Now playing on digital platforms such as Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Movies Anywhere, Apple TV and Amazon Prime (to name a few) for rent or purchase is the latest addition to the Planet of the Apes franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The film will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Ultra 4K on August 27, 2024.
The films features the voice talents of Owen Teague, Kevin Durand and Peter Macon, as well as the live action talent of William H. Macy and Freya Allan.
Normally I use my own synopsis of a film, but the official synopsis works best for me in this case.
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise with this action-adventure spectacle from 20th Century Studios. Set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, apes are living harmoniously as the dominant species — and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
I will admit that sometimes I didn’t follow along with the story, but that was because I was in awe of how realistic this film is. I don’t know what kind of movie magic was involved in making this film (AI I’m guessing), but you would think the film features actual speaking apes as well as epic scenery and amazing landscapes. Wow. Simply WOW.
(L-R): Noa (played by Owen Teague) and Raka (played by Peter Macon) in 20th Century Studios’ KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Continuing on with the overall appearance of this film, I cannot rave about it or not. People say that Avatar was epic based on the world created as well as the blue people. This film would rival that as far as the realism and incredible backgrounds. There are sweeping fields, raging waterfalls, and buildings completely taken back by the flora and fauna. It’s incredible.
As far as the storyline goes, it was fine. Although it was a bit predictable, there were still some situations that surprised me, including the ending of the film. I believe that the ending could possibly lead to another film in the franchise. Or some might see it as an ending to the franchise. It can go either way, but I’m leaning towards seeing more Planet of the Apes movies in the future.
I grew up watching the original Planet of the Apes film with Charles Heston. Back then you can tell they were people in ape suits. In this film you will truly believe everything one and everything is real.
I like that there was even a touch of humor in the film.
There are some bonus features for this film as well.
(L-R) Noa (played by Owen Teague) and Dar (played by Sara Wiseman) in 20th Century Studios’ KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Bonus Features*
Documentary
Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Join director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the Planet of the Apes legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom.
14 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball.
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer.
This film has a run time of two hours and twenty-five minutes. It is rated PG-13.
You can check out the film on social media too to see what others are saying about this film.
- Twitter: @ApesMovies
- Facebook: @ApesMovies
- Instagram: @apesmovies
The official hashtag is #KingdomOfThePlanetOfTheApes.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is released by 20th Century Studios. Be sure to check out their website, as well as on social media, to keep up to date on new movie releases.
Below is the film’s theatrical trailer. The film is no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
