Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Apes are strong together, except when they want to be king, and also, humans are secretly trying to dial home.

🍿 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ape Society and Noa’s Coming-of-Age

Generations after Caesar’s death, apes have formed diverse clans. Noa, a young chimpanzee from a clan that trains eagles, is about to enter adulthood. His rite of passage involves collecting eagle eggs, but a chance encounter with a human disrupts this tradition. This incident sets in motion a series of events that drastically alter Noa’s life and his understanding of the world. The initial scenes showcase the established ape culture, highlighting their customs and peaceful existence before external forces intervene.

Village Raid and Noa’s Quest for Rescue

Noa’s village is attacked by ape raiders led by Sylva, serving Proximus Caesar. His father, Koro, is killed, and his clan is taken captive. Noa, left for dead, vows to rescue his family. Fueled by grief and determination, Noa embarks on a perilous journey, showcasing his resilience and growing leadership. This marks a significant turning point, transforming Noa from a young ape into a determined protagonist.

Alliances and the Discovery of Mae

During his journey, Noa meets Raka, an orangutan who shares Caesar’s teachings, offering guidance and wisdom. They also encounter Mae, a human who can speak, challenging Noa’s preconceived notions about humans. The unlikely trio forms an alliance, each with their own motivations. Mae’s ability to speak is a crucial plot point, hinting at a more advanced human society and creating tension between the apes and humans.

Proximus Caesar’s Tyranny and the Human Vault

Noa, Raka, and Mae are captured and brought to Proximus Caesar, a gorilla who has enslaved other ape clans to unlock a human vault containing advanced technology. Proximus aims to control this technology to establish his dominance. The introduction of Proximus Caesar reveals a complex antagonist who distorts Caesar’s teachings for his own gain. The human vault represents a legacy of the past and a potential source of conflict between apes and humans.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Noa (Owen Teague): A young chimpanzee who embarks on a journey to rescue his clan and questions the distorted teachings of Caesar.
• Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand): A tyrannical ape leader who enslaves other ape clans while misinterpreting Caesar’s legacy to justify his rule.
• Mae/Nova (Freya Allan): A resourceful and intelligent human who can speak and seeks to restore human communication and prevent ape dominance.
• Raka (Peter Macon): An orangutan who is knowledgeable about Caesar’s true teachings and guides Noa on his journey.
• Sylva (Eka Darville): The ruthless leader of Proximus Caesar’s raiders, responsible for the destruction of Noa’s village.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Proximus Caesar: “Are you familiar with the concept of evolution? In their time, humans were capable of many great things… But now, it is our time… and it is my kingdom. We will learn. Apes will learn. I will learn. And I… will conquer.” – Proximus Caesar explains his ambitions and belief in ape dominance, showcasing his warped interpretation of Caesar’s teachings.
• Raka: “Apes together strong.” – Raka reminds Noa of Caesar’s core teaching of unity and strength in solidarity.
• Mae: “Those weapons, those technologies… They were made by humans, and they should be used by humans.” – Mae reveals her motivation for destroying the vault, highlighting the conflict between humans and apes over technology.
• Noa: “If weapons and technology are only for humans, it suggests that nothing belongs to the apes.” – Noa confronts Mae about her actions and questions the possibility of peaceful coexistence between apes and humans.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $160,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $171,130,165
• Worldwide Gross: $397,378,150

💥 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Reviews

Personal Review

I was really excited for this movie, being a huge ‘Planet of the Apes’ fan. The visuals are stunning, especially the ape CGI – they’re so expressive! The story, though, felt a bit slow at times. I loved the new ape culture they created, and seeing the ruins of human civilization was eerie. Proximus Caesar was a great villain, but I wanted more Caesar’s influence. Overall, it’s a good start to a new chapter, and I’m curious to see where they go next. The ending definitely left me wanting more!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise”
  • “Viewers interested in post-apocalyptic stories”
  • “Those who enjoy action-adventure movies with strong visual effects”
  • “Audiences interested in themes of power, freedom, and coexistence”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Some intense scenes may be frightening for younger viewers”
  • “Themes of enslavement and loss”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Kingdom breathes new life into the franchise, offering stunning visuals and compelling characters. It grapples with themes of legacy and power with grace, setting the stage for an exciting future.
• High on Films: “A visual masterpiece with a story that balances action and contemplation. The film explores complex social dynamics within the ape societies, making it a thought-provoking entry in the series.
• IMDB User Review: “While the visuals and world-building are top-notch, ‘Kingdom’ lacks the emotional punch of its predecessors. The characters don’t resonate as strongly, and the pacing can feel uneven at times, making it a visually impressive but somewhat hollow experience.

