HBO Max has been a little dependent on Disney’s 20th Century Studios for its sci-fi films lately, but now the former is getting one of the best science fiction movies of 2024.
Starting today, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is streaming on HBO Max, and it continues the modern reboot of the franchise that began in 2011.
It’s also Watch With Us‘ pick for the one movie that you should stream this weekend.
Now it’s time to share the three reasons why Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the movie to watch on HBO Max.
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‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Is a Fresh Start
Before directing this film, Wes Ball was only known for helming The Maze Runner movies. After his stunning work on this film, Ball was recruited to direct the live-action Legend of Zelda movie for Sony Pictures. It’s easy to see why in the beautiful shots in this movie. There’s a lot of CGI in Kingdom, especially with the ape performances. But the way Ball frames the landscape is breathtaking. It feels just otherworldly enough that the audience buys into it.
This film also benefits from jumping 300 years ahead in time after War for the Planet of the Apes. That choice doesn’t retcon the previous films, but it allows for some significant changes in the interim. For example, the new leading ape, Noa (Owen Teague), is part of a clan that has formed a close bond with eagles. They’re the peace-loving apes in this story, but the tribe’s good times are short-lived when they’re captured and conquered by Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand)
The Performances and Special Effects Are Excellent
Among the ape actors, Durand stands out as the tyrant who has enslaved humans and apes alike for his new kingdom. Proximus may not know what a cult of personality is, but he’s set one up around him, and he presents himself as the heir to Caesar. It’s a perversion of everything the real Caesar (Andy Serkis) stood for in the previous films.
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Teague is also very compelling as Noa, which is fortunate since most of the movie revolves around him. Noa is a lot more naive than Caesar, but in some ways, more heroic as well. It’s also amazing how far the special effects have come since the Rise of the Planet of the Apes with James Franco in 2011. The ape performances are enhanced by the incredible CGI that captures subtle expressions and body language, as well as the big emotional moments.
It Sets Up an Intriguing Future for the Sci-Fi Franchise
We’re not going to spoil the ending of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. But there is a setup for a wider conflict that builds out of the conclusion of this story. On a more personal level, the movie comes down to the relationship between Noa and a human girl named Mae (Freya Allan). Unlike many of the other humans, Mae can still speak and think clearly. She and Noa have some affection for each other, but they are also opposed on some big issues.
Up to the final moments, there’s a question about how much Mae can be trusted. She may like Noa, but her loyalties lie elsewhere. And that could put an end to Noa’s quest before he can free his tribe from Proximus.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is streaming on HBO Max.
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