Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Today, Matt & Todd are joined again by Mike, who is here to discuss the 1970 sci-fi classic Beneath the Planet of the Apes.This is of course the sequel to Planet, which we discussed a few episodes ago, and it happens to be the favorite of the five films for Matt and Mike.*Directed by Ted PostStarring: James Fransiscus, James Gregory as Ursus and a returning cast including Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, Charlton Heston, and Linda HarrisonIf this is your first foray into the franchise —like Todd— you might be wondering how they could possibly make a sequel.Planet of the Apes felt like a complete, self-contained film, wrapping its sci-fi themes in a desperate message about humanity’s past and future with an emphatic final statement.So, where do you go from here?Like many sequels, this one initially feels like one of those 'same-name' movies that might be a remake. But no—it’s actually a direct continuation.The film follows a familiar path until we finally descend beneath the planet (though technically, inside the planet, but that wouldn't make for as great a title). Here, it takes on its own identity and leaves its own lasting impression.Putting comparisons aside, Beneath the Planet of the Apes expands on the planet’s lore and another look at the 'Ape' caste system. Further we get strong performances, welcome cast returns, and still impressive costume work that still holds up under the scrutiny of high definition more than 50 years later, despite a lower budget.For those who haven't seen the movie, we'll let YOU decide if the end of BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES is sequel-baiting or not.Check this one out especially if you were looking for a bit more 'bang' in your Sci-Fi compared to the last film.Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at LetterboxdYou can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSiroisCheck out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.