Chimpanzee

Disneynature has been producing spectacular documentaries released on Earth Day since 2007 starting with "Earth" '07, then "Oceans" '09, and moving right along with "African Cats" '11, and now they offer us "Chimpanzee".

Oscar, a baby chimpanzee is enjoying his life with his mother in the jungles of the Ivory Coast along with the rest of their 'tribe'. Without warning, a rival tribe of chimpanzees attacks and young Oscar is tragically orphaned through this ordeal. Afterwards, he attempts to survive on his own and to be accepted by the other chimps. But the others push him away, because the other mothers have their own young to hone. So as Oscar struggles, he is surprisingly adopted by the alpha male, Freddie, of his tribe.

This installment of the documentary franchise was wonderfully narrated by Tim Allen. It's a strategical move on behalf of Disney to use major stars to narrate, last year's "African Cats" being narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Not only do these performers have a well spoken voice, but it doesn't hurt in getting people to buy tickets. After all, these are message films in educating the public.

This was directed by Alastair Fothergill ("Deep Blue" '03, "Earth" '07, "African Cats" '11) and Mark Linfield ("Earth" '07). And it was written by Linfield, Fothergill and Don Hahn. But the real credit here goes to the cinematographers, Martyn Colbeck (Ivory Coast), Bill Wallauer (Uganda) and Warwick Sloss (Additional Photography). As with the past Disneynature documentaries, these guys are the real stars. The photography was absolutely stunning. The different time-lapse photography, the way they showed rain water falling on something as simple as a leaf was incredible. The aerials of the falls in the Ivory Cast area was equally breath-taking.

This, as with the past projects, must be viewed on the big screen, otherwise the impact isn't nearly as dramatic. Where else can you see a movie where one can be entertained, see such beauty and be educated with a great message all rolled into one?

Out of 4 stars: 4                          Rated: G                          78min.