Movie: Monkey Kingdom
G, 1 hour 25 minutes
Grade: A
In a Nutshell: Disney Nature spent three years filming
this lovely movie that documents pivotal moments in the life of Maya, a mother
who will do anything to protect and raise her baby son Kip…it’s what mothers do. This one just happens to be a monkey…a fiercely
loyal macaque in Sri Lanka to be exact.
Perfectly timed for Earth Day, this story is heartwarming,
true, and touching. Be sure to stay
seated during the final credits to see how the filmmakers actually got some of
the amazing shots they did. Three cheers
for Mark Linfield, Alastair Fothergill and their fantastic cinematography crew.
Uplifting Theme:
·
Don’t forget Earth Day is April 22!
·
Find joy in living.
·
Love and protect your family and friends. Be willing to pick bugs off them when
necessary.
Things I liked:
·
Who doesn’t love monkeys? Seriously, you’d have to be a real hater not
to like this movie.
·
Tina Fey’s humorous narration connects us to
these adorable creatures.
·
Will these monkey’s hairdo’s ever come in style?
·
Tey Fey asks “Did you know monkeys could swim?” They can!
And it’s a joy to watch! You can actually see them hold their breath
under water.
·
The monkeys are completely adorable when they
huddle up to sleep. So sweet.
·
The ancient ruins that become the monkey village
called Castle Rock looks like it is right out of an Indiana Jones movie.
·
It was fascinating to watch the monkeys befriend
a dog.
·
I thought it was perfect casting that nature
provided a “bad” monkey who actually looked bad.
Things I didn’t like:
·
I often wondered how much of the crazy antics were
staged. I mean, it’s awfully convenient
to have cameras suddenly inside a house that the monkeys discover and explore
during a birthday party where food is set out all over the kitchen table and
not a single human around. Just sayin…
It is a pretty cute scene though.
·
I thought it was interesting that male/female stereotypes
exist in the monkey world. Some of the
females were caddy and mean, while the males play rough and tumble and want to
be in charge.
Funny lines:
·
“No one will ever know we were here. We are like ninjas. Is this even food? I don’t care.
Leave nothing behind!” Tina Fey
voices the monkeys’ thoughts as they steak birthday cake and food from a human’s
house.
Interesting lines:
·
“Maya, like most mothers, probably wants to freeze this moment in
time. This is the perfect age.” I think I said that every year while my kids
were growing up.
·
“If nothing, Maya’s scrappy. She has a Plan B.” I’ve learned that all mothers need to have a
Plan B.
·
“They’ll fall asleep with an unfamiliar feeling
in their bellies…fullness.”
·
“Jack fruit isn’t just fruit. It’s politics.”
Tips for Parents: There was a dad sitting behind me in the
theater who had to explain a few things to his little girl. There are some sad and tense moments, but
otherwise it is a “safe” movie for all ages.
Love Disney Nature? Here are some more you'll enjoy!
Love Disney Nature? Here are some more you'll enjoy!
“Party Central” that plays right before the Muppets Most Wanted.
) is the woman who yells out of a window
) is a surprised guard at the Museo del Prado
) is
another guard at the Museo del Prado
) plays a deliveryman
) plays a flower delivery guy
) performs in the opening dance number
is the most famous ham in Spain.
