Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' tries to honor predecessors but falls short

Some fans of the most recent “Planet of the Apes” trilogy will have one overriding thought should they flock to theaters for the first film, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” in a planned new trilogy: They should have left the franchise alone.

Comparisons within film series are generally unavoidable, especially with a franchise such as “POTA.” The last trilogy, released throughout the 2010s, is entertaining, insightful science fiction with meaningful social commentary that set a standard for any potential new installment.

More: Movie review: ‘War’ is a fitting conclusion to ‘Planet of the Apes’ series, but will it be the end?

Director Wes Ball’s “Kingdom” attempts to match that, but falls noticeably short. Ball, known for the lackluster “Maze Runner” films, makes a valiant effort, but here’s the dilemma: In those other films, which began with 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” the story proved paramount, and it provided the impetus for the ruminations about a number of society’s issues and did so organically.

“Kingdom” takes the recurring theme from the “Apes” films, that of racism, and laces it with a dash of generational politics that question why there is an unwillingness as a society to evolve with respect to thought. Instead of allowing the theme to present itself, “Kingdom” forces the issue.

Set generations after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes,” with Ball directing from a script by Josh Friedman (“Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Terminator: Dark Fate”), we’re introduced to the ape community that’s developed since.

Noa (Owen Teague) is a young chimpanzee who is forced to flee his homeland after it’s attacked by a group of gorillas with his kinfolk taken hostage. That forces him to embark on a journey to bring them home.

Along the way he meets an orangutan, Raka (Peter Macon), who educates him in the ways of Caesar, the ape from the most recent trilogy who has evolved into a Christ-like figure to some. He also meets Mae (Freya Allen), a human who has the ability to speak, much to Noa’s dismay.

Noa is wanted by the same apes that ransacked Noa’s village, and eventually they are both caught and taken to that group’s leader, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), a gorilla well versed in the things created by humans, including weaponry. Yes, of course he wants that power and the ability to skip a couple of steps in the evolutionary chain.

That leads Noa, Mae and acquaintances to prevent his march to power. In doing so, secrets of ape and human culture are revealed.

That’s not necessarily a highlight, however, as it contributes to an overall disjointed feel that “Kingdom” possesses. It feels like several different films and never develops a consistent tone. Its pivotal third act, narratively speaking, falls apart after closer inspection, and it serves as a rather clunky setup for a potential second film in the new trilogy.

That’s disappointing because from the onset, the key to enjoying “Kingdom” is buying into its elaborate world-building with digital simians in the forefront, and Ball and the tech whizzes behind the film craft a thoroughly believable, immersive setting.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” doesn’t do justice to its more recent predecessors.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.

Review

Movie: “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”

Cast: Freya Allan, Owen Teague, Kevin Durand, William H. Macy

Directed by: Wes Ball

Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence/action

Grade: C

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' weak start for new trilogy