Genres

Visitors Review

helpless_dancer 2013-05-18 03:03:09

corny, but lovable animal story

This was pretty corny and unbelievable. What I call asilly drama. The acting was good, but the plot was totallyunrealistic. At least, I don't think a monkey can fly aplane.The government is experimenting with chimps to see howlongthey can fly a plane in a simulated situation after takinga lethal dose of radiation. Helen Hunt's pet monkey getsinto this program, and she is driven to rescuing himbefore his turn comes up. With the help of an air forcecadet, she breaks the chimp out of the installation, butis in for big trouble from the military big-shots. Sometense moments follow, but they are so hammy that I couldn'tget to worked up over the whole deal. Cute family showwith some profanity.

barbadosdagny 2013-05-17 12:38:35

Join Campaign to re-release on 25th anniversary

What a feel-good movie! The acting was wonderful by the humans, butabsolutely awesome by the chimps. They deserve their being listed firstin the credits above the humans! Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt (thereasons I watched it on cable last night) were spot on. Jeanne Smartwas underused. The animals and their trainers deserved every actingaward. It will leave you shaking your head, how did they get the chimpsto do that? I bet human actors took more takes to get a scene right! Ifyou're apolitical, read no further. This movie demonstrates theabsolutely gross stupidity and arrogance of the American military andthe Congress people who hand them huge checks for projects ofquestionable - even sick - benefit. The story is based on an actualexperiment by the U.S. Air Force. One can only imagine how much moneywas wasted on a ridiculous premise, i.e., how long would pilots be ableto function after passing through a nuclear blast? Really? That wascrucial military research? I am contacting the stars, producers andother participants in this wonderful, one-of-a-kind movie, (ok,two-of-a-kind, counting 1998's Kelsey Grammar in The Pentagon Wars), tore- release this movie on its 25th anniversary, April 17, 1987 - April17, 2012. Apologies for being so political, but isn't entertainment -besides pure escapism - also educational for showcasing societies'problems and how to fix them? How much money of the Pentagon's current$750 billion budget is wasted on absurd militarism? (America's militarybudget exceeds all other countries combined. Why?) Have you heard aboutthe TSA virtual porn machines and sexual molesting pat-downs? Your taxdollars at work. I rest my case. See this movie, write letters!

Jason C. Atwood 2013-05-11 05:11:05

Monkey see, monkey do, monkey takes this predictable movie by surprise!

"Virgil" The Chimp does better (and smarter) than the real human actors inPROJECT X. His shock treatment on screen doesn't hurt. I mean, "Shock TheMonkey" and get him out to print some feet on that wet cement! No twocreatures are alike, but you can't top a zoo animal from a livelyperformance on a high-tech flight simulator. Even his fellow friends can dojust the same as Matthew Broderick and thousands more stars. That's the mostfun you'll get from a predictable little flick that runs across a doggy talewith an E.T.-like approach. Once it starts off with a smile, you knowexactly how the rest goes. For countless other "family" outings containingcollies and other furry little animals, this one is still more of the same.There's no business like monkey business, just for the sake oftalent.

FrankieSatin 2013-05-10 12:54:00

Very Under-Appreciated

I like to consider myself a fairly sophisticated movie-goer, with ataste for the avant-garde, the off-beat, the groundbreaking - thismovie was none of those - and a dislike for the saccharine or formulaic- this movie was both.And yet, I would highly recommend it to anyone.First of all, get over the fact that its billed as a family movie orchick flick or "comedy" (huh?), or that it has Matthew Broderickco-starring with monkeys. This is an extremely well-crafted film, withmany of what I call "payoff scenes" - scenes that glue you to yourchair, give you a thrill, or a lump in the throat, or goosebumps. Forexample, the scene where Bluebeard the Chimp is "flashed" in the flightchamber. The slow motion turn of the head, the look of confusion mixedwith "what have you done to me?"... I defy anyone to show me a morechilling scene in any movie. Or the scene where Virgil is warning theother chimps about Bluebeard's fate. This scene alone transcends the"family comedy" genre with powerful, primal imagery.I said, get over Matthew Broderick, but I know it's difficult, as he isthe film's only distraction. Sadly, he is in over his head, in this asin any film in which he is required to play someone over 18. Sorry,Matthew, you'll always be Ferris Bueller. Not such a bad fate, when youthink about it...But then, there is Willie, the chimp who starred as "Virgil." Willie'sperformance will leave you wondering if Lee Strasberg ever admittedsimians to his method acting school. (Please, no cracks about Brando)Now I'm sure the technique is to simply film the chimp for hours untilhe happens to do something usable, but whatever they did, whoever didit was a genius. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember that theygive some kind of awards to animal actors; if so, I hope they gave oneto Willie. He alone is worth the price of the DVD rental.Trust me, unless you're some kind of hard-hearted Tarantino-or-nothingtype, you WILL enjoy this movie immensely.

drystyx 2013-05-03 20:47:11

Hidden modern gem

The eighties have to be considered part of the modern movie era. Andalready, this is a hidden gem.The plot is about a government project which uses chimpanzees as guineapigs in dangerous experiments, and about a man's change from bureaucratto caring individual.The plot could have been mundane and mushy, but instead was wellcrafted.The film is expertly directed and written. We feel the pains andstruggles. It is very moving, and sure to create a tear among thehardest hearts in places.

