Photos: 20 Centuries Studios

The cinematic legacy of "Planet of the Apes" began in the late '60s and early '70s, captivating audiences with groundbreaking narratives and the unforgettable visual of apes in command. Iconic actors like Charlton Heston and James Franciscus were pitted against the intellectual might of apes in a world where humans found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. These films, featuring Roddy McDowall's unforgettable performances as Cornelius and later his son Caesar, laid the groundwork for the blockbuster era, preceding giants like "Jaws" (1975) and "Star Wars" (1977).

Bypassing the less celebrated 2001 remake by Tim Burton, the saga received a much-acclaimed facelift from 2011 to 2017 with the trilogy comprised of "Rise," "Dawn," and "War for the Planet of the Apes." This series reimagined the story with cutting-edge CGI and motion-capture performances, particularly by Andy Serkis as Caesar, painting a compelling narrative of the apes' ascent to sovereignty and the precipitous decline of humanity due to a destructive virus—all set before the backdrop of a pre-Covid world.

Now, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" ventures to seize the franchise's legacy with a fresh trilogy, as hinted by director Wes Ball in discussions with Empire. This new chapter champions Caesar's legacy in a fragmented ape society that has turned feudal several generations after "War for the Planet of the Apes." The narrative introduces us to the eagle clan, a peaceful faction that has mastered the art of living in harmony with nature, raising eagles to aid in their survival, in a world where humans are nearly extinct.

Our story follows Noa (played by Owen Teague), a young chimp on the cusp of adulthood within the eagle clan, as he confronts his stern father and clan leader during a perilous quest for eagle eggs. This adventure leads Noa and his allies to encounter signs of human presence and other mysterious forces, leading to a confrontation with soldier apes commanded by the bonobo, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who embodies the archetypal ambitious ruler bent on expansion through conquest.

The film weaves together spectacular visuals and inventive world-building but suffers from congestion in its storyline and occasionally patchy character development—particularly when compared to the depth of character achieved by Andy Serkis' portrayal of Caesar. Despite these pacing challenges, director Wes Ball, known for his work on the "Maze Runner" series, embeds homages to the 1968 original, enriching the narrative with historical touchstones from the franchise's storied past.

While "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" moves away from the allegorical explorations of slavery and racism deeply intertwined with the series' roots, it does address themes of power, human folly, and the cyclical nature of history, albeit without breaking new ground. The film mirrors contemporary discussions on leadership and technology's perils, offering a poignant, if familiar, commentary on societal dynamics.

It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the "Planet of the Apes" saga—poised to intrigue enough to span yet another trilogy before possibly pausing for future reimaginings. It confirms the cyclical nature of cinema itself, echoing the franchise's iconic line, "damn them all to hell," in its persistence to evolve and captivate anew.