Project X (1987)

 “So I’m the new ‘Lord Of The Apes’. ” – Jimmy Garrett

Number of Times Seen –  At least 10 times (Theater in ’87, cable and 27 Aug 2014)

Brief Synopsis – A young air force pilot is sent to a research facility as punishment for ‘borrowing’ a plane. While there, he makes friends with the chimps used in the research.

My Take on it –
This is definitely a movie that I understand now on a whole different level than I did when I watched this as a teen.

This is a message movie that keeps the issues slightly below the surface but still alludes to them throughout.

The problem with this movie is the slight miscast of Matthew Broderick in the lead role. He is a great actor but seems much more comfortable in semi comedic roles. He just doesnt do serious well.

Helen Hunt on the other hand was perfect for this role and showed how easily she can take on personas like she does here. Unfortunately, her role isn’t large enough.

Too bad the plot didn’t allow for expansion of her character’s role.

The real stars of this movie are clearly the chimps who ‘act’ so perfectly that it’s amazing how they seem to have made all their cues and feel so natural in their roles as research chimps.

Bottom Line – Enjoyed it more as s kid, but still interesting to watch. Broderick seems to have been miscast here because he has never been ready for grown up roles. Nice to see Hunt here eventhough it would have been nice to have her character appear more. The true stars tho are the chimp ‘actors’ Recommended!

Rating – Globe Worthy

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