Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
In the original "Planet of the Apes," it was ape versus human. The apes had numbers on their side, yet we naturally wanted the one noble man to win out against the tyranny of oppressive ape rule.
In the most recent "Planet of the Apes" trilogy, it is the humans who have numbers on their side, yet we know the planet of the apes must rise. It is the noble ape Caesar with whom we side as they battle for the freedom to live their lives in peace.
In "The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," it is ape versus ape, human versus human. We again have a struggle for freedom versus tyrannical rule. Yet, while we hope the apes and human slaves achieve their freedom, we struggle to really care for the protagonist.
The movie is too clumsy. It has too much world-building and not enough character-building. The humans are a distraction. The bad guys are bad, but they are not bad towards the protagonist. The protagonist suffers and he undergoes enslavement, but he oddly seems to accept enslavement before deciding to fight it.
The movie is discombobulated and lukewarm. It is watchable, but not exciting. Not recommended.
- You are looking for a deep and emotional story arc for the protagonist.
- You prefer clear and distinct lines between the heroes and the villains.
- Overly extensive world building distracts you from the overall plot.
- You prefer movies where the main character shows strong resistance against oppression from the start.
- You are expecting the same level of excitement as the previous "Planet of the Apes" series.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"? I mean, first, we had Apes versus Humans. It was like a bizarre, hairier version of the Olympics. We were rooting for the one guy who somehow ended up on a planet where being hairless was a disadvantage.
Then, the tables flipped like a pancake on a Sunday morning. Humans had the numbers, yet we wanted the apes to win. It's like cheering for your favourite sports team, knowing they're the underdogs, but loving them anyway.
And now we have "The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." Ape versus Ape. Human versus Human. It's like a mirror match in a fighting video game, but somehow less exciting.
We're supposed to want freedom for everyone involved, but the protagonist is so bland, you'd have more emotional attachment to a slice of white bread. The movie is clumsier than a baby giraffe learning to walk, trying to cram in so much world building, it forgets to build any characters.
Honestly, the humans are as distracting as a brightly colored bird in a library. The bad guys are bad, sure, but they're like that annoying neighbor who keeps parking his car in front of your house, not a real threat.
And our protagonist, he's enslaved, but he seems to accept it like it's a bad haircut. Only deciding to fight back when it’s almost too late. It's like waiting for the last minute to study for a test you've known about for weeks.
The movie is as discombobulated as a jigsaw puzzle dumped out onto the floor. It’s lukewarm like a cup of coffee left sitting too long. It's watchable in the same way a soap opera is watchable. You can follow along, but you wouldn't pick it as your first choice.
So, if you're looking for a movie that's exciting, thrilling, and captivating...maybe keep looking. As for "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"...it's not recommended, unless you're a big fan of apes or lukewarm coffee.
12 Monkeys (1995)
While not directly related to the "Planet of the Apes" films, "12 Monkeys" also explores a dystopian world dominated by a different kind of threat. Directed by Terry Gilliam, it presents a compelling blend of science fiction and psychological thriller. The plot centers around a convict from the future who is sent back in time to prevent the outbreak of a deadly virus and the subsequent downfall of humanity. Its exploration of human versus human struggle and the fight against oppressive rule may resonate with you.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)If you're interested in the genesis of this overarching story, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is the place to start. It beautifully sets the stage for the subsequent films by focusing on the human and emotional journey of Caesar. Like the best 'Planet of the Apes' sequels, this one is thoughtful and intense, presenting an examination of animal rights and social hierarchy with plenty of primal action and adventure.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)The prequel to "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," maintains a great balance of world-building and character development. The humans and apes are given equal weight, with clear motivations, relatable struggles, and empathetic characters. The film is not so much about "us against them" as it is about the struggle within each species to maintain peace and avoid an all-out war. The villain in this movie is complex and well-drawn, and that helps elevate the stakes and keep you hooked throughout.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)"War for the Planet of the Apes" presents an emotional powerhouse of an Apes movie. The movie offers a fitting conclusion to Caesar's journey, enabling him to come full circle in his character arc while also setting up the dystopian world of the original 1968 film. This third installment in the rebooted series does a great job in maintaining continuity while ramping up the stakes and characterization.
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