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Excited to read my signed copy of WISDOM TAKES WORK - the latest addition to the #stoicvirtueseries by @ryanholiday  Pick up your copy today at @paintedporchbookshop #stoicism #ryanholiday
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KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2024)

A standalone sequel of a science fiction action and since it’s a standalone sequel, Kingdom has no connection to any of the characters in Caesar’s reboot trilogy. Director Ball’s Maze Runner films were entertaining and he made a bold move with Kingdom as his entry to Planet of the Apes, making this his best work. Knowing how influential and beloved Caesar was to the franchise, he didn’t try to turn this into a reboot or a direct sequel to War, instead, he turned this Kingdom into a grand adventure chronicling Caesar’s legacy, sort of an homage to Caesar. Excellent writing with engaging storytelling with a new ape, Noa as the central character to lead the story. Noa’s character doesn’t resemble Caesar, he doesn’t have his wisdom and knowledge, and I think that’s the right way to do it as to not replace Caesar in any way but instead to honor his essence and philosophies. During Caesar’s reboot trilogy, it was apes living in the shadows and they reversed it in Kingdom. There’s a certain emotional aspect in the reboot series and Kingdom did not miss on that. The narrative is just as consistent as the previous three. Screenwriter Friedman’s work on Spielbeg’s second Avatar movie was terrific and he delivered the same imposing story for Kingdom. Speaking of Spielberg’s Avatar, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities of the vast and never-ending world-building in Kingdom that looked so realistic in addition to the stunning shots and the compelling motion-capture and visual effects, it all seemed so believable. Owen Teague stepped in as the lead character named Noa, a likeable ape with so much curiosity and doubts about humans, the actor successfully played his part. I appreciate they didn’t write his backstory as a descendant of Caesar, Noa has no relation to him whatsoever, except for their species. Freya Allan was a delightful watch as Mae, being Noa’s human friend. Kevin Durand brought suspense as Proximus Caesar, portraying as a fraud to other apes by twisting Caesar’s principles and acting like a false prophet. Kingdom proved itself to be a worthy successor to Rise, Dawn, and War. Overall, it was awesome.

RATING: 9/10
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