Is The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1980, The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the TV Movie, Science Fiction, Adventure category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Human astronauts Burke and Virdon, with their chimp companion Galen, are forced to become involved in the strange gladiatorial games of the district run by prefect Tolar. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of TV Movie, Science Fiction, Adventure are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Human astronauts Burke and Virdon, with their chimp companion Galen, are forced to become involved in the strange gladiatorial games of the district run by prefect Tolar. The trio escape the gorilla police and find an abandoned government research project with a computer containing a vast amount of recording information about the old human-ruled world. [The second of five telefilms edited from episodes of the 1974 TV series; this film combines the episodes "The Gladiators" and "The Legacy"]"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Roddy McDowall is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Roddy McDowall captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Bernard McEveety is marked by a steady and professional hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of TV Movie, Science Fiction, Adventure, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1980 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Bernard McEveety respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Roddy McDowall or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.