caesar trilogy.

The Full Analysis

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a worthy addition to the rebooted franchise, successfully continuing the strong tradition of excellent CGI performances and epic storytelling that has defined this modern era. The film occasionally suffers from minor pacing issues, yet it is commendable that the filmmakers possess the confidence to take their foot off the gas to explore the wider universe. When the action and tension are amped up, the production transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, proving that there is still plenty of visceral energy left in this long-running chronicle.

This installment serves as an intriguing bridge between the legacy of Caesar and a new, uncertain future. The visual effects remain a landmark achievement, providing a level of grounded realism to the primate characters that allows the audience to fully absorb the emotional weight of their journey. Director Wes Ball navigates the expanding mythos through a different prism, focusing on the evolution of culture and the distortion of history over generations. It is an engaging story that rewards the viewer’s patience by establishing a lush, post-human world that feels both haunting and beautiful.

The film also sets up the continuation of the narrative with several fascinating possibilities, leaving us in a place of wanting more, which is the best possible position for the future of this expanding saga. By prioritizing character development and world-building over constant high-octane thrills, the movie manages to feel like a special achievement within the blockbuster landscape. It captures the struggle for self-identity in a world where the old rules no longer apply, providing a sharp, satirical edge to the way legends are built and eventually corrupted by those seeking power.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes cements this franchise as a uniquely consistent and riveting cinematic adventure. It is a solid entry that honors the foundations laid by previous films while carving out its own ambitious path forward. For fans of the series, this is a powerfully invigorating ride that maintains the high standards of the property, ensuring that the legacy of this fascinating and expanding saga remains vital and urgent for years to come.

🏆 Final Verdict

A triumphant return to the world of the apes. Despite minor pacing issues, the film delivers the "spectacle" promised and leaves the franchise in an incredibly exciting place for future chapters.

View original review on Letterboxd