POPZ-CULTURE Movie Reviews – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Genre: Action, adventure, sci-fi

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Wes Ball

Written by: Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver

Starring: Owen Teague, Eka Darville, Travis Jefferey

Hail Caesar!

There is nothing new under the sun. This year, alongside The Dune, another cinematic realization of a sci-fi classic from the 1960s returns to the big screen. What’s even stranger is the trend towards films and series with post-apocalyptic visions of the future. The Fallout series is currently a huge hit, as was last year’s video game adaptation The Last of Us. The new Mad Max movie has recently been released. The Planet of the Apes also does not offer an optimistic vision for the fate of humanity.
Although for us, the novel by Pierre Boulle and the film starring Charlton Heston are the benchmark, the 2010s had an excellent prequel trilogy. And now here is the sequel: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes that sets the story in a „post-human” apocalyptic world.

The view of the Earth has completely changed. There is almost no evidence that mankind once ruled the planet. Nature has reconquered the surface. Generations have passed since Caesar led his folk out from under human oppression. Among those who keep his memory, his person is a saintly honor and reverence. A new group emerges, twisting the doctrines of the former spiritual leader and using them for its own ends of power, and begins a violent expansion by subjugating smaller clans. When the village of Noa (Owen Teague) is attacked, he goes in search of his kidnapped companions.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a start of a new era. Although the story is built on familiar elements, it maintains interest throughout and follows logically from the events that have preceded it. This should not, of course, put off anyone who has not seen the previous films, as apart from a few brief references, they can expect a standalone story that makes sense on its own. It was a brave decision to set the plot much later than in previous films. The new characters are easily captivating, taking us on an exciting journey full of danger. The ruins of the world left behind by humans and the natural imagery makes an eerie mixture.

It might not be a fair comparison to use Avatar 2 as an example, since it’s been 1.5 years since then, but the new Planet of the Apes is a serious challenger to Cameron’s work in terms of visuals and special effects. The look and movement of the apes makes us forget we’re watching animated characters. The main villain’s personality and motivations fit the story perfectly, and he appears on the scene with the best timing. The music adds a lot to the atmosphere. The ominous, suspenseful melodies of Jerry Goldsmith have been successfully evoked. Go to the cinema, because for this film it’s absolutely worth it.

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