While Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes may not reach the same heights as its predecessors, it still holds its own. Director Wes Ball admirably maintains the tone and empathy established in the previous films, although Kingdom does veer towards a more adventurous and less dark and tragic path. Nevertheless, Kingdom stands on its own as a respectable addition to the franchise.
While there are stakes, loss, and danger present in Kingdom, they are lower and the sense of danger is less pronounced in this installment, which leans more towards a road trip and adventure story. Taking place centuries after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom follows the journey of Noa (Owen Teague), a chimpanzee determined to rescue his clan from the aspiring ape tyrant Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). Noa is joined by the wise orangutan Raka (Peter Macon) and the human companion they name Nova (Freya Allan). Despite a slow start and lackluster action sequences, their journey eventually ups the intensity and showcases some intriguing moments.
In contrast to the multifaceted protagonist Caesar from the previous trilogy, Noa's character development follows a more straightforward hero's journey. Despite this, he remains a likable and compelling character, with Teague delivering a compelling performance that captures the character’s curiosity and apprehension towards humans, or “echos” as referred to by his clan, and the human companion he travels with. Allan delivers a strong performance as Nova, initially playing a reactive role that evolves throughout the film, while Macon excels as the gentle and caring Raka, striving to uphold Caesar’s teachings amidst Proximus’ distorted interpretation.
As Kingdom unfolds, initial impressions of the characters are challenged, as Noa navigates through a world filled with conflicting information that challenges his understanding of the world. His exploration of a world he never experienced firsthand and his limited knowledge of the past, juxtaposed with the captivating production design by Daniel T. Dorrance showcasing modern structures reclaimed by nature, creates a captivating narrative thread.
The introduction scene in Kingdom attempts to establish a connection with its predecessors, but unfortunately falls short of hitting the mark. It comes across as unnecessary and fails to deliver a significant payoff. Similarly, the inclusion of a second human character, portrayed by William H. Macy feels extraneous. His character serves as a distraction, offering a perspective that could have been integrated more effectively.
Kingdom manages to deliver striking moments, yet it lacks the raw intensity and darkness that characterized its predecessors. The grittier and darker tones of its predecessors, Dawn, Rise, and War, have been somewhat diluted, resulting in a somewhat overextended narrative with diminished stakes and a shortage of originality. While visually stunning, Kingdom struggles to maintain a high level of excitement and suspense, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming experience that lacks the thrills and excitement expected.
Despite its shortcomings, Kingdom serves as a respectable addition to a franchise that spans over a decade and consists of ten films. The remarkable team at Wētā continues to push the boundaries of digital effects, breathing life into the ape characters with remarkable realism. The dedication of the talented cast shines through, especially in their physical performances captured through motion-capture technology, creating characters that are not only believable but also remarkably human-like in their actions. The attention to detail in rendering the apes, from the depth of emotion in their eyes to the realism of their movements, is nothing short of astounding.
While Kingdom may not delve into the same emotional complexity as its predecessors, it doesn't aim to deliver the same gut-wrenching impact. As the franchise moves beyond the era of Caesar, the series maintains its solid foundation. Director Wes Ball skillfully navigates a transformed world, while screenwriter Josh Friedman injects a sense of adventure into the story. This iteration of Planet of the Apes presents a fresh take while still honoring the essence of its predecessors. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes may not achieve the status of a classic, yet it successfully propels the franchise forward. Though it may not soar to the heights of its predecessors, it certainly keeps the franchise swinging steadily forward, poised for new adventures on the horizon.
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