The film’s failure rests on a fundamental flaw. When the entire concept depends on an ape being frightening—comparable to figures like Chucky, M3gan, or Shakma—the creature itself has to be convincingly menacing. This one isn't. The facial expressions are lacking, and the dim lighting can only do so much to conceal its awkward movements. While the characters are pleasant and the plot is adequate, the ape ultimately u…

It struck me as a decent motion picture. The monkey’s behavior suggested rabies and some kind of mental instability. Despite its length, around two hours, the film moved along smoothly; I didn't find myself feeling restless. The camera work effectively focused attention on the more intense moments, though it did trigger feelings of sickness in me. The performances were adequate, the special effects were well-done, an…

It had been quite some time since “Lucy” (Johnny Sequoyah) returned to her family's affluent home in Hawai’i, so her arrival with friend “Kate” (Victoria Wyant) and the less-than-enthusiastic “Hannah” (Jess Alexander) was anticipated by her deaf dad “Adam” (Troy Kotsur), her younger sister “Erin” (Gia Hunter), and particularly their pet chimpanzee “Ben.” Any initial apprehension about potential danger is lessened ear…