Wow...what a week it has been! I'm still trying to process all the awesomeness that I experienced at the #DisneyGlobalEvent with Walt Disney Pictures, Global Resort Homes and the Kissimmee CVB. The highlight, for sure, was walking my first-ever red carpet for the premiere of Disneynature's Chimpanzee.
The most exciting part was standing, literally, inches away from Dr. Jane Goodall -- she is such a class act and to even be in her presence is inspiring. I also got just a little bit giddy when I saw Bella Thorne & Zendaya from Disney Channel's Shake It Up. My daughter is a huge fan and I knew she was going to love the photos I took of them and the stars of Austin & Ally. The McClain sisters, who sing "Rise" from Chimpanzee, were also in attendance and I was able to interview them, along with Dr. Jane Goodall and the directors of Chimpanzee, after screening the movie -- more on that later.
Here are a few photos from the red carpet:
DisneyNature's Chimpanzee Movie Review
Here's the deal: Chimpanzee was my first Disneynature film. I had no expectations, but I was a little concerned that I might find the the whole thing boring. I enjoy animals and nature -- to a degree -- but sitting for 79 minutes watching chimpanzees with narration by Tim Allen was something I could take or leave. Surprisingly, the film impressed!
Visually, the cinematography captures you right away. Even the most mundane events -- raindrops falling, ants moving and spiders spinning a web -- are enhanced so beautifully that you can't look away. And then there's Oscar -- an adorable little chimp that you will instantly fall for. Before you know it, you're invested in this little film and the fate of Oscar and the other chimpanzees.
What I loved most about Chimpanzee was a peek into a world so unfamiliar to me. The movie was filmed over the course of 3 ½ years, deep in the forests of Africa. It's a world rarely seen by humans, and the filmmakers were able to capture events in the wild that haven't been witnessed before -- even by Dr. Jane Goodall, who has been working with chimpanzees for over 30 years! When you watch Chimpanzee, you are reminded how close in behavior chimpanzees are to humans. With 99% identical DNA, chimpanzees have personalities just like us, which comes across on the screen and makes the movie so fascinating.
The storyline is pretty basic, so I don't want to ruin it here. But ultimately, it's a story about survival in the animal kingdom, and how against all odds, nature can surprise us. I found it perfectly suitable for even the smallest of children -- it's rated G -- and while I didn't shed a tear, you may want to bring tissues.
Chimpanzee opens in theatres on Earth Day 2012, April 20.
See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzees
For everyone who sees Disneynature CHIMPANZEE during opening week (April 20-April 26, 2012), Disneynature will contribute $.20 per ticket to the Jane Goodall Institute for the Disneynature Tchimpounga Nature Reserve Project with a minimum of $100,000 pledged to this program.
Special thanks to Walt Disney Pictures, Global Resort Homes and the Kissimmee CVB for sponsoring this event. All opinions are my own.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
It was great seeing you again!
I'm with you. I loved this movie and Oscar -- isn't he just the cutest thing ever?
Hanan
I saw you guys tweeting and posting about this event on FB. Sounds like you all had a great time! The movie looks really cool. I would be interested in seeing it.
Melissa
I love the pics- you look so happy! Great recap and review!
Tricia Nightowlmama
loved reading your thoughts. I wanted to take Oscar home with me. He's tooo cute.
Amy @ oh so savvy mom
I took my two little boys to see a screening of this tonight and, like you , I was totally surprised and impressed. My boys LOVED it. My younger son is just barely two and I was a little concerned about how he'd do. He sat through the entire movie! When it was over he immediately asked if he could watch it again. Yes, it is that good!