MVP: Most Vertical Primate

I hate skateboarding, I don't care much for chimps, and I'm a 68 year old retired veteran. If my pansy grandson didn't whine like a dog that lost its leg when it got hit by a jeep, and then the dog had to crawl its way back to the house, I wouldn't have watched this movie. I'm glad I did. This chimp knows what 98% of Americans don't: he's gonna die. Once a person comes to grip with their own mortality, they'll ride a skateboard on a big ramp, or close their eyes and shoot until they stop hearing screams. This movie made me smile, it made me think, but most importantly it made me think I was smiling.

If all my men were like MVP, we would've walked out of Hanoi with a few more ears. But they weren't. They wanted out. Did they think I wanted to stay there?! Everyday I think back to what I could've done. Everyday I'm one step closer to dying. I'm glad I saw this movie before I did.

This was my favorite movie to watch when I was back in elementary, it is so joyful, soft, and sad all at the same time. Jack is an ape with clever and talented skills. The boy in the movie sounded shy every time it was time to play his scene. The hockey players were cool and sober. Richard Karn played a cool roll as a skateboard shop salesman. I watched it on the VCR/VHS tapes, and it makes me feel young and old watching it today. I like how there was no profanity, or curse words at all in this movie. I sure do wish the world was like this today. The soundtrack always had me in tears of joy every time it came on.

Released in 2001, "MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate" is a sequel that defies the typical expectations of family films and sports comedies. While its predecessor, "MVP: Most Valuable Primate," set a high bar with its charming blend of comedy and athleticism featuring a skateboarding chimpanzee, this sequel takes the concept to exhilarating new heights. Despite its niche appeal, the film stands out as a remarkable example of originality and entertainment, appealing to audiences both young and old.

At the heart of "MVP 2" is the character of Jack, a chimpanzee with a flair for skateboarding and an insatiable zest for adventure. Unlike many sequels that struggle to capture the magic of the original, this film enhances its predecessor's concept by introducing new, dynamic elements. The central premise, which revolves around Jack's pursuit of skateboarding stardom, is both inventive and engaging. The plot centers on Jack's journey as he transitions from a small-time skater to a prominent figure in the competitive skateboarding world. This storyline is crafted with a surprising depth, balancing humor with a narrative that explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery.

One of the film's greatest achievements is its ability to seamlessly blend comedy with action. The humor in "MVP 2" is clever and well-timed, employing physical comedy and witty dialogue to keep the audience entertained. The sight of a chimpanzee performing complex skateboarding tricks is inherently humorous, but the film also excels in its scripted jokes and comedic scenarios. The interplay between Jack and the human characters adds layers to the humor, creating memorable interactions that drive the story forward.

The action sequences in "MVP 2" are nothing short of spectacular. The film showcases impressive skateboarding stunts that are both visually captivating and technically adept. The special effects and choreography involved in these scenes are meticulously crafted, demonstrating a high level of creativity and skill. The filmmakers succeeded in creating a visually dynamic experience that resonates with skateboarding enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. These sequences are not only thrilling but also serve to highlight the character's growth and determination, reinforcing the film's central themes.

Furthermore, "MVP 2" stands out for its strong character development and emotional depth. While Jack the chimpanzee is undoubtedly the star, the supporting characters are well-rounded and contribute significantly to the film's narrative. The human characters, including Jack's friends and rivals, are portrayed with nuance, adding richness to the story. Their interactions with Jack are heartfelt and engaging, illustrating the importance of collaboration and mutual respect.

The film also deserves praise for its impressive soundtrack, which complements the high-energy skateboarding scenes and adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience. The music choices enhance the film's atmosphere, perfectly aligning with the on-screen action and further immersing the audience in Jack's world.

Despite its strengths, "MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate" is often overlooked in discussions about memorable family films and sports comedies. This may be due in part to its niche premise, but it is precisely this unique angle that makes the film stand out. Its innovative approach, combined with solid performances, engaging humor, and impressive action, ensures that it remains a standout entry in its genre.

In conclusion, "MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate" is a testament to the power of creativity and originality in filmmaking. It successfully builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering an entertaining and heartfelt experience that continues to resonate with audiences. The film's blend of comedy, action, and emotional depth makes it a rare gem in the world of family entertainment. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate viewers of all ages, proving that a well-crafted sequel can indeed surpass expectations and leave a lasting impression.

Still not all that unwatchable, though 'MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate' is a clear downgrade from the original.

I still have nothing (aside from the standard 'using animals for entertainment' questionables, obvs) to dislike about these, they are so plain and unproblematic in movies terms that it's kinda impossible for me to get bored or anything with them.

With that said, this is an objectively poor movie; especially when compared with the first film from the trilogy. The human actors are a step down, the chimps clearly aren't as well trained/convincing and the plot is more broken apart; a skateboarding chimp is quirky enough to be interesting, though mashing it alongside the ice hockey stuff doesn't work.

The bits of the story with the characters of Scott Goodman and Richard Karn are, by process of elimination, the flick's biggest strength, though the former's low acting ability does hinder events onscreen - no hate on the kid actor, of course.

Next up, the woefully titled 'MXP: Most Xtreme Primate' - they couldn't have at least tied to stick with the MVP naming, eh?

I saw this film on SKY and loved it my son loved it to, it was full of laughs and love. i recommend this as a family film , its great to watch with the little ones or even if your a sucker for a chick flick this is it :-)

Jack is a lot of fun and little ben is a great child actor and one we should look out for, i think the cast really come together and make this film, OK the plots sily but the acting i think is good in its self and i cant wait for a UK DVD Release. A chimp that can ice skate and skateboard i think is great and my 5yr old loved the stunts Jack did in the film, by the end of the film me and him really felt for jack and ben,

Its a shame this hasn't had much publicity in the UK because i think it would go down a storm here