2013-05-03 04:38:58

could it be possible?

A young inductee into the military, Mathew Broderick, is given the task oftraining chimpanzees used in a mysterious "Project X". He becomesfriendlywith the chimps, and does have suspicions about the secrets to withholdinormation about radiation. One of the chimps was stolen from Helen Hunt,but when she finds out about the project, he falls in love with her.Thereis a big chase scene when all the chimps raise hell to escape andeventuallyfly out in an airplane - that is what they were trained to do. A lot ofemotions are shown in this film, and the chimps surely steal the show.6/10

Nikki 2013-05-03 13:21:21

Wonderful movie, an 80's classic.

The first time I watched this movie was in year 5 at school, and itleft a permanent mark on me as one of my all-time favourite flicks. Ienjoy it today just as much as I did when I was a child.The storyline is very touching, and delivers a powerful message abouthow humans have continued to exploit animals in the name of 'scientificresearch'. Viewers are taken on a moving journey from start to end, asthe film visits scenes which are heartfelt, humorous and horrific. Youcan't help but get that fuzzy feeling inside as you are introduced tothe chimps on a more personal basis (and each one has its own uniquelittle personality - from the aggressive attitude of Goliath, to theraw cheekiness of Goofy) and then shed a tear or two when both you, andJimmy Garrett - Matthew Broderick's leading character - realise whatthe true intent of all the flying training actually is.All the actors do a great job in this movie, including MatthewBroderick who is just as entertaining to watch in a serious role as heis in a comedic one. A young Helen Hunt also does a fantastic job asVirgil's loving trainer. Even William Sadler, who plays thesturdy-faced Dr. Carroll, undoubtedly depicts himself as the "bad guy"of the story, and does it well - even if in the movie's reality, he isa man who simply holds a difficult job... one which he intends to dowell at all costs.Of course the chimpanzees steal the spotlight of this movie, they arejust amazing to watch, and their acting skills and behaviours are verybelievable all the way through. You almost forget that they are onlyacting in the same sense as their human co-stars.The orchestral soundtrack by James Horner, to sum up in a single word,is beautiful. Viewers are taken on an emotional roller-coaster whicheffectively tugs at the heartstrings. I challenge anybody who caresabout animals to sit through this entire movie without shedding asingle tear! In fact it's one of the best movie soundtracks I have eversat through, everything from harmonica to African wind pipes areutilised to put the finishing touches on all the scenes. Some of these scenes in this movie can be disturbing, especially for ayounger audience. Initially seeing this for the first time a a child, Ifound the two flight chamber 'radiation' scenes so powerful, I dareadmit that they actually have haunted me in nightmares occasionallyover the years. Today, I STILL find it difficult to sit through them,and prefer to reach for the fast forward button whenever they are fastapproaching. The method in which these scenes are filmed - slow motioneffect, eery sound effects over background silence, in-depth depictionsof sadness/shock on the chimps faces, the look of horror on Broderick'sface as he witnesses the fate of the chimps first hand - can come as apure disturbance for any animal lover to watch... especially knowingthat the movie is/was based on real life experiments. Alas, that is the true nature of animal experimentation, and the moviedoes such a good job depicting it from an in-depth point of view - howthe subjects of the fatal tests come to grasp with their impendingdoom, their 'fight to survive', and how that in turn effects theirhuman trainers, who can't help but bond with them. And of course it hasa climax happy ending that we're left hanging for.... the irony of thehumans unknowingly training the chimps toward their freedom, as well asfor the fateful project.I love this movie and think its an absolute 80's classic, one of thebest. Definitely a gem that has, in my opinion, been horriblyunderrated. They certainly don't make movies like these anymore, whichis a shame.

tabuno 2013-05-02 23:32:47

A Solid Animal Rights Movie

Along with some complex blends of musical strains reminiscent from"Manhunter," "2001: A Space Odyssey," and "Enemy at the Gates" thismovie inspired by true events about chimpanzees used for Air Forceexperiments has Matthew Broderik and Bonnie Hunt in a ratherstraightforward, but poignant drama about animal rights. Whilepredictable, there are some nice moments and remarkable talents of realchimpanzees on display in this movie. There isn't the usual hokeyelements nor over-the-top display of action thrills, but mostly genuinetheatrical scenes that would be expected in a movie such as this. Thisis a solid movie without over-dramatization, backed by a great soundtrack, and decent acting. A mainstream movie that sticks to its primarymission of exposing a ethical issue that plays to the heart over theCold War rational debate for national security.

