Friedman and Ball have found a good way to continue the reboot Planter of the Apes franchise by taking the story well into the future and following some of the logical conclusions of the first trilogy. Perhaps the most innovative is turning Caesar into a Christlike figure, whose legacy is interpreted differently by different characters and twisted for different purposes. This allows the story to explore different themes than the first trilogy while staying true to the spirit of those films.
Kingdom sets up a new world. It is “generations later” and the Apes are now dominant. And as is expected, there is conflict between groups seeking to ensure their way of life continues, perhaps even dominates. But humans aren’t completely wiped out but only now beginning to make a comeback. It sets up what is essentially a first act of a new (likely) trilogy. It establishes the new order, sets out some generally well drawn characters, and sets the pieces in motion for more.
Kingdom definitely doesn’t feel like a one off remaining rather dependent on the previous films as well as very much calling for more after this. But if the series can deliver this will be a solid chapter. For me Dawn remains the strongest of the new stories in this series ad Kingdom doesn’t change that. But so much feels like it depends on what will come next. Threads feel somewhat incomplete. Characters feel only beginning to be fully developed. some films work better as part of a series and Kingdom is definitely one of those. Still, if the series is able to move on strong from here, this is a pretty good first step.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Starring: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy
Director: Wes Ball
Writer: Josh Friedman
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