I recently got the chance to watch Disney’s Chimpanzee which is the latest Blu-ray/DVD release in the DisneyNature series that follows a group of Chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast’s Tai Forest. Specifically a loveable orphaned chimp named Oscar. Oscar is adopted by an older Alpha male named Freddy after a group of rival chimps attack Oscar’s group over territory rights and unfortunately Oscar loses his mom in the battle. Disney was very careful in not showing what would be considered violent scenes (like when Oscar’s mom dies) with sound and camera cut-a-ways but it will definitely leave some kids asking mom and dad, “What happened to Oscar’s mom?” so as a parent use your discretion when it comes to allowing younger kids to watch it.
My favorite part of this movie has got to be the breathe-taking footage which brought the viewer up close and personal with life in the jungle. Let’s put it this way, on the opening scene, I said “Wow!” aloud. The musical score as well as Tim Allen’s narration added to the dramatic storytelling affect of the evil chimp Scar and his thugs out to get Freddy and his group. Tim Allen added his comedic spin and even did his traditional grunt in one of the scenes. Directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield really did a great job putting together this movie. It made you feel like the chimps were actors that were taking cues. All of those aspects combined made for a wonderful movie.
Check out this clip from the film titled “Savor the Flavor” HERE
