MVP: Most Vertical Primate

Most films featuring animals use them as a prop for the human actors, but in true Planet of the Apes style, the reverse is true here. The actors are functional, not great, but the real stars are the chimps whose range of facial expressions and expert comic timing shine above anyone else in the film. The chimps do all their own skateboarding stunts and are pretty good at it. There are two other films in the series featuring chimps doing extreme sports and they are great in everyone. But the real star here is Louie, who has a true gift for comedy and can act most of the over-paid, wooden, Hollywood heart throbs off the screen. But does he get any whiff of an Oscar nomination? Naaah! It's simian prejudice! Watching the out-takes and behind the scenes features, it is apparent that a lot of the funny moments are ad-libbed by Louie himself who truly is a talent. He is apparently starring in a big budget simian Bond-style film called SPYMATE where he uses all his skills and does his own stunt. Louie should really be in the Walk of Fame and wiping the board at the Oscars. All I can say, is check out his films to see an all-round master at work.

This movie is about a radical skateboarding monkey who can skate a half-pipe, I guess? Sounds cool, but did you know that this monkey went on tour? My friend told me this story, but I am sure there were enough people in the audience this day to validate it.

One day my pal went to see the MVP at our local skate park. He was supposed to drop into the half-pipe. I guess they loaded him out of the truck, and he was looking pretty sad, wearing this diaper. He stood on the edge of the pipe for a while, and then just FELL in! When he bailed, he crapped his pants. His trainers grabbed him out of the pipe, hauled him back into the truck, and drove away. Poor dirty monkey.

People shouldn't use monkeys as hilarious gags. It's funnier when humans are doing/saying idiotic things.

The premise of this movie is that "a hockey-playing chimp is chased out of a pro league by jealous human rivals and ends up on the streets, where a homeless boy teaches him how to skateboard. The duo goes on to wow the judges at a national skateboarding competition." First of all, how does a monkey end up on the streets, and why would a homeless kid skip searching for a meal to teach a monkey how to skateboard. While extreme sports have been underexposed for so long, your viewing of this movie along with others of similar themes, will aide to overexpose this great sport. See this weeks issue of sports illustrated on page 38 for more. They include Vin Diesel as a popular extreme sports star drafted by the U.S. government to become a secret agent and infiltrate a crime ring. ???ughhh A hard core surfer played by Sean Penn sells his home so he can trek through the Central American underworld in search of his best friend, a fellow surfer named Captain Zero ??? ugggh NOW THIS. I am not a major skateboarding fan but good Hollywood please leave this sport alone if they are going to churn out crap like this. PLEASE I saw the movie for free at a screening and still want a refund!

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

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.