Space Chimps (2008) Synopsis:
When a $5 billion NASA probe disappears into an intergalactic wormhole, the agency recruits Ham III, grandson of the first chimpanzee in space, to help retrieve the wayward craft. But Ham is a free-spirited circus performer more interested in zero gravity high jinks than living up to his illustrious heritage. The simian slacker becomes a reluctant hero and learns the true meaning of courage as he and his crewmates, the fearless Lt. Luna and their uptight commander, Titan, risk everything in an effort to save the peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet from an evil dictator. A hilarious, out of this world adventure the whole family can enjoy, "Space Chimps" features cutting edge CGI animation and the voice talent of Andy Samberg ("Saturday Night Live"), Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), Patrick Warburton ("Rules of Engagement"), Kristin Chenoweth ("The West Wing") and Stanley Tucci ("Robots").
Space Chimps (2008) Movie Review:
In this day and age, we as moviegoers are spoiled by Pixar with their incredible animated features. With as special a film as Wall-E is, why should we buy tickets to a half-baked animated film like Space Chimps, when we can just go see Wall-E again.
Offering counterprogramming for children that are too young to see The Dark Knight and do not want to go anywhere close to Mamma Mia!, is Fox’s release of this cute animated film about chimp astronauts that does have a ample amount of humor for adults, but in question is the timing of this release and the film’s second fiddle feel to other animated films for the family.
The film follows a circus chimp named Ham III (Andy Samberg), who is the grandson of the first chimp sent in space by NASA decades ago. After one of NASA’s expensive probes slithers through a wormhole and lands on an alien world, the government recruits Ham III as mostly a publicity stunt, but also as an addition of a crew of chimpnauts being sent through the wormhole. Included on the crew are the muscle commander Titan (Patrick Warburton) and the sweet Luna (Cheryl Hines), who quickly becomes the object of Ham’s desire. After arriving on the alien planet, the three learn that a mean, slimy alien ruler has taken over the probe for his own ruling. With the help of a small alien named Kilowatt (Kristin Chenoweth), who’s head lights up when she is frighten, the three plan to overturn the evil ruler and find someway to get back home safely.
Under the direction and co-written by Kirk De Micco, Space Chimps seems as if it was conceived sometime during the 80’s with its pop references to David Bowie, Beverly Hills Cop and The Right Stuff. There are also numerous hidden crude references for the parents to enjoy, but also pushes the line with this film’s G rating. The animation is elementary to Pixar’s work, but the characters are still appealing to youngsters. However, the character of Ham III is so unlikeable, that hardly anyone will be rooting for him. It is as if you want the muscle bound Titan to smack him upside the head and then throw him out of the shuttle into space. Probably the wisest choice made by De Micco was to keep the film at a trim 81 minutes, which moves swiftly and holds children’s attention for just the right amount of time.
The cast of the film is moderate at best, with animated voice veteran Patrick Warburton (Hoodwinked) leading the way as Titan. SNL’s Andy Samberg is annoying as Ham III, but Kristin Chenoweth is sweet as the alien Kilowatt. The great Stanley Tucci also adds a snarl with his voicing of the Senator in charge of NASA’s budget.
Space Chimps is a film that youngsters will watch and that most will enjoy. We have been endured with the wonders of Pixar for the past several years, that movies like Space Chimps are primarily secondary and would do better on DVD than at the cineplexes.
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Space Chimps (2008) review written by: Bailey Henderson
7th September, 2008 
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