Critics: The best one yet!

THE PREMIERE of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in Hollywood on Thursday (2 May) has garnered enthusiastic early reviews.

Critics, experiencing the latest instalment in the sci-fi franchise from Matt Reeves, noted that while it may not be the pinnacle of the series, it indeed serves as a gripping continuation of the narrative.

Adapted from Pierre Boulle’s novel Planet of the Apes, the franchise delves into the saga of intelligent apes who have ascended to dominance, navigating the challenges of cohabitation with humans in a shared world. Set approximately 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes follows young ape Noa (played by Owen Teague) on a quest for freedom, encountering a human companion (portrayed by Freya Allan from The Witcher) along the way.

In a slew of positive reviews shared on Twitter after the premiere, Ian Sandwell, the movie editor at Digital Spy, mentioned that while the film initially takes time to establish itself, it “evolves into a compelling second act and a thrilling conclusion.”

Another critic noted that the film “takes a moment to set the stage” as it introduces new characters and a fresh timeline, but once it does, the momentum never wavers. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is hailed as a quintessential summer blockbuster, boasting astonishing visual effects and stellar performances, setting the stage for an epic new saga. One critic even dubbed it a “worthy heir to the franchise throne,” describing it as an exhilarating action-adventure with an expansive scope yet grounded in genuine emotion.

One enthusiastic viewer even declared it to feature the most impressive visual effects in a blockbuster since the groundbreaking CGI of Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022.

The Planet of the Apes universe spans a total of nine films, with the preceding entry, War for the Planet of the Apes, concluding with the apes mourning their leader, Caesar (played by Andy Serkis), following a gruelling battle against human adversaries. Caesar’s body is laid to rest in a place he deemed a promised land, leaving a suggestion that his legacy endures.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes hits UK cinemas on 9 May, followed by its US release on 10 May.