Tito-8 2013-04-25 22:49:19

Surprisingly, very good

Much to my surprise, it was easy to like this film. All of the primatesdida great job, and although some scenes were a little hard to believe, theoverall story had a good message and many terrific moments, especiallytowards the end. It was a very funny film at times, but for me, the moredramatic moments worked the best. A very enjoyable experience.

Rob Paul 2013-04-25 18:34:37

Chimps outshine the actors

Is it me or is Mathew Broderick nearly as annoying an actor as JimCarrey?In this movie it just goes to show that even chimps can upstage yourtypicalHollywood actors. I've seen more emotion expressed in some of these chimpsthan the entire human cast.If you like chimps, or if you want to keep your kids enthralled with allthings monkey for 90 minutes, this will do the trick.5/10 for the kids, but I shudder to think what it took to make the monkeysact - a lot of those chimps looked bl**** angry, and I don't blamethem!

zacdawac 2013-04-24 11:32:11

This obscure gem has got everything!

We have the most charming and endearing non-human character in thehistory of cinema. Lassie, Benji or even Toto couldn't hold a burningpiece of blue wax to the impossible not to love Virgil. We have twolead actors with enough charisma to hold their own, while maintainingthe quiet humility necessary not to upstage the simian lead. We havemany genuine laughs and just as many heartfelt tears. We havecharacters, human and non, that we love and care about. We have genuineand sincere passion and emotion. We have a powerful political statementand a film that's actually about something.My affection and personal attachment for the musical, THE PRODUCERS iswell known by everyone who knows me well. However, this not so wellknown gem is truly Matthew's shining masterpiece!

alexandremercanteloureiro 2013-04-23 23:29:34

Release at the Brazilian market on DVD?

I would you like to buy this DVD "Project X" inside my country. This isan excellent film. The movie...shows a species of apes chimps. A younginductee into the military is given the task of looking after somechimpanzees used in the mysterious... Project X. I've seen more emotionexpressed in some of these chimps than the entire human cast. If youlike chimps,or if you want to keep your enthralled with all thingsmonkey for 90 minutes,this will do the trick. When I'll see thepictures again? This film is incredible! My vote is 10. Please... Iwant to get this DVD. I gonna to hope the release on DVD. OK! Thanks...Alexandre.

James F. Knohl 2013-04-09 17:08:28

Wonderful film--GREAT MUSIC!!! But where is the soundtrack???

Ever get that feeling to just watch a movie and bawl your eyes out? I'm oneof those people who feels that it's healthy to really cry once in a while.This movie will do it to you. Many sad moments during the film--but I mustsay the ending is one of those happy tear-jerker endings. Truly, thepersonification of the chimps increased the emotional awareness of thefilm--you react to the chimps' feelings at least as much as the humans'.What I think really made the emotions fly out of me was the music. JamesHorner's score takes you through the clouds on wondrous flights of melodyand also puts you through torturous periods of mourning and sorrow. His useof a gorgeous flute instrument combines innocence with a bit of an Africantone. Being a great James Horner fan, collecting scores such as Legends ofthe Fall and Titanic, I was very disappointed to find that the score forProject X is only available on the black market! To this day I can't figureout why. If you've seen this film and know anything about the soundtrack,feel free to e-mail me. If you've not seen it, pop it in the VCR and you'llsee what I'm talking about. Just make sure you grab a box ofKleenex!

Nozz 2013-04-09 05:58:11

It's all about you and me

Like "Lady and the Tramp," this is one of those animalmovies that tells us a fable about what it's like tobe human. Virgil the chimp is like a little Adam,receiving the apple of knowledge from Helen Hunt andgoing out into a crueller world. He learns he ismortal, and he lets out a cry that could come fromthe heart of any one of us. The ending is a littleunsatisfactory-- as the loose ends are tied up, it's like one of those Superman stories where you say "Well, if all the time he was able to do that, why didn't he just do it in the first place?" But bythat time, the picture had won us over, me and myfamily, and we forgive it.

inianj02 2013-03-28 08:36:04

A very touching and uplifting movie, regardless of what PETA says...

