Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has expanded its scope, becoming more expansive and daring, and is arguably the pinnacle of the franchise. Have you ever pondered the potential outcome of a world led by apes and a world where humans are regarded as stray beings? This cinematic masterpiece, set in the aftermath of Caesar’s rule, skillfully preserves his legacy while advancing the narrative, introducing fresh colonies and uncharted territories. The visual effects are awe-inspiring, and the cinematography, animation, and CGI have seen remarkable enhancements.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes continues the successful franchise reboot that began in 2011 with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” evolving into a trilogy centered around Caesar, portrayed by the talented Andy Serkis as an intelligent and peaceful ape leader. The films utilized remarkable motion capture technology to bring CGI animals to life with stunning realism. Now, under the direction of Wes Ball, who is known for directing The Maze Runner trilogy, the film leaps forward in time, years after the death of Caesar with a new set of characters, signaling a fresh narrative direction. While not exactly a reboot, this latest installment relies heavily on captivating motion capture techniques but doesn’t add anything new or interesting.
In terms of pacing, the first act unfolds at a leisurely pace, devoting time to establishing the story and laying the groundwork for the subsequent acts. Certain scenes throughout the film are characterized by trivial conversation and could benefit from either being shortened or removed altogether to enhance audience engagement. The second act primarily focuses on Noa’s journey, portrayed by Owen Teague, as it builds towards the more captivating events of the third act. During this phase, both the dialogue and plot intensify, capturing the audience’s interest and leaving them eager for more by the film’s conclusion.
In summary, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands as a commendable addition to a franchise that spans ten films and over 50 years. The remarkable team at Wētā consistently delivers new wonders in animating digital apes, supported by the skilled cast and their physically demanding work in motion-capture suits. The resulting characters are entirely convincing, exhibiting realistic behavior and emotions akin to humans. The meticulous attention to detail, from the depth of expression in their eyes to the intricacies of their movements, and the clarity of their voices, is all simply astonishing. With its conclusion, the film leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the possibility of a subsequent installment.