As a long-time fan of the Planet of the Apes saga, particularly captivated by the previous trilogy – arguably one of the greatest genre trilogies alongside LOTR – my anticipation for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was immense. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, in particular, stands out as a sci-fi adventure masterpiece, seamlessly blending thrilling action with intellectual depth. The emotional resonance and the compelling character of Caesar anchored the entire trilogy, setting a high bar for any successor.
Unfortunately, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, while visually impressive, struggles to reach the narrative heights of its predecessors. It treads familiar ground, echoing themes and ideas explored more effectively in the previous films. While not a cinematic disaster, it lacks the freshness and emotional depth that defined Caesar’s era. If you’re wondering where to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and whether it justifies your time, let’s delve into a balanced review.
Visual Strengths of Kingdom
Let’s begin with the positives. Visually, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is stunning. The cinematography is undeniably excellent, capturing breathtaking landscapes and intricate details. The visual effects remain at the forefront of cinematic technology and artistry, seamlessly blending CGI apes with live-action environments. The opening 45 minutes are particularly strong, showcasing impressive visual storytelling and world-building that initially draws you in.
Weaknesses in Narrative and Characters
However, the film falters as the narrative progresses, particularly with the introduction of the main antagonist. The pacing becomes uneven; certain scenes feel prolonged, while crucial character development moments are rushed or underdeveloped. A central conflict between two key characters feels forced and inconsistent, with their fluctuating understanding creating a disjointed dynamic. It suggests potential editing cuts that have hampered the intended character arcs.
Underdeveloped Antagonist
The antagonist, envisioned as a cult-like warlord obsessed with human history, held immense potential. This concept offered a rich canvas for exploration, but the film unfortunately doesn’t provide him with sufficient screen time to evolve beyond a superficial threat. He ends up feeling like a less nuanced imitation of Koba from previous films, lacking Koba’s compelling motivations and complexity. In fact, none of the characters in Kingdom possess the depth and compelling writing that characterized the previous trilogy. The film’s conclusion, regrettably, feels more akin to a rushed TV season finale rather than a satisfying cinematic climax.
Forgettable Music Score
Adding to the film’s shortcomings is its generic and unmemorable musical score. This is especially disappointing considering the iconic and emotionally resonant music from the earlier Planet of the Apes movies. Caesar’s theme, for instance, was powerfully evocative, but Kingdom lacks any comparable musical identity.
Conclusion: Mediocre Kingdom
In conclusion, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is far from a terrible movie. It offers visual spectacle and a decent opening act. However, it ultimately falls short of the high standards set by the previous trilogy, particularly in character development, narrative pacing, and thematic depth. It echoes previous storylines without bringing significant new ideas to the table. While visually impressive and perhaps worth watching for the special effects, it lands squarely in the realm of “mediocre.”
If you are still curious to experience the visual aspects and are a die-hard fan of the franchise, you might still want to know where to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Keep an eye on streaming platforms and digital rental services for its availability after its theatrical run. However, manage your expectations – it’s unlikely to reach the emotional and narrative heights you might anticipate based on the legacy of Caesar’s trilogy.
