Entertainment Blog #252 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes [2024] : Foundation Laid for Perfect Ending for the Franchise..

"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" delves deep into a narrative that resonates with our own struggles and triumphs. In a world divided by differences, the film’s exploration of unity, leadership, and survival parallels our contemporary societal challenges. The quest of Noa, a young chimpanzee, and Mae, a determined human woman, echoes the timeless human desire for peace and understanding amidst chaos.

Directed by Wes Ball and scripted by Josh Friedman, this 2024 sci-fi action spectacle is a standalone sequel to "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017). It's the fourth chapter in the reboot series and the tenth installment in the franchise. Owen Teague stars as Noa, with a supporting cast that includes Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. Filming commenced in October 2022 in Sydney and wrapped in February 2023. The movie premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre on May 2, 2024, and was widely released on May 10 by 20th Century Studios.

The plot is set in 300 years post-Caesar’s era, where apes live as clans, not as one group. The plot unfolds with Noa’s clan, the Eagle clan. They have tamed eagles so when they catch fish, the eagle would bring them to the apes. Also, apes take eagle eggs and hatch them at their palace where all the tamed eagles live.

One day Noa and his friends, Anaya and Soona went to find eggs for an upcoming festival. There, they saw a human but they were unable to have a clear look. It seems like another ape clan is seeking this human. They are claiming to build an ape kingdom in the name of Caesar. Chasing the human, they found Noa's clan and destroyed it. Some of them were taken and most were killed. Noa was almost killed.

Their adventure takes a dire turn as Noa’s clan is enslaved by Proximus Caesar, a tyrannical bonobo king seeking ancient human technology. As Noa navigates the complex power dynamics, he forms an uneasy alliance with Mae, who reveals her knowledge of a vital satellite key hidden in a vault. Together, they infiltrate the vault, discovering remnants of human civilization and facing Proximus’ treachery.

In a climactic confrontation, Noa and Mae’s alliance is tested against the backdrop of impending doom. Explosives flood the bunker, Mae’s betrayal surfaces and Proximus’ fall signifies a pivotal moment. The resolution leaves Noa’s clan to rebuild and Mae to carry on her mission, raising questions about the potential for peaceful coexistence between apes and humans.

What sets "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" apart is its profound narrative depth and character development. Unlike many action-driven films, it intertwines a rich tapestry of emotional and philosophical questions, making it more than just a visual spectacle. The film's exploration of legacy, survival, and coexistence offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Critically acclaimed, the movie boasts an 80% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its "Avatar-level visual effects" and compelling performances, though some felt it didn’t surpass its predecessors. Metacritic reflects a generally favorable reception with a score of 66 out of 100, while CinemaScore audiences gave it a "B", indicating solid, albeit slightly diminished, enthusiasm compared to earlier installments.

With a budget of $160 million, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" has grossed an impressive $392.9 million worldwide. It stands as the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2024. This financial success, coupled with its rich narrative and visual grandeur, solidifies the film’s place in the storied franchise, ensuring its legacy for future generations.