The recent first-run release ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is an updating of the classic “reboot” that captivated movie-goers in 2011, 2014 and 2017 films.
Those were rooted in the original franchise that began with Charlton Heston as an American astronaut six decades ago.
The original series was based on an intriguing novel by Pierre Boulle, released worldwide in 1963. While things have “evolved” substantially across the years, human arrogance, crisis in civilization and quirky views of evolution remain central to the “Apes Planet” universe.
Owen Teague is Noa, heir apparent to leadership of an "Eagles Clan" of chimps who abide in magnificent aeries (modeled after the bird-homes) in what they believe is a secluded woodland.
Noa is brave, witty, and skillful as the story (written by Josh Friedman, directed by Wes Ball) begins in a breathtaking sequence as he and companions seek treasured eggs.
They desire the unborn eaglets not to consume, but to raise as companions.
Freya Allen is brilliant in the (human) role of Nova (later, we learn, Mae). She is much (as in, much) smarter than what first meets the eye.
She bonds with Noa and sage orangutan Raka (portrayed by Peter Macron) to form reluctant fellowship journeying into lands controlled by gorilla "chimp hunters."
They encounter evil, in the form of a "Proximus Caesar" (played by Kevin Durand) and his subordinates.
A human named Trevathan (William H. Macy) is the voice of a quite-contemporary-sounding "intellectual" proud of his smarter-than-thou ambivalence about everything.
Eka Darville is Sylva, a western lowland gorilla, who commands the "chimp hunting" Army of Proximus.
Proximus and Sylva are film villains entirely worthy of the bad chimpanzee, Koba, of the prior films.
Noa, Nova, Raka and a broadened band of brothers and sisters face existential crises.
The motion picture includes violence, as did the earlier films, but the makers of "Kingdom" allow time for story development in the grand tradition of the prior trio of tale. This motion picture is rated PG-13, and I do not recommend it for children.
Both Noa and Nova change in the course of things (and references to evolution are apt). There are twists, turns and unexpected sub-themes in every moment of the narrative.
"Kingdom" is entirely worthy as successor to the beloved stories in which Andy Serkis (a modern creative force for his work in “The Lord of the Rings” series) was so effective as an ape "Caesar".
Keeping my “spoilers” to a minimum, focusing largely on the early story proceedings: Like the best "re-boots" from Hollywood, the film incorporates occasional tributes to what has gone before.
The most stirring to fans of the original Heston series may be in a scene where captives are taken to a West Coast stronghold established by Proximus.
From a distance, the audience sees gorillas atop horses, and two chained captives ... traveling on a beach on a sunny day (see: ending of the original “Planet of the Apes").
Then, although the film is set "many generations" after the era chronicled in the 2011-2017 films, in the course of the story we see art, frescoes and carvings straight out of those films, looking much the worse due to time and a resurgent (largely) unpopulated (by apes and humans) eco-system. Noa, Nova (Mae) and Raka become aware of an ancient telescope that reveals some of the larger universe.
The pastoral, idealized lifestyle of Noa, his family and all of the Eagle Clan is more developed -- but still evocative of some Native American cultures of our day -- than that portrayed in the 'Apes' movies of the last decade.
And, just as the Apes of those films undertook their own Exodus to a new promised land, we learn that some surviving humans have done the same, settling near the large satellite dishes of the western United States.
To be sure, this new film has several elements of originality, including an unspoken moral and even theological debate. Continuing debate/arguments/discussions of the "Just War" tenets of Christian (particularly Roman Catholic) theologians from Thomas Aquinas to the present day.
In any conflict of large scale, untold thousands -- sometimes hundreds of thousands, and millions in the Second World War -- die as either intentional or "collateral" damage. This is true even in conflicts with a cause or an objective -- homeland protection, response to surprise attacks, determination to secure "unconditional" victory over evil incarnate -- that is righteous.
Pope Francis and many other leaders of vital faith traditions now reject given "Just War" teachings or theories, but the makers of this film have not.
"Kingdom" is already deemed a commercial success, having secured more than its production costs and headed into what will be successful streaming, online and DVD etc. sales.
The movie merits praise beyond that, in recognition that it is serious venture, told to us by serious people, interested in profit but also in honest presentation of deeply complex and soul-stirring troubles.
Not so serious, mind you, that it is unprofitable.
‘Kingdom’ garners commercial success
As this is posted online, the movie has garnered box office receipts of $392,879,005 worldwide, with $169,635,255 of that coming in the United States. (The movie is still surging in international markets, with $223,244,740 around the world outside the U.S.)
The North American opening of $58,400,788 was notably strong. Twentieth Century Fox handled the domestic distribution/opening and it was successful. “Kingdom” was still in the top 10 for the week ending June 30.
Headed into July, it still had a notable presence in movie theaters, but the number of daily showings was falling off. By the end of this month or soon after, it will vanish from the Big Screen (even in smaller markets) to enter the Cyber-verse.
Premium video availability is expected July 9, with limited time (24 to 48 hour) rentals initially. By late summer, Ultra HD and Blu-ray purchases will become available.
Some final words about the movie’s merits
Readers of my reviews know I prefer the Big Screen theater experience, so this month (perhaps even this week) is the time to get that done -- have that experience -- in larger markets, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
“Kingdom the Planet of the Apes” is recommended for adults and mature adolescents searching for a blockbuster with subtlety, balance, character and discernment about our common humanity. Yes, like each and everyone of these films. It is fictionally about both the great apes and homo sapiens, but in real time his is a story about ... us.
Editor’s Note: To read Pat McGuigan's reviews of the earlier films, go to these links:
* posted online in September 2011
"A 're-boot'' that works, Rise of the Planet of the Apes
https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-re-boot-that-works-rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes/article_1503247a-324e-58b5-837c-271b7cb31a13.html
* published in print in 2014, the second film in the Serkis series, posted online 2017
"Eloquent, emotional, thrilling: 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' speaks to the heart"
https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/flashback-to-2014-eloquent-emotional-thrilling-dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-speaks-to/article_16121bf9-bb11-55d3-b647-d845f759aa33.html
* posted online in 2017
"First Things, Final Things: A review of 'War for the Planet of the Apes'"
https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/first-things-final-things-a-review-of-war-for-the-planet-of-the-apes/article_2c214804-3294-5d29-a6c7-3a0a7553c358.html
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