I really enjoyed this movie, despite what cynics, bigots and criticssay, who can't appreciate a drama that stands on it's own two feet. It may be regarded as a "chick flick," but it's designed for those whohave a heart, who have feelings. I saw this movie as a kid and recentlybought it on DVD; I enjoy it now, just as much as I did when I wasyounger.I realize that what was done in this movie has been done already inreal life years ago, by the US Air Force, but this is a movie--itshould be taken lightly as one.The soundtrack is important in most movies and does great justice tothis one. You'd have to appreciate composers of classical music, suchas Horner, to appreciate this one. The acting was good and the chimpssteal about half of the scenes because it's mostly about them.I wonder how PETA felt about this movie. I just don't want to hear orread about them whining about anyone harming the chimps...

linda7 2013-03-28 00:54:44

Project X

Well I have just been reading some of the comments, I think the people whosaid this film is rubish as no taste, I have watched this film, a coupleoftimes and I think it is really good infact I am trying to get the film onDVD for my grandson, I know he will love it, I think it is really cleverhowthey do it with monkey,well enjoyed, and it that good I will for sure buy a couple of the filmstogive to my other grandchildren who will also enjoy the film, it bringstearsto your eyes, and it shows rhat people can be cruel to animals, it doeshappen for real not just acting , maybe this film will show how peoplecanbe so unkind to animals,

Doug Galecawitz 2013-03-27 04:46:13

ferris bueller and the monkees

after the initial ferris bueller movie, this is probably the second orpossibly third best in the series. (glory was also quite good). this isa great film for kids around the age of 8 to 12 because it can be anintellectual exercise for them without being dragged down byintellectualizing. the movie is a warm hearted exploration of themeaning of non-human intelligence and the "sanctity of life". there issome decent supporting performances, but the show mostly belongs to thevarious chimps throughout the movie. each chimp manages by the end toestablish a distinct character so that at the end, even though theremay be several chimps on screen you can easily distinguish which one iswhich. watch this movie with planet of the apes. i give it a sevenpoint three out of ten.7 out of 10

tim-935 2013-03-26 17:09:24

Charming - only the humans are exploited

This is a happy tale about the nasty Government trying to cancelresearch and the animals that helped in the project. Matthew Broderickis a young Air Force pilot seconded to the project who does his best tounderstand the animals and bonds with the chimpanzees.The chimps are being taught to fly planes, and the project seems to beabout using "expendable" chimps instead of flesh and blood humans ondangerous missions. It's not surprising that the project leaders can'tsee the injustice of cancelling the animals with the project as therewere always intended to be disposable. Shame on them. And there is theset up for the build of tension and the eventual chase sequence.Please will everyone note that chimps are NOT monkeys, they are apes.Monkeys have tails, apes do not.The humans are slaves to the system, and there is too much smoking.Naughty.

Fiendish_Dramaturgy 2013-03-26 14:30:39

Sad. Enriching, But Sad, And Very Well Done.

Matthew Broderick, Helen Hunt. An Air Force pilot rescues smart chimpsfrom lab experiments at a strategic-weapons research center, but thenhas to figure out what to do with them.This film will break your heart, if you have a love for animals. Youare introduced to the chimps (they're given CHARACTER development, ifyou can dig it), then you are shown what happens TO the chimps in thisresearch center, and then you are shown what happens because of thistreatment. Once you are emotionally invested in the premise, thetension of the surrounding atmosphere begins to build until theclimactic crescendo.This is actually not as bad as I remembered, but not as good as Ihoped, watching from a more mature perspective. The performances aretypical of the time, perhaps a tad better, but this work is horriblydated, as is practically everything from that era. I wouldn't say itrates a remaking, as it's fine as it is, but someone will in order tocarry a "fresh" message that what goes on in these laboratories iswrong. Eventually, we'll see posters and ad blurbs for Project NeXt orsomething like that.All in all, it's good for a rainy Sunday, but don't set your hopes realhigh, and ... in spite of the levity , heartwarming moments, and thekid-friendly ratings, this is NOT for younger (or tender) children, whocould be traumatized for years by the treatment these chimps receive. It rates a 6.8/10 from...the Fiend :.

Aaron1375 2013-03-25 17:50:11

It is a comedy the whole family can enjoy! No wait it is a emotional drama, no maybe a message movie?

Hence the problem with the movie. It kind of reminds me of anotherMatthew Brodderick movie "Wargames" in that it starts out as a comedythen takes a turn to another genre and the comedy does not really comeback after this turn of events. It did not really hurt that film, butit really hurts this one. Just seems to me you are going to put monkeysin your movie that it should be a comedy and a comedy the family canenjoy without having to explain the darker scenes and why the film isjust not funny anymore. The story starts as this pilot is caught in anembarrassing situation and his punishment is to train chimps how to flyin a secret government project. A rather pointless project that youwould figure any scientist could have brought the questionsBrodderick's character does in the film about said film. There are somefunny things during the film's first half though nothing hysterical.Just basic monkey stuff, which kids would enjoy. Then after Brodderickwitnesses the project first hand all the humor disappears and so doesany reason you might want your kid to watch this film as it does becomemore of a drama and if they are not severely upset by the film theywill be severely bored with the movie.