Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes First Reactions: “Phenomenal”, “Astonishing” and “Very Entertaining”

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Billie Melissa | Last updated 5/3/24

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters next Friday, and those early reactions are starting to roll in as the film gets its first audiences.

Taking place years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey which leads him to question everything he knows. What he discovers will lead him to make choices that define the future for both apes and humans.

Directed by Wes Ball and written by Josh Friedman, the film's cast consists of Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Dichen Lachman, William H. Macy and Owen Teague.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the fourth film in the reboot series, which kicked off in 2011 with Rupert Wyatt's Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

The reboots have been a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and it seems Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will follow that trend with first reactions calling the film "a tremendous visual feat" that is "phenomenal" and "very entertaining".

What a wonderful day! KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is yet another strong entry in the Planet of the Apes franchise. Relieved & thrilled by how much I enjoyed it, even compared to the last nearly perfect trilogy. Wes Ball wisely takes his time establishing the state of the… pic.twitter.com/UyJxwvyE2r
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 3, 2024

I loved Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. How is it as good as the Matt Reeves movies? I don’t know but it’s phenomenal. “Apocalypto with Apes,” as Wes Ball promised. Riveting & emotional. APES continues to be pound for pound one of the best it not THE best franchise running.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 3, 2024

If there’s one thing I love as much as “STAR TREK” & “THE BEATLES,” it’s the “PLANET OF THE APES” movies — the original films AND the last 3 films! And I loved “KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES,” an excellent & very entertaining continuation of the new mythology! SEE IT MAY 10! pic.twitter.com/jxFXdneALq
— Scott Mantz (@MovieMantz) May 3, 2024

While full length reviews remain under embargo, the early reactions are an encouraging sign for those hoping this new instalment will match the quality of its predecessors.

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is a worthy successor to the throne. A bold leap into the future of this world that hooked me immediately.

It’s a genuinely exciting action adventure, perhaps larger in scope than the last films, but just as grounded in honest emotion. pic.twitter.com/Xq7SNNJ4yb
— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) May 3, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a strong continuation of the series. Takes a little while to find its footing, but builds into an captivating second act and a thrilling finale. Excited to see where it heads from here after an intriguing ending. pic.twitter.com/wuYWSMDeB0
— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) May 3, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is just a classic summer blockbuster.

Takes a minute to get going, thoroughly introducing new characters & timeline, then never looks back. VFX are astonishing. Great performances.

Feels like a start to an epic new saga. Need the next one ASAP. pic.twitter.com/pWY28QQ5LF
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) May 3, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is in theaters from May 10.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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