Overall Rating: Score: 8/10
Grade: A-
Family-Friendliness Scale: Level 5 (Recommended)
Kids ages 6+
Life in the jungle is a giant playground, at least that's what 3-year old Oscar thinks...
Narrated by Tim Allen, the fourth Disneynature release tells the true story of Oscar, who lives in a clan of chimpanzees, who live off mainly nuts and fruit, and constantly battle a rival group of chimpanzees who want to take over the Nut Groves. One day, that rival group, headed by Scar (hahaha), gets Oscar separated from the pack and his Mom badly injured (and later killed by a cheetah). Finally catching up with the rest of the clan, Oscar's survival chances dwindle down to close to zero before the leader of his pack, Freddie, decides to adopt him as his own.
Positive Notes
Filmed in the jungles of Africa, Chimpanzee is another breathtakingly and beautifully-shot nature documentary that gives us lush views of the trees and rivers of the jungle.
The films' true story (caught on film) is a heartwarming tale that gives positive examples on the importance of family, bravery, and teamwork. Tim Allen may just be the best narrator for a nature documentary yet, as he brings a gentle yet hilarious sense of humor to the film (including a reference to his own classic TV show Home Improvement by relating the rocks to "power tools), and at the same time gives us a whole deal of sincerity when it comes to emotional scenes.
The chimpanzees' emotions and actions relate to us than any other animals I've seen on a nature documentary. The end credits song "Rise" by the McClain sisters is nicely-written and perfect for the film, while the film supports the protection of chimpanzees everywhere by donating proceeds from ticket sales to The Jane Goodall Institute.
And, evolution or spiritual concepts are never mentioned.
Negative Notes
There are some mildly intense scenes that might scare young children. Chimps are seen fighting in trees with one particular chimp has an odd-looking eye. We get a view of ominous storm clouds with lightning strikes, one chimp is eaten by a cheetah (off-screen) and chimps catch and eat a smaller monkey (without showing any blood). Allen briefly calls a chimp an "idiot", and during the end credits a crew member misuses God's name in shock to seeing a snake.
Conclusion
For the past four years, Disney has released family-friendly and exciting nature documentaries. While Chimpanzee is more specific than Earth, Oceans, and African Cats, it also differs from them in one other important aspect.
Aside from the impressive cinematography and fun narration, these particular primates relate more to us than penguins, cats, or fish ever did. Their emotions and comic timing help them steal scenes, and it wasn't done by animal trainers, it was all captured for real on film.
That's what makes this film appeal to all ages. And it also makes Chimpanzee the most emotionally-compelling and heartwarming nature documentary I've seen to date.
