★★★★½
Under the direction of Wes Ball, known for his work on The Maze Runner series, the Apes franchise receives a compelling continuation with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Advancing an established series carries the risk of creating a convoluted narrative. However, Josh Friedman (Foundation) navigates this challenge with precision, resulting in a seamlessly woven drama of high caliber.
Decades have passed since the apes first acquired language. Now, Eagle Clan members Noa (Owen Teague), Soona (Lydia Peckham), and Anaya (Travis Jeffery) stand on the cusp of their tribe’s sacred initiation, having retrieved falcon eggs. Yet, in a devastating overnight raid, their settlement is ravaged by a rival faction led by Proximus (Kevin Durand), leaving Noa as the sole escapee. Vowing to save his captured kin, Noa embarks on a perilous quest, during which he is joined by Raka (Peter Macon), a venerable orangutan and the last follower of Caesar’s teachings, and Mae (Freya Allan), a young girl with her sights set on Proximus’ encampment. They uncover Proximus’ quest for ancient human technology, banding together to thwart his plans.
With its deep-rooted fan base, the franchise was met with skepticism regarding its future direction. Fortunately, Ball and Friedman excel in propelling the narrative into new epochs while preserving the essence of Caesar’s legacy through Raka. Their narrative weaves ancient lore with fresh unfolding events, creating characters that resonate and feel authentic. The subtle homage paid to the 1960s Planet of the Apes films through musical cues and props enriches the story without feeling forced. The voice performances, especially by Macon, are commendable and synchronize perfectly with the outstanding CGI visuals.
One might think the story’s depth could overshadow the visual effects, but this assumption is quickly dispelled from the opening scenes. The characters’ emotions and gestures are portrayed with such lifelike precision that they transcend their animated origins. This installment showcases groundbreaking CGI realism, marking a significant evolution from the genre’s prior limitations. The meticulous care seen in the animation is mirrored in the vivid depiction of the post-pandemic world, crafted under the assumed advice of archaeologists and anthropologists, offering a truly immersive experience into the apes’ civilization.
In every respect, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands as a magnificent contribution to the franchise. It delivers a compelling narrative accompanied by visually stunning CGI, setting a high standard not easily matched. Certainly, it ranks among the top contenders of the series.
