Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Talking chimp doesn't say much in silly spy comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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C.I. Ape
What's the Story?
Dangerous spy missions require an agent with a unique set of skills. C.I. APE, the first-ever chimpanzee to join the C.I.A, is up for the job. His name is Sam and anyone who calls him a monkey quickly gets corrected by Bondi James (Sophia Alongi), his handler and all-seeing eyes back at headquarters. Sam uncovers a criminal plot for world domination led by an evil villain who goes by Alpha Dog (Skip Schwink). He and his henchman are secluded on a dog-shaped hideout called Wolf Hound Island, developing a plan to take over the world with robotic dogs. It's up to Sam to sneak in, expose their plans, and stop them from succeeding. But the story isn't all espionage. Bondi tries to reconnect with her father after divorce, and a villain tries to reconnect with his daughter as well. Will Sam save the day?
Is It Any Good?
C.I. Ape is a simple action comedy that's as silly as it sounds. The story is slow moving and audiences expecting a kid-friendly action thriller may be excited with the opening sequence then disappointed to find there's very little action after that. And for a movie touting a talking ape, he really doesn't say much. Young kids may be drawn to Sam but disappointed with his lack of screentime.
The movie certainly doesn't take itself too seriously. Sam's handler is named Bondie James, an obvious parody on the popular James Bond movies. At times it's so obnoxiously goofy (such as the villain randomly bursting out in a dance number) that it's better to watch the movie as a spy spoof. While the story is slow going and unexciting, there's an endearing message about forgiveness and working through grief. But in the end, even heartwarming lines like "I was so busy trying to take over the world I didn't realize I had the whole world in front of me the whole time," doesn't save this movie from its own ridiculousness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how big life changes can affect a person's attitude. How did Rebecca's dad handle the loss of his wife? How did that affect people around him?
Sam doesn't speak much, but he still says a lot without words. What are some ways he communicated nonverbally? What are some ways that you communicate without words?
What did you think this movie would be about after watching the trailer? How did your expectations compare to what you experienced watching it?
Do you think the movie's violence has less impact because it's cartoonish and no one seems to really get hurt? Is unrealistic violence less disturbing? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 28, 2021
- Cast : Madelyn Kientz , Skip Schwink , Sophia Alongi
- Director : Ali Zamanani
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements and brief violence
- Last updated : September 28, 2021
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