Director Wes Ball takes the reins in the latest installment of the successful Planet of the Apes franchise, with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Jumping ahead several generations in the storyline, the film mixes action thrills with a thoughtful challenge to the belief that humanity is the exclusive domain of man.
The movie, which reflects current political themes of autocratic rule, also serves as popcorn entertainment. The stunning and lifelike motion-capture technology used for the apes is thanks to Peter Jackson’s Weta FX company, avoiding the artificial look of recent “live-action” movies with a close approximation to photorealism.
Following a group of young chimpanzees who discover a threat to their community and embark on a hero’s journey, the main antagonist, Proximus Caesar, is a bonobo despot seeking absolute power over the apes. The film’s final act delivers tension and action as the protagonist seeks to thwart Proximus Caesar’s plan.
Director Wes Ball maintains a fast pace with some fuzzy story points but rewards audiences with an adrenaline-filled experience. Cinematographer Gyula Pados and composer John Paesano contribute to the film’s visual and emotional impact, making “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” a must-see for fans of the franchise.
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