Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Synopsis: Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he's been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

Movie Review:

"Directed by Wes Ball, 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' is the fourth installment of the rebooted franchise and the 10th overall film in the Planet of the Apes series. Having thoroughly enjoyed the previous trilogy, I am pleased to report that this latest installment does not disappoint. The film introduces intriguing lore and mythology that expands the franchise, giving it a fresh and new feel that captivated me.

I was particularly drawn to the new lead character, Noa (played by Owen Teague), a young ape who grapples with questioning the teachings he has received. His internal struggles make him a relatable and compelling character, and Teague delivers a powerful and emotional performance that adds depth to the film, almost like a coming-of-age story.

Noa's journey leads him to encounter Mae, portrayed by Freya Allen, one of the few remaining humans in a world now dominated by apes. Mae's character is portrayed as both naive and strong, with a secret that could potentially alter the course of events. Allen's performance is captivating, and I found myself hoping to see more of her character in future sequels.

Peter Macon shines as Raka, an orangutan who follows in Caesar's footsteps with humor and kindness, making him one of the standout characters in the film. On the other hand, Kevin Durand delivers a chilling performance as Proximus Caesar, an ape who distorts Caesar's teachings to assert control and dominance, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The visual effects in the film are truly remarkable, bringing the apes and their world to life with stunning realism. The action sequences are impactful, thanks to the well-crafted build-up and the investment I felt in the characters' fates.

While the film may have had a slow start, once Noa embarks on his adventure, the excitement never wanes. 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' stands as a fantastic addition to the franchise and is one of my Favorite movies so far this year. I am giving it a 4.5/5 stars. 

Director: Wes Ball

Cast: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, Eka Darville, Travis Jeffery, Neil Sandilands, Sara Wiseman, Lydia Peckham, Dichen Lachman and William H. Macy

Runtime: 145 Minutes