Today, our family was a rocky combination of a sick dad, a worn-out mom, a sleepless daughter, and a newly recovered (therefore energetic) son. Sunday naps were seemingly inevitable, but all I could think of is how late we would be up tonight if we gave in to the afternoon drowsiness. What's the solution? Duh, a family movie.
Chimpanzee. This film had me smiling with anticipation from the first cut out advertisement at the theater. Who wouldn't be taken in by this bright eyed chimp named Oscar?
Disney has created their own celebration of Earth Day with annual movie releases since 2009. Earth, Oceans, and African Cats each made donations to charitable organizations dealing with their primary topics. Chimpanzee will benefit the Jane Goodall Foundation.
The film has several things going for it, besides the dominating cute factor. Filmed in the tropical jungles of the Ivory Coast and Uganda, the cinematography and landscape are impressive, to say the least. The vibrant colors and sweeping views alone would make your dollars spent worthwhile. Also boosting the enjoyment is the warm and witty narration by Tim Allen. Who else could have the kids giggling in a documentary with the added sound effects and chimp-talk translations? He keeps things light when all is well, and controls the heavier content with calm explanation. He guides the film with a humor and gentleness that is inviting to every age.
Oscar's story gave the producers a greater storyline than they had hoped for. An uncommon occurrence was captured on film for the first time. I'd love to tell you all about it, but it really is worthy of experiencing firsthand. You'll be touched by the bonds of parent and child, and if you've heard much about chimps, you'll be inspired by the film's turn of events.
However, there are a couple of things that might give you pause about seeing the film. It totals up to a mere 78 minutes of film, which has the conservative movie goer (ahem, my husband) wondering why the ticket price is the same as movies with twice the length. In addition, parents with sensitive kids will have to decide if their children under age 6 can maneuver the occasional tension, loss, and danger in the middle of a dark theater. (I will say that the filmmakers were able to translate these scenes without visible injuries or disturbing images.)
The only thing that caught me off guard was the sight of little Oscar feeding from his mother. Chimps, of course, are not modest about these things, but after watching those opposable thumbs for a while, I suppose I expected to see mother Isha pull out the latest nursing wrap. Ha, ha!
Bottom line? See it sometime!
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