Is Amazing Ape Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Amazing Ape is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 79 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Amazing Ape Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Amazing Ape emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An adventurous young boy, Albert, is diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only a matter of weeks to live. Unlike standard genre fare, Amazing Ape attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Juliano Brotman, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Science Fiction elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Amazing Ape features a noteworthy lineup led by Benjamin Stockham. Supported by the likes of Louise Griffiths and Jessica Morris, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Benjamin Stockham, Louise Griffiths, Jessica Morris manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Science Fiction, Drama, Family space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Amazing Ape is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Amazing Ape follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 79 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Amazing Ape resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Science Fiction landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.2/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Amazing Ape is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. An adventurous young boy, Albert, is diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only a matter of weeks to live. While undergoing aggressive medical treatments Albert befriends a laboratory chimp, Simon, at the company his mother works for. Through this newfound friendship with the gifted chimp, Albert finds new hope and courage, and a strength that leads him to undertake one final great adventure. With the help of his brokenhearted mother, Albert breaks Simon out of the laboratory and embarks upon a journey that teaches Albert and all those around him a valuable lesson about compassion for all living creatures, and the powerful healing effects that this can have on our lives.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Amazing Ape (2017) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.2/10 and strong performance metrics in the Science Fiction, Drama, Family categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Benjamin Stockham, Louise Griffiths, Jessica Morris or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Amazing Ape is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Amazing Ape Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Amazing Ape is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.2/10, and global collection metrics, Amazing Ape stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazing Ape movie hit or flop?
Amazing Ape is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.2/10 and lower collections.
Is Amazing Ape worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.2/10, Amazing Ape may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Amazing Ape online?
Amazing Ape may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
An adventurous young boy, Albert, is diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only a matter of weeks to live. While undergoing aggressive medical treatments Albert befriends a laboratory chimp, Simon, at the company his mother works for. Through this newfound friendship with the gifted chimp, Albert finds new hope and courage, and a strength that leads him to undertake one final great adventure. With the help of his brokenhearted mother, Albert breaks Simon out of the laboratory and embarks upon a journey that teaches Albert and all those around him a valuable lesson about compassion for all living creatures, and the powerful healing effects that this can have on our lives.