'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Takes the Series One Evolutionary Step Backward

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and how it represents a step backward for the series. It highlights the importance of the character Caesar, voiced and portrayed by Andy Serkis, in the previous trilogy, and how his absence in the new film leaves a void that cannot be filled.

🙋 Q&A

[01] 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Takes the Series One Evolutionary Step Backward

1. What were the initial reactions to the announcement of a Planet of the Apes reboot in 2011? The announcement of a Planet of the Apes reboot in 2011 was met with a sense of cynicism, as many viewed it as a quick cash grab and an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia. There was a concern that the reboot would not live up to the quality of the original franchise.

2. How did the new Planet of the Apes trilogy (2011-2017) differ from the initial expectations? The new Planet of the Apes trilogy, consisting of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and "War for the Planet of the Apes," reimagined the franchise in a smart, savvy, and commercially successful way. The key to this success was the character of Caesar, voiced and portrayed by Andy Serkis, who became the emotional center and conscience of the series.

3. How does the author describe the impact of Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar? The author describes Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar as "one of the great, extended screen performances of the 21st century." Serkis, through the use of performance-capture technology, was able to imbue the character with a sense of humanity, despite being a simian protagonist.

[02] The Plot and Characters of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"

1. Who is the main protagonist of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"? The main protagonist of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is Noa, a young chimpanzee who is part of a tribe living in the ruins of California.

2. What happens to Noa's tribe, and how does he respond? Noa's tribe is attacked and burned to the ground by a rival group of apes, led by the brute Sylva. Noa is left for dead, and his surviving friends and loved ones are taken as slave labor. Noa vows to seek revenge and begins to follow the tracks of the aggressors.

3. Who does Noa meet along the way, and what is their connection to the previous films? Noa meets a wise orangutan named Raka, who is part of the Order of Caesar and is familiar with the warlike apes. Noa also meets a young woman named Mae, who is revealed to be the mute child Caesar rescued in "War for the Planet of the Apes."

4. What is the main antagonist's goal in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"? The main antagonist, a demagogue named Proximus Caesar, has twisted the words of the simian savior Caesar to his own ends. He is obsessed with a giant vault guarded by impenetrable steel doors, which contains human weapons and technology, and he plans to use these resources to quickly catch up to and destroy humanity.

[03] The Author's Critique of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"

1. How does the author describe the quality of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" compared to the previous Planet of the Apes trilogy? The author states that "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" represents a "big evolutionary step backward" for the franchise, lacking the quality, excitement, and emotional investment that the previous trilogy had achieved.

2. What is the author's main criticism of the film without the presence of the character Caesar? The author argues that without the compelling character of Caesar, who served as the emotional center and conscience of the previous films, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is left with "nothing but Blockbuster 101 grandstanding" and a "curious sense of staleness."

3. How does the author compare "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" to the original 1968 Planet of the Apes film? The author notes that while "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is "close kin to that 1968 Charlton Heston ground-zero for the series," it lacks the quality, excitement, and ability to invest the viewer in the outcome, unlike the original film.