Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is several monkey generations past from the last film, War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). It has even been seven years in human time. Yet this film feels very much like those before it. I was hoping we would get something more evolved. Still, it had nice reflections of the 1968 original.
Once you get past the imagery and the incredible visual effects the story and characters are a tad dull. As always the trailer lures us in with what promises to be intense battles and heart stopping action. Most of this one is self examined dialogue and pensive expressions. It picks up steam around the half way point only to bog back down before the ending.
As mentioned this one takes place several generations after the death of Caesar (Andy Serkis). As with most great leaders his words take on a different meaning in the mouths of those who quote him. These two factions butt heads of course and that tension is at the heart of this films narrative. Then there is Noa (Owen Teague). Noa comes from a peaceful clan who aren’t familiar with Caesar or what really has taken place.
Both sides do have one interest the same. That of a human girls named Nova (Freya Allan). Not the same Nova in all the other films. But as we learn here – no spoiler – the apes always name them Nova. This Nova seems to carry some answers to the sect of humans who managed to survive with their intelligence in tact. Everyone has their own agenda though including Nova. The question is who will prevail.
This film simply is here to extend the story and set it up for what feels like a new one to come. Much of what happened is not deep and with too much thought makes even less sense. It has some moments about family and what it means to carry a legacy. But even that feels forced and out of place. We have seen this movie so many times. Mostly with humans, but it is still cliche. The few attempts at humor fall embarrassingly flat.
I have always liked the Planet of the Apes saga and enjoyed this one for the most part. I will admit being disappointed by the lack of depth from any one character or clan. It is a must see if you want to keep up with the saga, but new comers will not only feel lost but question the point of it all.
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