Movie Review: Disneynature’s Chimpanzee #DisneyGlobalEvent #MeetOscar

by Carrie with Children with 19 comments

This past Friday, I was honored to attend the world premiere of Disneynature’s newest film, Chimpanzee. As the fourth film from Disneynature, it is a playful, energetic movie about a family’s bond and overcoming adversities – be sure and bring tissues.

The film follows young Oscar through the jungle as he discovers a new world, along side his mother, Isha.   I found myself smiling as Oscar played in the jungle, as only a young chimpanzee could do – swinging through the trees and learning how to find food.

As a mom, seeing the love between Oscar and his mother was breathtaking. My heart melted watching Isha lead her young child through their journey in the jungle.  When a rival tribe moves into the area, an unexpected turn of events changes Oscar’s life forever.  The story continues showing a unique bond with a friendly ally in the ultimate display of adversity and triumph.

Tim Allen does a fantastic job narrating the film, bringing humor to Oscar’s story.  Coming into the film, I didn’t know much about Chimpanzees. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the film does a great job of educating the audience, offering an inside look at the lives of Chimpanzees. I now feel I have a much greater knowledge of this beautiful species.

Chimpanzee is rated G and is 79 minutes long.

Since the premiere, I’ve had quite a few people ask whether I thought it was appropriate for preschool aged children to see the movie.  My opinion?  Yes!    There are a few times when the movie gets a little loud, but there is no visible violence.  I would have no worries taking my three-year old daughter, Maggie to see it.  In fact….this movie might be her first trip to the movie theater!

 Chimpanzee swings into theaters on Earth Day – this Friday, April 20th.

For every person that sees CHIMPANZEE on opening week, (April 20-27, 2012) Disneynature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in order to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, now and into the future.

For the latest news on CHIMPANZEE, checkout Disneynature on Facebook and on Twitter at @Disneynature. Check out the Twitter hashtag #DisneyGlobalEvent to follow along on my adventures!

 

** Walt Disney Pictures, the Kissimmee CVB and Global Resort Homes is providing me with an all expenses paid trip to Central Florida for the red carpet premiere of Chimpanzee. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and not influenced by others. **

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  • Sara @ Mom Endeavors


    Can’t wait to see it tomorrow! So glad to hear your thoughts about taking young kids! 🙂

    • Carrie with Children


      Let me know what you think of it, Sara! It really is a fantastic film.

  • Jen


    I totally agree about kids, I’d have no hesitation about taking my 4-year-old daughter. So awesome to meet you this weekend!

    • Carrie with Children


      It was wonderful to meet you this weekend, Jen! I’m glad we feel the same way about taking little ones – I’m excited for Maggie to see it!

  • Becca @ Mama B


    Glad to have read this review, I am wanting to take my boys but wasn’t sure if it was appropriate or not for them! Hope you had an awesome time in Kissimmee 😉

    • Carrie with Children


      Becca – I think they will love it! Let me know what you think of it! Kissimmee rocks! 🙂

  • Anne (@notasupermom)


    We’d been on the fence, but now we will definitely go see it this weekend.

    Thanks for the review!

    • Carrie with Children


      Yay! Let me know how you like it, Anne! I think I may go see it again this weekend 🙂

  • Becca - Our Crazy Boys


    It looks like such a great movie!! I can’t wait to take my kids 🙂

    • Carrie with Children


      Please let me know what you think of the movie, Becca! I hope you loved it as much as I do! 🙂

  • Amy@ oh so savvy mom


    I just took my boys ages 4 and 2 to a screening tonight and they both loved it. My 2 year old sat
    Through the entire movie, asked questions, and then when the movie ended asked repeatedly to watch it again….the entire 30 minute drive home.

  • Sara@MommaFindings


    I’ve had quite a few people ask me if it is suitable for young children and, I agree with you. Definitely a family friendly film! 🙂

    • Carrie with Children


      Great minds think alike! 🙂 I’m excited for my girls (and hubby) to see the movie!

  • Erin


    *********SPOILER ALERT***********
    *********************************
    Thanks for this great review! Like you, I’m considering taking my preschoolers for their first movie theater experience! I’m most concerned about the fact that, according to what I have read, Oscar’s mother is killed. Can you comment a bit on how this is handled in the movie, in terms of the impact on young viewers? I’m not sure my three- and five-year-olds are ready to fall in a love with a darling baby chimp only to see his heartbreak when he loses his mother. Your insights would be so appreciated!

    • Carrie with Children


      Hi Erin – Thanks for your interest! When Oscar’s mother dies, as a viewer, the only thing you see is a very large commotion with chimps yelling and running around in a frantic state. There are loud noises, but no violence is shown. There is a loud scene and the screen goes black…the next scene shows little Oscar by himself. I thought it was interesting that they word “dead” is only used once in the film.

      It doesn’t take long before he is “adopted” by another chimp (I won’t tell you which one!). It is sad, but so incredibly uplifting at the same time. Let me know what you think about it! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you decide to see it!

  • queentob


    Looks incredible! I am always in awe of chimps. Their movements, expressions and abilities amaze me. I could watch them for hours!

    • Carrie with Children


      They are such fascinating creatures. This movie is really educational too – I learned a lot about them!