Whilst Caesar's legacy may be tarnished by characters within the film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes only strengthens this franchise's reputation by finding a fascinating way back into this world. It's a mature, thought provoking blockbuster that shows how the symbols and beliefs of a previous generation can be contorted into something sinister as well as how those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Owen Teague is phenomenal as Noa. It's a real coming of age story for him as his worldview is shaken and then built anew and he portrays every step wonderfully. With his well placed humour and general likeability, Peter Macon's Raka is designed to be a favourite and Kevin Durand's Proximus Caesar is a power hungry villain who keeps the winning streak going for the villains of this franchise despite arriving late in the film.
Wes Ball's direction has the immersive nature of a James Cameron picture, even if it isn't at that level. Taking its time to set everything up, introducing new cultures and making sure you care about the characters before really getting the adventure started. The film is never boring even when it's slowing down because seeing these fully realised environments where nature has reclaimed the modern world is always exciting.
The CGI in this franchise has always been incredible but it's pushed like never before here. Both the characters and the world they inhabit are gorgeously rendered with the final set piece drenching all the apes in water for a jaw dropping level of detail. It's still impressive how the character designs can always strike a balance between resembling the actors and looking like an ape without being uncanny.
Owen Teague is phenomenal as Noa. It's a real coming of age story for him as his worldview is shaken and then built anew and he portrays every step wonderfully. With his well placed humour and general likeability, Peter Macon's Raka is designed to be a favourite and Kevin Durand's Proximus Caesar is a power hungry villain who keeps the winning streak going for the villains of this franchise despite arriving late in the film.
Wes Ball's direction has the immersive nature of a James Cameron picture, even if it isn't at that level. Taking its time to set everything up, introducing new cultures and making sure you care about the characters before really getting the adventure started. The film is never boring even when it's slowing down because seeing these fully realised environments where nature has reclaimed the modern world is always exciting.
The CGI in this franchise has always been incredible but it's pushed like never before here. Both the characters and the world they inhabit are gorgeously rendered with the final set piece drenching all the apes in water for a jaw dropping level of detail. It's still impressive how the character designs can always strike a balance between resembling the actors and looking like an ape without being uncanny.