OPENS: July 18, 2008
RATING: G
GENRE: Science Fiction, Comedy, Children’s Film, Computer Animation, Space opera
Reviewing the mainstream media reviews of the new animated film, Space Chimps, you can only come to one conclusion: whether you hate or love this film comes down to one thing – individual taste.
Although most critics panned this film as a pale entry in comparison to WALL-E or Kung Fu Panda, other well-respected critics are praising the film’s message and family friendliness.
One thing is for sure, opening against the new Batman move and Mama Mia! and while both Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda are still hot in the box office, Space Chimps probably will not be bre4aking any box office records.
Of the positive reviews, noted is the film’s pro-animal rights and humane message, and the comedic talents of the actors adding voice to the film. The include comic geniuses Adam Samburg (SNL), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Patrick Warburton (The Tick, Family Guy), Kristen Chenowith (Pushing Daisies, Robot Chicken) and Kenan Thompson (SNL).
Although the good reviews are few and rather positive, the negative reviews are legion. Mostly noting the all-too-familiar plot line, the lack of any sort of suspense and no real dramatic climax to the story. Some critics are coming out and saying that this is a “comedy” that is just plain not funny.
Others say, that while the film is destined for success as a kiddie DVD, parents will avoid it like the plague.
In other words – it will probably be a minor cult hit among a core group of science fiction fans.
WATCH THE TRAILER
<!– {rw_good}
- Inoffensive film with sight gags to amuse children
{/rw_good} –>
<!– {rw_bad}
- Plot too complicated for young children
- Plot too predictable for most adults
{/rw_bad} –>
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{for="Salt Lake Tribune" value="3"}
"After a summer of good animation (Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda), Space Chimps is a callous clunker.” – Sean P. Means
{/for}
{for=”Christian Science Monitor” value=”4″}
“Why would you take your kids to see Space Chimps, an uninspired animated feature about chimp astronauts, when you could take them instead to see Wall-E?” – Peter Rainer
{/for}
{for=”Minneapolis Star Tribune” value=”3″}
“Pretty much like the story of Kung Fu Panda. Only in space. With monkeys. And not as funny.” – Colin Covert
{/for}
{for=”Washington Post” value=”4″}
“Most adults like to think there’s still a little 6-year-old inside them. Well, mine isn’t talking to me anymore, not since I took him to Space Chimps.” – John Anderson
{/for}
{for=”London Free Press” value=”6″}
“It’s summer, you’ve got time off, the kids are bored and, under those circumstances, you could do a lot worse.” – Jim Slotek
{/for}
{for=”Seattle Times” value=”7″}
“The film’s witty, smart story reminds us that chimps (even if they’re not being shot into space anymore) are still involuntarily on the dangerous, painful front lines of research.” – Tom Keogh
{/for}
{for=”New York Times” value=”8″}
“Journalism is all about having the courage to write the truth even if it will get you mocked by your relatives and co-workers, so here goes: “Space Chimps” is hilarious.” – Neil Genzlinger
{/for}
{for=”Hollywood Reporter” value=”7″}
“The CG animation is nothing special, but the characters are surprisingly fun and the story is full of enough puns, wordplay and slapstick to elicit laughs from across the age spectrum.” – Kirk Honeycutt
{/for}
{/rw_score} –>