The film centers on a young nice pilot uncovering a secret of government experiment which involves trained chimpanzees. He determines to release them although he can loose everything.
Plenty of strikes against this--moronic story line, obligatory animal mugging, more "awwwww" opportunities than any film since 3 Men and a Cradle--but it's still one of the most accomplished pulp fantasies in a while.
It's as unabashedly political as "Silkwood" and unashamedly sentimental as "Lassie Come Home." Yet it remains taut and resists the temptation to paint the villains too broadly.
The director, Jonathan Kaplan, lays on the animal antics without stint; it's a one-ring circus. The way he tugs at our sympathy for the poor smart beasts may remind you of a house pet scratching away for attention.
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
November 24, 2003
Matthew Broderick and chimps...there are worse things.
TV Guide
October 26, 2011
Broderick is superb as always and proves that he is a commanding screen presence even in the company of a cute chimp. Hunt also turns in a fine performance.