Audience Reactions

The ape CGI and visual effects were praised as the best in the series.: Viewers were amazed by the realistic portrayal of the apes and the detailed post-apocalyptic world.

Many enjoyed the new ape society and the exploration of Caesar’s legacy.: Fans appreciated the world-building and the subtle nods to the original films.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning film that sets the stage for a new ‘Planet of the Apes’ trilogy, though it may lack the emotional depth and tight pacing of its predecessors.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is set approximately 300 years after the events of ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’.”
• “This is the first ‘Planet of the Apes’ film in the reboot series where Andy Serkis, who played Caesar, does not appear in any capacity.”
• “Director Wes Ball wanted to explore how Caesar’s legacy would evolve and be interpreted centuries later.”
• “The filmmakers drew inspiration from various historical empires and civilizations when designing the ape societies.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?

As a recent theatrical release, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is currently available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming availability on services like Disney+ or Hulu in the near future, though availability may vary depending on your region. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, you might like these similar films:

• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Direct sequel, completing Caesar’s trilogy, leading into the world seen in ‘Kingdom’.
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Continues the exploration of ape-human conflict and the formation of ape society.
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Origin story of Caesar, showing the beginning of ape intelligence and their rise.
• The Planet of the Apes (1968): The original film that started the franchise, exploring similar themes of ape dominance and human subjugation.
• Avatar (2009): Shares themes of conflict between native populations and technologically advanced invaders, with a strong focus on environmentalism.
• The Maze Runner (2014): Wes Ball’s previous work also involved a group of youths struggling to survive in a dangerous environment.

🛒 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Related Products

• Planet of the Apes Legacy Collection [Blu-ray]: This collection includes all the original Planet of the Apes movies, a must-have for any serious fan. It offers a deep dive into the origins of the ape uprising.
• Planet of the Apes Movie Poster Set: A collection of posters featuring artwork from across the Planet of the Apes series. Perfect for decorating a home theater or office.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Planet of The Apes – Caesar: A vinyl figure of Caesar, leader of the apes, in Funko Pop! style. Collectible item for Apes series fans
• Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier [PlayStation 4]: A narrative adventure game set between ‘Dawn’ and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes.’ Play as both apes and humans, making difficult choices that determine the fate of both species.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Themes from War for the Planet of the Apes” – performed by Michael Giacchino
• “Main Title” – performed by Soundtrack
• “Original Score Selection” – performed by Andrew Lockington

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Every Ape in Planet of the Apes Explained | WIRED

Curious about the different species of apes in the Planet of the Apes? This WIRED video breaks it down for you, giving you a deeper understanding of the film’s world. It’s a must-watch for fans of the movie and anyone interested in apes!

Owen Teague and Kevin Durand get into their ape characters on LIVE television 😂 | GMA

Have you ever wondered how actors prepare to play apes? This GMA video shows Owen Teague and Kevin Durand getting into their characters, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the fun and challenging process. It’s a great watch for fans of the movie and anyone interested in acting!

Kevin Durand explains how to become an ape #movie #shorts

Want to know how actors transform into realistic apes? This video shows Kevin Durand sharing his preparation techniques, including attending ‘ape school’ and spending time at the zoo. It’s a fascinating look into the dedication and effort that goes into bringing these characters to life!

VFX Artists React to Bad & Great CGi 134

Curious about how the stunning visual effects in the Planet of the Apes movies were created? This video from Corridor Crew, a group of VFX professionals, breaks down the techniques and artistry behind the scenes. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in filmmaking, CGI, or the art of storytelling through visual effects!

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