Watched in the cinema (77th visit in 2024)

History repeats itself. Always. Unfortunately. When a new chapter in the world of "Planet of the Apes" was announced 15 years ago, expectations were cautious, accompanied by more than a hint of skepticism. Is a continuation of this series really a good idea? Can the series still be taken seriously after Tim Burton's disappointing attempt at a remake? Is the (then) modern animation technology able to convey the narrative in an appropriate way? Why tell a prequel to a classic movie at all? But what followed was a triumphant trilogy, accompanied by hymns of praise, which came to a celebrated conclusion in 2017 with "War for the Planet of the Apes".

A new trilogy is now to be launched with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", which, according to an insert, is set in the film "Many Generations Later". But since history, as we know, often repeats itself in cycles, this film was also met with all kinds of skepticism and doubt from the outset. Is director Wes Ball, who previously directed the "Maze Runner" films and will soon be working on "The Legend of Zelda", really the right choice for this mammoth task? What story can be told at all after the tragic death of Caesar? Isn't there a danger that the outdated franchise will cannibalize itself? Some say that Hollywood has simply run out of ideas. But even if this is true, it doesn't necessarily mean that "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" has failed as a movie.

The plot revolves around the young monkey Noa (Owen Teague), who is determined to free his tribe from the clutches of a despot. In contrast to the last two films, the content is nowhere near as dark. Nevertheless, this is more than just an adventure story. The themes of rapprochement and finding oneself are portrayed as a fairly classic hero's journey and are neatly realized. The tonality is always coherent. The threats used are massive, but not as immediate as in "War for the Planet of the Apes".

However, it would be inappropriate to accuse the film of being too gentle. An air of oppression can always be felt. It is the shadow of Caesar, who once preached peaceful coexistence between apes and humans, but whose words have long since been instrumentalized and twisted by the power-hungry. The disturbing thing about the (good) "Planet of the Apes" films is that they are ultimately works about the weaknesses and atrocities of humans. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is no different, and just like the previous installments, this analogy is used anything but subtly. It has worked really well for decades - and it works here too.

Together with the run-down world and the regulations hidden within it, this proves to be a well-functioning mixture for a blockbuster that skillfully plays to the strengths of the series. No real risks are taken, but no particularly striking weaknesses are created either. Malicious tongues could accuse the movie of merely offering service by the book. More sympathetic viewers are more likely to see it as a successful self-assurance. Both are right.

However, the technical brilliance of the movie is undeniable. As usual with the franchise, the primates look sensational. They don't look like animated creatures on the screen, but like real characters whose origins in the computer are barely recognizable. The different apes from Noa's clan can be distinguished by their facial expressions and eyes alone. Yes, it may sound like a pop song from the jukebox of a village pub, but you can really lose yourself in those eyes.

It is simply impressive how good the monkeys look (once again). The world around them also seems alive, mostly tangible. But it's actually the interpersonal actions between the primates that set great accents, not only in terms of the animation technique, but also in terms of the mood. The relationship between Noa and his fatherly friend Raka (Peter Macon) makes use of simple means and is anything but profound in its narrative style, but it works perfectly.

The term 'simple' may have a negative connotation, but that's the way it is. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" uses simple tricks and methods to control not only its story, but also the emotions associated with it. However, the movie does this really well. So well, in fact, that the movie falters whenever it goes for spectacle. The action scenes are solid to well realized, but they rarely seem really necessary. They are more like obligatory sequences that simply have to be there because a movie like this needs action. That's not harmful, but it's a shame.

The same applies to the only relevant human character, who is embodied by Freya Allan. Of course, her role has an importance and position within the plot that should not be underestimated. It's also nice that the script gives her ambivalence from time to time. Nevertheless, compared to Noa, Raka and all the other apes, she can't really keep up. Her character has a purpose, a use, but not really an appeal. The antagonist Proximus (Kevin Durand), who is introduced too late and lacks depth, remains similarly colorless. But here, too, it still works well overall.

When "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" comes to an end, it may lack the big emotional punch that its predecessors liked to dish out (even if it is a little too exuberant or forced), but it never gives the impression of a movie that simply wants to entertain. It has a simple ambition to it, which may also continue to be present in the planned sequels. It would be welcome if the makers had a little more courage and stepped out of their comfort zone from time to time, but this is not really necessary. Because with the latest spin-off, the "Planet of the Apes" franchise consolidates its status as a silverback. He sits there, sturdy and old, contemplating his empire. A large empire that has recently been greatly expanded. But if we've learned anything from the series, it's that it's the little things, the inconspicuous and supposedly weak, that bring down giants. This giant is still standing strong, but history repeats itself. Always.