Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Review

Ever since I was a kid, the "Planet of the Apes" saga has captured my imagination. The groundbreaking original with Charlton Heston, and the thrilling sequel "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" starring my childhood crush James Franciscus, are staples on my top ten rewatch list. The iconic 1968 film paints a stark vision of the post-apocalyptic world ruled by intellectually advanced apes, while human have developed into mute, primitive creatures. 

There are nine Planet of the Ape films, ten if you include the Tim Burton's reboot, but I don't. These films cleverly reflect the turbulent racial and social dynamics of the '50s and '60s, echoing the Civil Rights Movement's themes by bestowing human traits onto the likes of monkeys, gorillas, and other primates.  It's a cinematic experience that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. 

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes hit the big screen on May 10, 2024, and yes, I was right there in the middle row. The latest installment in the Planet of the Ape saga has me hooked.  Caesar's journey and legacy are brilliant and a huge shout out to Andy Serkis for bringing that character to life. Fast forward,  about three hundred years after Caesar's era, and we're plunged into a society that's a stark contrast to his vision. Here, humans are the elusive ones, dodging the relentless pursuit of ape hunters. 

This evolved world introduces us to a tribe that's mastered the art of falconry, nurturing a bond with the majestic eagles and falcons. Enter, Noa, played by Owen Teague, who is preparing for a rite of passage to harvest eagle eggs alongside his friends. But their journey is shadowed by a human outcast, dubbed 'Echo' by the tribe. A mishap forces Noa to seek out a new egg, leading to a chilling discovery: a belligerent faction of apes led by Proximus Caesar played by Kevin Durand, erasing entire communities in their path. These apes also follow the teachings of Caesar but take a more radical approach, reminiscent history where conflict was justified in the name of Christianity. 

Amidst the ruins of his tribe, Noa's wanders through a terrain tinged with sorrow.  Alongside him is an unforeseen ally, 'Nova', brought to life by Freya Allan.  As their bond deepens, tensions escalate as the militant apes are on the prowl for 'Nova', whose intelligence shines amidst the simplicity of her primitive counterparts. By the end of their journey, Noa and 'Nova' find themselves not just survivors, but catalysts for progress, steering their communities toward a brighter future. 

I highly recommend this movie and give it 5 out of 5 acorns.