“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” opens with Caesar dead, surrounded by his mourning community of chimps. The story swiftly moves through the jungle and across time. Now, generations later, a new generation grapples with the same old problem. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is essentially a modern (and well-made) reboot of its own franchise.
Here, the focus of the story shifts from the plight of Caesar to young Noa (Owen Teague), who possesses many Caesar-like qualities. Having grown up in the Eagle Clan, a collection of highly intelligent and evolved apes, Noa proves himself brave, displaying daredevil traits as a trapeze artist, and demonstrating skill in hunting. However, when he encounters a pack of deadly pales (armed) led by a gorilla on horseback, who destroy the village, Noa finds himself alone.
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Survival becomes Noa’s primary focus. He’s tested and eventually discovers a seaside empire of apes ruling a strip of land. Within this new community, Noa connects with an old and wise orangutan named Raka (Peter Macon), who still upholds the teachings of Caesar. Noa also encounters a human child (Freya Allan), wild and far from innocent in appearance.
The trio—Noa, the wild child, and Raka—band together. However, when Noa is forcibly taken to the ape kingdom, he encounters the fearsome cult leader, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who has seized authority but lacks Caesar’s morality.
Proximus takes a keen interest in Noa, now a prisoner. Reunited with his mother and friends, Noa decides to overthrow the evil empire from within.
Despite the destruction of human civilization, technology remains coveted. The ape kingdom revolves around a silo containing valuable technology and weapons. Proximus is willing to sacrifice a handful of his apes daily to electroshock the door open.
Kevin Durand as Proximus embodies perfection in motion. The rest of the cast, equally excellent and perfectly cast, includes Sarah Wiseman as Noa’s steadfast mother, Peter Macon as the wise Raka, and William H. Macy as a scavenger who has integrated himself into the ape kingdom.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” encompasses all necessary elements to become a new classic. The central question posed is whether the human race will survive and thrive. The continuing franchise is smartly set up to provide an answer.
Intelligent and high-quality filmmaking from top to bottom invites viewers to embrace the drama of apes fighting apes. By the end, in what serves as a teaser for the next sequel, it appears the franchise’s exaggerated portrayal of the human race will return. This alone could be enough to make audiences anticipate the escape from the planet of the apes.
A 20th Century Studios release of a Jason T. Reed Productions. Directed by Wes Ball. Screenplay by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Patrick Aison.
Starring: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Travis Jeffery, Lydia Peckham, and Neil Sandilands.
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