The “Planet of the Apes” series is progressing, having received an Oscar nomination for last year’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” and a follow-up currently in production. This suggests that the franchise will maintain continuity from its 2011 reboot, unless studios decide otherwise. However, the initial three films – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes” – form a trilogy that remains significant regardless of future developments. These movies present one of the most compelling sci-fi narratives of the past decade, and their relevance is likely to increase in the years ahead.
For more than half a century, the Planet of the Apes franchise has been intertwined with science fiction, and its longevity wasn’t necessarily guaranteed. By the time of the first remake in 2001, the initial five movies had already become cult favorites. However, the reboot didn’t gain enough momentum to sustain a series. The franchise faced some challenges during development for a few years, but its enduring Hollywood legacy and intriguing conceptual appeal eventually proved too strong to be suppressed.
Initially, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was conceived modestly and not intended as a trilogy. Yet, it’s remarkable that these three films seamlessly complement each other, culminating in a unified climax. Even devoted fans harbored doubts when the reboot kicked off in a contemporary setting reminiscent of 2008, instead of a distant post-apocalyptic future.
In “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” they opted for a daring approach by heavily relying on computer-generated imagery (CGI) and motion-capture technology instead of the traditional practical effects associated with the original series. This decision proved to be one of its key strengths, particularly with Andy Serkis, a master of mo-cap, in the lead role. He brought Caesar to life – a character recognized from the old series but drastically transformed here into the first ape infected, instead of a leader from a future civilization.
Three-Movie Arc
The tale of apes evolving intelligence and humans creating their own pandemics is never oversimplified; instead, it’s richly layered with intricacies at every juncture. The film delves into the philosophical aspects of its ape characters, allowing them to interact profoundly with humans, avoiding stereotypes of blind animosity on both sides. Spanning just eight years in the first installment, the apes remain the underdogs, with no indications yet of their eventual global supremacy.
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” elevates the game significantly, with a focus that’s clearly shifted towards post-apocalyptic aesthetics. In this sequel, apes are not just simian beings; they ride horses, handle guns, and even establish their own legal and governmental structures. The story unfolds in 2026, making it an ideal choice for a revisit soon.
In the narrative, humanity is on the brink of extinction, with only a minuscule 0.2% surviving the “Simian Flu,” which paradoxically granted apes consciousness. Caesar, our ape leader, grapples with internal conflict as he hesitates to engage in combat with the remaining human survivors. On the other hand, new human characters strive to prevent their military leaders from attacking the apes.
The film concludes on a suspenseful note, leaving us hanging rather than resorting to graphic displays of warfare itself. It’s a testament to the deep-rooted fear that divides these two species, even as we’re left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping saga.
In 2017’s movie “War for the Planet of the Apes”, the long-awaited confrontation between the ape factions unfolds, a conflict that has been carefully built up throughout the storyline. This takes place in 2028 and quickly turns tragic as Caesar’s group endures significant casualties. It’s impressive how the filmmakers delayed the grandiose war spectacle for so long, and managed to keep Caesar in a disadvantaged position despite humanity’s dire state.
In these films, it’s revealed that the Simian Flu doesn’t just take human lives – it also heightens aggression and reduces intelligence in survivors, while simultaneously increasing the intellect of apes. This change disrupts the narrative of all three movies, both exonerating humans for certain actions and implicating them in their own decline. However, the apes display empathy towards infected individuals, adopting an orphaned girl named Nova into their community. As Caesar, the founder of this new society, passes away, he leaves behind a son and a powerful legacy as the originator of this civilization.
What’s Next?
Indeed, Caesar’s departure signals the conclusion of this trilogy, yet it was kept independent even when a follow-up was produced. Last year’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” takes place many years after Caesar’s demise, in an era where apes rule the planet and humanity has devolved into wildness. It’s intriguing how this film continues the narrative from the preceding three movies, and with a sequel on the horizon, it could potentially reach another climax of its own.
The film “Kingdom” garnered mostly favorable feedback and managed a decent run at the cinema. While some viewers struggled to view it as seriously as its predecessors, it’s essential to recall that this marks a new beginning in several aspects. It capitalizes on the achievements of the previous trilogy, but it must elevate the storyline independently, which it has yet to fully accomplish. Development for the sequel is currently underway and set to premiere in 2027.
At the moment, viewers who wish to revisit these films have a task ahead if they’re only subscribed to the standard Hulu service. While all three movies can be streamed on Hulu, only the “Rise” and “War” are accessible for Live TV tier subscribers. However, both “Dawn” and “Kingdom” can be watched by any Hulu subscriber, and “Rise” can also be found on Max. Additionally, all these films can be purchased digitally or on Blu-ray from various digital stores.
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2025-03-03 00:10