Disneynature ‘Chimpanzee’ Review – Cuteness Overload
If you like chimpanzees, especially baby chimpanzees, Disneynature’s new film Chimpanzee was made for you. It will literally be 78 minutes of cuteness overload.
The movie takes place in the forests of Africa with the documentary crew following a group of chimps and more specifically one of their new arrivals, Oscar. As we follow baby Oscar, who is unbelievably adorable, we learn about the group led by Freddy, an older chimp, how they survive in the forest and what some of the dangers facing them are.
Speaking of danger, a rival band of chimpanzees looking to takeover their part of the forest decides to attack Freddy’s group which tragically leaves Oscar without his mom Isha. With no one left to fend for him or even to teach him how to fend for himself in the forest, Oscar finds himself in a very desperate situation with none of the other female chimps of the group wanting to take him on. But he soon finds a new and very unlikely parent figure who will change his life forever.
If you have seen the trailer for Chimpanzee you might already have an idea of who this new parent is, but if you don’t, all I will say is that it’s the most beautiful and heartbreaking bond that you will get a chance to witness.
This is the first Disneynature film that I have seen (there are three other ones) and I was pleasantly surprised by how the filmmakers were able to weave in a compelling story with the footage they gathered while on location. Instead of what tends to be a very dry display of facts about animals, Chimpanzee tells a story that even children will be able to relate to. The filmmakers were so lucky to witness such an unlikely bond and they did a remarkable job translating that to the audience.
By the end of the film, you care about Oscar and his savior as much (if not more) than your favorite character in a movie or TV show. I know that I just wanted to hug Oscar every second he was on screen (did I mention how adorable he is?).
I cannot praise the film enough. I want to see it again! And I urge you to go and see it and take your kids with you. Oh and as a side note that image of Oscar at the top (it’s him as a young baby early on in the film) is now my cover on my Facebook page and also a wallpaper on my iPad.
Chimpanzee hits theaters today, April 20th.
