I watched Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and I liked it. 3.5/5
–
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) continues the legacy of the beloved franchise, blending stunning visuals with deeper themes about power, evolution, and society. Directed by Wes Ball, this new installment doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessors, but it remains an entertaining and thought-provoking chapter.
Set long after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom explores a world where apes have further established their dominance, while the last remnants of human civilization struggle to adapt. The film focuses on the power struggles among the various ape factions as they wrestle with questions of leadership, progress, and the ongoing challenges of coexisting with humanity. The tension between apes and humans remains central, but the film cleverly shifts the focus inward, highlighting the evolving nature of ape society itself.
Whereas the earlier films concentrated on the dichotomy between humans and apes, Kingdom delves deeper into how the apes are now shaping their own civilization, with power dynamics and political tensions threatening to destabilize what has been built. This shift in focus allows for some new thematic explorations, particularly around the idea of history repeating itself and whether the apes will make the same mistakes as humans.
The allegory is present but slightly less subtle than in the previous trilogy. Themes of leadership, corruption, and the cost of peace run strong throughout, though the narrative occasionally leans too heavily on familiar tropes. You’ll find echoes of both classic ape-human confrontations and broader stories of rising civilizations confronting internal conflict, but at times, it feels like the movie is simply retreading well-worn ground.
One area where Kingdom doesn’t quite hit the mark is in character development. While the movie introduces a compelling new protagonist in the form of the young, idealistic ape leader, this character lacks the depth and emotional weight that Caesar carried in the earlier films. There are glimmers of promise, and the performances are solid, but the narrative doesn’t offer enough opportunities for the characters to truly stand out. The result is a film that feels like it’s missing the emotional core that made the previous entries so memorable.
That said, there are standout performances, particularly from the supporting cast. The film introduces a new antagonist, a rogue leader within the ape ranks, whose motives are more nuanced than simply seeking power. This adds complexity to the conflict, giving the film a little more depth than a straightforward battle between good and evil.
On a technical level, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes excels. The advancements in CGI are remarkable, with the apes now looking more lifelike than ever. The film’s landscapes, from dense forests to apocalyptic city ruins, are visually striking, and Ball’s direction ensures that the scale of the world feels appropriately epic. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, but they never overwhelm the more intimate moments of the film.
Where Kingdom truly shines is in its world-building. The ape society is richly detailed, with various factions, ideologies, and cultural developments that reflect the film’s broader themes of evolution and survival. The visual storytelling does much of the heavy lifting here, as the camera lingers on the ape city and its intricacies, allowing the audience to see how far they’ve come—and how far they still have to go.
Despite its strengths, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes suffers from some pacing issues. The film’s first act moves a little too slowly, taking its time to set up the various conflicts and factions, and it can feel like the film is treading water at times. The final act, while exciting and action-packed, comes together a bit too neatly, relying on familiar tropes and plot twists that viewers of the franchise may see coming.
Additionally, while the film’s focus on ape society is intriguing, it means that the human characters are largely sidelined. The tension between the two species is still present, but it doesn’t feel as immediate or urgent as it did in the earlier films.
Overall, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a solid addition to the franchise, though it lacks some of the emotional depth and narrative complexity that made the previous trilogy so powerful. The film’s visual achievements and world-building are impressive, and it offers enough thrills and thought-provoking moments to keep fans of the series satisfied. However, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors, leaving it a step below the best the series has to offer.