Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

I’m not too sure I can think of a franchise, superheroes exempt, that has ‘rebooted’ for the third (arguably fourth time if you count the Tim Burton remake) and kept the quality this consistent.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is another in a growing line of quality movies in this series.

This is the first of a new trilogy set after the events of Rise/Dawn/War and supposedly leading up to the events of the 1968 original.

The aforementioned were perfect examples of how to do a ‘legacy’ sequel/prequel series with real stakes, real effort and some flabbergasting use of modern technology.

This continues that trend. What could easily be a cynical cash grab, and despite being marketed absolutely everywhere I’d argue that the trailer is a little weak, is instead another visually astounding, tense and satisfying continuation of a perfectly pitched sci-fi concept.

The pace is slowed from the first trilogy as we move a few hundred years beyond the virus. The apes are beginning to form a society but aren’t quite at the level seen in the Charlton Heston film. There are also suggestions that some of the humans may have not been affected by the virus.

Losing Caesar as the lead is a blow but it does enable a different perspective on proceedings and a larger cast of apes. Sadly (slight spoiler) not all of them make it through the events of this film but it bodes well for the following instalments.

Likewise (again, slight spoiler) the human element is a really intriguing point of contention, especially given the events of that original.

It’s another excellent example of sci-fi cinema and huge kudos and credit to everyone involved for making this better than possibly anyone is expecting when they walk through the cinema doors. Bring on those sequels.

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