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

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes (1980), audiences are invited back into the world of TV Movie, Science Fiction, Adventure. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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"]"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Roddy McDowall is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Science Fiction, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1980, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.