Film Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Takes the Franchise in an Intense and Intriguing New Direction

Here’s the thing. I appreciate what all of the modern installments of the Planet of the Apes franchise has been doing. I think this reboot series, consisting previously of the trilogy that is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes is rock solid. At the same time, I’ve never loved the films like everyone else seems to. There’s just some kind of disconnect when it comes to this series. So, when I say that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is pretty good and I largely enjoyed it, you can take that as a run of the mill recommendation, or a sign that the property might be growing on me. The choice is yours.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes runs about thirty minutes too long, but has an impressively consistent tone, full of intensity and strong visuals. Whether you look at it as the fourth film in this timeline, the first of a new one, or whatever the case, it does manage to largely satisfy. The technology on display continues to evolve, and with it, the storytelling capabilities contained within.

Generations after Caesar led the ape society, we’re introduced to how things currently are. Apes have created societies and are thriving, while humans have become feral and essentially primitive. In one ape community is young chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague), who will come to learn not just the legend of Caesar, but how his message is being perverted. When Noa’s village is attacked and his friends/family are captured or killed, he sets out on a harrowing journey.

Early on, Noa comes across a young woman (Freya Allan) that the violent apes who attacked his village have been trying to capture. After befriending the orangutan Raka (Peter Macon), who follows the peaceful teachings of Caesar, the trio travel together. Eventually, they come into contact with the predators, led by the ape king Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who has used Caesar’s message to come to violent power. A struggle ensues, with Noa, as well as the young girl, potentially holding the key to the future for apes and humans alike.

While there’s no Andy Serkis this time around, the performances still definitely work. Owen Teague is our new hero and really does sell the evolution that Noa goes through as he comes of age. Teague has your allegiance and sympathy by the end. Kevin Durand, on the other hand, manages to have a charm to him, but also a real sense of menace. Then, there’s Peter Macon, who is lovely, if occasionally sounding a bit out of place. His character could become a fan favorite, however. Freya Allan takes a role that could be a complete waste and gives it life, so she deserves credit as well. Also in the cast are the likes of Travis Jeffery, William H. Macy, Lydia Peckham, and plenty more.

Director Wes Ball, working with writer Josh Friedman, seamlessly fits into the franchise. The landscape is a real co-star here, making the passage of time an actual plot point, as well as terrific production design. The visuals are lovely, the story is rock solid, and the pacing is mostly effective. That being said, the running time is a bit much, punishing me in the middle, before really landing on a strong ending. The final scenes tease where the franchise could go, and believe it or not, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has me damn near excited for a follow-up. Who would have thought?

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes didn’t blow me away, but neither did the last three, either. So, bump things up a half star if these films usually delight you. Regardless, the movie definitely works, and aside from the bloated running time, doesn’t really do anything wrong. Plus, the aforementioned climax leaves things in an intriguing place. If we have more Planet of the Apes flicks on the horizon, I’m ready for them, and will approach with more of an open mind than usual.