Chimpanzee (2012)

A 3-months-old chimpanzee is separated from his troop and is then adopted by a fully-grown male.

Directors:

Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield

Writers:

Alastair Fothergill (original concept), Mark Linfield (original concept),

Stars:

Tim Allen

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Tim Allen	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

Oscar, a baby chimpanzee is enjoying his life with his mother in the jungles along the Ivory Coast. Without warning, young Oscar is tragically orphaned during an attack from a rival group of chimpanzees. Afterwards, he attempts to survive on his own, and to be accepted by the other chimps. But Oscar struggles, until he is surprisingly adopted by the Alpha Male of his group.

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Plot Keywords:

chimpanzee | one word title | animal in title | monkey

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Taglines:

For Oscar, every day is an adventure.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Disney [United States]

Country:

Tanzania USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chimpancés

Filming Locations:

Uganda

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,673,748 (USA) (20 April 2012)

Gross:

$28,965,459 (USA) (3 August 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Great Ape Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During its opening weekend, a portion of all proceeds was donated to the "See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzees" charity which was started by famed Chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall. The charity helps build habitats, educates children and helps orphaned Chimpanzees.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Tim Allen/Rocket City Rednecks/Jessie Baylin (2012)

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Soundtracks

"Rise"
Written by China Anne McClain, Lauryn Alisa McClain and Sierra Aylina McClain
Performed by China Anne McClain (as McClain Sisters), Lauryn Alisa McClain (as McClain Sisters) and Sierra Aylina McClain (as McClain Sisters)
Courtesy of Hollywood Records

User Reviews

Sort of Confusing, but Endearing

I walked into this movie not knowing what to expect. I am more of a "serious" moviegoer, and I generally don't see films geared towards children. I would describe this movie as half brilliant documentary and half cheesy kids movie.

I had issues with the color timing in parts, which made the film look almost animated and artificial. I wasn't quite sure what to believe was natural footage and what was some sort of staged animal wrangling or CGI. As the movie progressed it became pretty clear that it was all authentic, but Tim Allen's narration combined with the almost-too-convenient dramatic story arc still kept me at arm's length.

Ultimately this movie delivers a touching story of a young primate and his tribe. Though somewhat contrived at times there are many, many moments of genuine intimacy that tug the heartstrings and also make you wonder how in the world they got these shots. Thankfully there's a bit of explanation at the end.

Do I regret seeing it? Not at all. Do I wish it had been made as a more traditional documentary? Yes.