Rated: PG
My Rating: 6/10
In the vast expanse of cinematic universes, few have captured the imagination quite like the "Planet of the Apes" series. From its inception, the franchise has grappled with questions of evolution, society, and the precarious balance of power between species. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is the latest installment, promising a fresh perspective on this dystopian world. However, despite a commendable effort from its cast, stunning CGI, and a tantalising premise of a world dominated by evolved apes, the film ultimately falls short of its potential.
At the forefront of this new chapter in the Apes saga is the character Noa, portrayed by Owen Teague. Noa is a member of the evolved ape population, standing as a testament to the species' dominance in this new world. Teague brings a sense of gravitas to the role, embodying Noa's struggle to maintain order in the face of mounting tensions between apes and humans. His performance adds depth to the character, exploring themes of identity and belonging in a society torn apart by conflict. Alongside Teague, Freya Allan takes on the role of the lone human companion to the apes. Allen's character serves as a bridge between the two species, offering a unique perspective on the complex dynamics at play. Her portrayal adds a layer of humanity to the narrative, as she grapples with her identity and the role she plays in this new world order. One of the film's undeniable strengths lies in its CGI prowess. The visual effects team has spared no expense in bringing the world of the apes to life, creating stunning landscapes and intricately detailed characters. While some of the animations may veer into the realm of video game graphics, particularly in wide shots, the close-up scenes are rendered with breathtaking realism. From the furrowed brows of the ape elders to the intricate expressions of their human counterparts, every detail is meticulously crafted to draw the audience into this immersive world. Despite its visual splendor, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" struggles to find its footing in terms of narrative depth. The story, while serviceable, feels disappointingly basic, lacking the nuanced exploration of themes that has characterized previous entries in the franchise. Instead of building upon the rich lore of the Apes universe, the film treads familiar ground, offering little in the way of innovation or originality. It's a missed opportunity to delve into the complexities of ape-human relations and the moral dilemmas inherent in such a world. Ultimately, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" falls victim to its own ambitions. While it boasts an all-new cast and a tantalising premise, it fails to capitalise on these strengths, delivering a film that feels more like a retread than a bold reinvention. In the end, it's difficult to shake the feeling that this is little more than a cash grab, capitalising on the popularity of the franchise without offering anything truly groundbreaking in return. Despite its shortcomings, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" still manages to entertain, thanks in large part to its talented cast and impressive visual effects. For fans of the franchise, there's enough here to warrant a trip to the cinema. However, for those seeking a truly transformative cinematic experience, this film may leave them wanting. With its lacklustre story and missed opportunities, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" earns a modest rating of 6 out of 10. While it may not reach the lofty heights of its predecessors, it's still worth a watch for those curious to see where this evolutionary journey takes us next.
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In Cinemas May 9th 2024