Project X (1987)

 Project X (1987)


Project X is one of those films that fly under the radar but when discovered, results in solid entertainment and a fun time. Prior to watching this, I have never heard of this movie. I was intrigued by the solid cast, the good reviews, and the simple premise. It was also produced from the same people who produced the excellent 1983 feature, WarGames. Plus, I love animals. Any animal feature wins me over in a heartbeat. The plot is very simple, but it has a conscience. The main theme is the rights of animals and should they be allowed to be test subjects. This is the kind of feature that is aimed for young, intelligent people and I think it achieved its goals. It is nothing special, but the film is endearing, humorous, and a delight to watch. Willie, who plays the main chimpanzee, almost (not quite) upstages Matthew Broderick. Willie is a handsome fellow and quite the charismatic chimp!

This film is directed by Jonathan Kaplan and written by Stanley Weiser. The screenplay and directing are nothing of note. Good, professional work if not a little on the simple side. Weiser did add some humor and emotional pathos when needed. There are a couple flaws within the logic, but the screenplay is self-aware to the point where even Broderick himself questions the logic. What logic is this? It is something about whether monkeys would be aware of radiation that is given to them despite that humans are and would take that into account during nuclear flights. That is a question that remained on my mind, but it did not take away from the final product.

We first meet Virgil, a chimpanzee who was being taught sign language from Teri (Helen Hunt), his trainer at the psychology department of the University of Wisconsin. After the project loses its funding, Virgil is shipped to an Air Force base in Florida where he trains on a flight stimulator. Enter Jimmy Garrett (Matthew Broderick). Garrett is assigned to the project after he gets punished for misbehavior. Garrett warms up to Virgil after he discovers he knows sign language. Garrett finally realizes how inhumane this project really is. The film turns into thriller mode when he seeks out Teri to help save Virgil and all the other primates from certain radioactive doom.

The performances are solid throughout. Broderick is able to bring to silly personality to the forefront but was able to show emotion when needed. I believed in his connection with Virgil. Now that I am writing about it, their connection is truly what makes the movie a fun, enjoyable watch. Virgil is a very sweet chimp. He shows more charisma than many actors! Helen Hunt is effective as well. Never been her biggest fan, but she proved to be a capable partner to Broderick. The supporting cast rounds up the film nicely. What I like is how ambiguous these characters are. They are not necessarily evil, and they think they are doing the right thing. That is what I got when I was watching William Sadler as Broderick’s boss, Dr. Carroll. Also keep an eye out for Stephen Lang, Jean Smart, and Dick Miller.

Overall, I definitely recommend Project X. It is simple-minded, enjoyable feature with a nice message. Any fans of animal films or even animals in general will be able to find some emotional value out of this flick. Broderick, using his humorous charm, pairs very well with the charismatic chimp. This is a fun, family-friendly adventure that anyone can enjoy.

My Grade: B+

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