A case can be made that Disney is the master of the underdog story movie.
A case can be made that Disney is the master of the underdog story movie.
Ever since this multi-billion dollar company released its first full-length feature film in 1937, it has presented audiences with a gallery of characters that earn the movie-going audience's adoration for overcoming adversity to find ultimate happiness. Some of these characters include Dumbo, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Hercules, Quasimodo and Aladdin.
I don't know if the production crew involved in shaping the Disney Nature documentary Monkey Kingdom was expecting to discover an underdog story when they began to capture breathtaking footage of a tribe of monkeys in the jungles of South Asia, but they did.
The heroine of this story is Maya, a simian that occupies the bottom spot in her tribe's social hierarchy. The filmmakers skillfully showcase that it is better to live life as the alpha-apes as opposed to being an underling. The top monkeys get the best sleeping spot, the best food and a network of social support while those that the bottom feel the full harshness of the weather, struggle day-to-day with nourishment and have no support whatsoever.
Living the tough existence simply won't work for Maya if she wants a vibrant future for her young son kip. The film follows her journey against tremendous odds to achieve that objective.
Like any good movie about an underdog Monkey Kingdom is imbued with heart, great action and humour. Some of the interactions that were captured, either between the monkeys or between the monkeys and other animals, will make you chuckle.
Tina Fey's comic abilities shine bright in this film as she fulfills the role of the narrator. I disagree with the arguments made by other critics that there is too much narration in this film, and the film crew should have let the film “breathe&” a bit more by just relying on the sounds of nature. Fey elevates the film with the zany energy she brings to the table.
This film, which moved at a brisk pace (total running time is 81 minutes), is a success in the comedy, drama and educational department. I did learn some things about primates that I didn't know when I walked into the Saturday night screening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film intended for animal lovers of all ages. I am sure you will too.
Five popcorn buckets out of five.
