Project X (1987)
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78% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
52% of users liked it
(8,208 ratings)
Project X is a top-secret government undertaking involving trained chimpanzees. Grounded pilot Matthew Broderick, assigned to teach the chimps how to operate a flight simulator, discovers that his charges are to be subjected to high levels of radiation to test potential human endurance. Risking a… More Project X is a top-secret government undertaking involving trained chimpanzees. Grounded pilot Matthew Broderick, assigned to teach the chimps how to operate a flight simulator, discovers that his charges are to be subjected to high levels of radiation to test potential human endurance. Risking a court martial, Broderick links up with Helen Hunt, the researcher who has taught the chimps sign language, to save the simians from destruction. The serious subtext of Project X is forgotten during a Disneyesque comic finale, wherein the lovable chimps nearly trigger a nuclear meltdown! Without taking anything away from human stars Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt, we must note that the most engaging performance in Project X is delivered by Willie the Chimp, who essays the challenging role of Virgil the Chimp. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 1 hr. 47 min.
- Directed By
- Jonathan Kaplan
- Written By
- Stanley Weiser
- Genres
- Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Apr 17, 1987 Wide
- On DVD
- Feb 22, 2005
- Studio
- Anchor Bay Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
"Project X" reflects quality and care throughout, but its elements don't quite mesh.
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Pat Graham, Chicago Reader
Plenty of strikes against this--moronic story line, obligatory animal mugging, more "awwwww" opportunities than any film since 3 Men and a Cradle--but it's still one of the most accomplished pulp fantasies in a while.
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Variety Staff, Variety
Broderick is rightly more subdued here than in some recent performances, and supporting cast is discreetly effective.
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Walter Goodman, New York Times
The director, Jonathan Kaplan, lays on the animal antics without stint; it's a one-ring circus. The way he tugs at our sympathy for the poor smart beasts may remind you of a house pet scratching away for attention.
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Rita Kempley, Washington Post
It's as unabashedly political as "Silkwood" and unashamedly sentimental as "Lassie Come Home." Yet it remains taut and resists the temptation to paint the villains too broadly.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Cast
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Matthew Broderickas Jimmy Garrett -
Helen Huntas Teresa Teri McDonald Psychologist -
Bill Sadleras Dr. Lynnard Carroll
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Johnny Ray McGheeas Isaac Robertson -
Jonathan Starkas Sgt. Kreig Kreiger -
Robin Gammellas Col. Niles
