This documentary has more to offer than lemurs. It has action, comedy, adventure, thrill, education and so much more. Of course, who could possibly know that there are so many species of lemurs - the unforgettable bamboo lemur, the brown lemur, the hustle lemur and the adorable (and my personal favorite) - the mouse lemur.
The story begins when a scientist by the name of Dr. Patricia Wright goes to Madagascar to study lemurs. She goes to the wildest part of the vast jungles to look for one thing: bamboo lemurs, which were thought to be extinct. Lucky she proves them wrong and spends many years saving their species from extinction. We join her adventure and learn about the real dangers to the cute and furry animals and hear about her stories in Madagascar.
I love this film. The most mind-blowing part is how the camera crew gets so close to the wild, and sometimes imposing, lemurs. There are some angles that look simply impossible to accomplish with wild animals. The film is enhanced by Morgan Freeman's narration which makes this documentary truly unique. The filmmakers are so smart, using simple techniques to get their dream shots. The entire cast of lemurs (no, they are not paid actors) are adorable and, the coolest thing is, they are not trained. Every lemur in this movie is wild.
My favorite scene is when they talk about the adorable, but powerful hand-sized, smaller primate, the mouse lemur. This little guy is captured in a trap that does not hurt him and is then taken to a place where they study and scan him. Afterwards, he is released back to the wild with a story to tell his family.
This movie is meant for all ages but does have a bit of intensity. So, I recommend it to kids ages six to 18. This move also easily deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The only thing I would add is that it is too short. I wish it was longer because it is so well made and so interesting. Reviewed by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O., age 12.
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
Kid Critic video review by GERRY ORZ |
Kid Critic video review by GERRY ORZ |
Kid Critic video review by GERRY ORZ |