In the Future, Primates Lead the Animal Kingdom

Noa (Owen Teague, left) and Raka (Peter Macon) 
in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

Nearly 13 years ago, the “Planet of the Apes” franchise was given new life in the form of a prequel with director Rupert Wyatt’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”  In what seemed like just another attempt to revive the series after Tim Burton’s lackluster 2001 remake of the 1968 original, it nevertheless proved to be a thrilling and intelligent film that boasted some groundbreaking visual effects.  It began as the story of a highly intelligent chimpanzee named Caesar (through a motion-capture performance by Andy Serkis), only to then spawn two sequels from director Matt Reeves in 2014 and 2017, titled “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “War for the Planet of the Apes.,” respectively.  With these three films, we were given one of the best trilogies of modern cinema.

It turns out this series still has some stories left to tell because we now have the latest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” directed by Wes Ball.  With typically beautiful visual effects, emotional performances, and an epic scope, we have a great start to a whole new narrative within this decades-old series.

Several generations after the events of “War,” the story follows a young chimpanzee named Noa (Owen Teague), a hunter and heir to his ape clan.  When his community is attacked by an enemy clan and he’s left for dead, Noa teams up with a reclusive orangutan, Raka (Peter Macon), and a young woman, Mae (Freya Allen), to take on an ape society that’s ruled by a bonobo ape, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand).

Even though Serkis doesn't return as Caesar, Teague takes up the mantle in a strong performance as a young ape who comes of age by having to save his tribe.  Right from the beginning, Teague exhibits his character’s fun-loving nature mixed with an adolescent bravery as he swings and climbs through his environment, and we can sense that this is a character who could very well grow into a superb protagonist going forward.  Teague shows Noa’s attempt to grasp a world he has yet to understand as he ventures into it, having to come to terms with re-examining his beliefs when other people tell him differently and show his beliefs in a different light.

Macon gives a tender performance as Raka.  Just as Noa replaces Caesar, Raka fills in for the role of Maurice, an orangutan who befriended Caesar throughout the previous trilogy.  Macon brings across a low-key piousness as he displays someone whose beliefs remain unshaken in a changed world.  Throughout this, he also has touches of humor that offer some levity here and there as he imparts some wit and wisdom on to Noa.

When it comes to the main villain, Durand offers an intimidating presence as Proximus.  Durand exhibits the beastly formidability of a primate who leads his kingdom with a countenance that’s a mix of a king and a fervent religious leader.  It’s a performance where Durand inhabits the full commanding nature of his character, being able to render a space quiet whenever he has a word to give.

As the two humans at the center of the story, Allen and William H. Macy give fine performances that further emphasize the complicated nature between humans and apes, something that will come into play even further in future installments.

While the screenplay by Josh Friedman could’ve offered a little more time to the antagonist, he makes up for it by giving us details into Noa’s society and the loved ones he has in his life.  Between what we see in Noa’s community and the lands through which he travels, Friedman maintains the figurative presence of Caesar throughout, whether it be through dialogue or visual motifs.  With this, it’s fascinating to see how the world has been influenced by Caesar many, many years since his death.  We’re provided with a view into how his teachings have been followed to their true meanings with one ape clan, and how they’ve been twisted by another.  Through that aspect, the story touches upon religion and how certain people restructure their beliefs to fit their own desires.  Friedman manages this through moments that get the point across without it being heavy handed, adding to the thematic depth that has been maintained in the newer films.  By doing so, Friedman’s screenplay explores the outline and ideals of this world in a way that promises a compelling view into how this setting might unfold in later films.

Despite it being almost 13 years since the release of “Rise,” this series still leaves you in awe of what the special-effects team can accomplish.  Between the texture of the fur on the apes and the look of their environments, these effects look astonishingly real and continue to break barriers for what visual effects can do.  The effects immerse you in this world right from the opening scene, where you travel with Noa and his friends through forests and vegetation-laden buildings.  With this introduction, it’s evident that we’re in for a gorgeously realized journey.

The cinematography by Gyula Pados, who provided the camerawork for Ball’s second and third “Maze Runner” films, captures stunning views of the lands that nature has overtaken since the fall of civilization.  Pados’ lensing is meant for the big screen, providing eye-popping environments throughout, from the lush greenery of Noa’s home to Proximus’ seaside kingdom that’s composed of the rusted ruins of beached ships.  He captures every detail of the special effects, providing shots that have us marvel at the world that’s been created, a world that looks both beautiful and grim.

Ball, who up until this point only had experience directing young-adult fare with the three “Maze Runner” films, shows a new talent for thoughtful blockbuster filmmaking.  His work here exhibits a confidence in putting his stamp on this famed sci-fi series, displaying an ability to capture the scope of what has come before.  Between the way in which he handles the thrilling action set-pieces and the dramatic interactions amongst the characters, he maintains that balance the previous trilogy did so well, and it’s clear that he’s up to the task of ushering us into this enduring franchise’s new phase.

While Caesar’s story offered a captivating trilogy, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” gives a reason for the franchise to continue beyond that.  If the care for the story and characters remains, we’re in for a further evolution of this series.

Grade: A-