Monkey see, monkey do (films for the Year of the Monkey)

MANILA, Philippines – 2016 is the Year of the Monkey. Now, everyone is surely wondering what this clever, witty creature is going to bring in for the year. Will it be better than last year or the opposite? Well, no one really knows. The only thing we can do is to live our lives the best way we can.

Here are some of the movies that put the spotlight on monkeys — and apes.

Monkey Shines. A man with special needs takes a monkey for a companion. They get along. Life is so much better with “Ella,” the monkey.

Then, Ella goes crazily possessive. Now, who he thought is his new best friend becomes his worst enemy. It’s not an ideal way to picture a monkey, but it’s just a movie anyway.

Outbreak. A virus is spreading and it seems to be getting out of control. It’s hard to believe but it all starts with a playful, innocent monkey. Now the disease control department should try and find a way to stop the deadly virus. After watching the film, it might give you a second thought about cuddling that monkey.  

Planet of the Apes. The film has its fair share of sequels, and viewers of all generations are fascinated by it. A man accidentally lands on a planet where men and apes have switched places. What a nightmare! Luckily, he gets to solve the situation ­— or so he thought.

KingKong. The classic movie needs not a lot of words. A giant gorilla is out in the city. What are the people going to do? KingKong will always be one of the greatest creations in Hollywood history. It may have been said many times already but congratulations to the makers of the film.

Gorillas in the Mist. In the film based on the life of Dian Fossey, a scientist researches and studies about gorillas. She goes to the jungle to have a first-hand experience. Now, she doesn’t only study them but she begins to feel that she is responsible for the gorillas. What a dedication!

Congo. A group of scientists goes on a daring expedition, finding answers to the tragedy that happened with the previous group. Together with a talking gorilla, they search the jungle which has more dangers than what they have thought. Maybe they’re in a place where they shouldn’t have been.  

Mighty Joe Young. Joe is a giant gorilla who is transferred to be cared for at the city. Things seem to be running smoothly until some greedy people start to think of making a business out of “Joe.” Now, it’s time to fight and protect their beloved gigantic friend “Joe.”

Tarzan. Surely, the movie has been shown through various media such as books, comics, TV and of course, movies. Who doesn’t know Tarzan? He is a man who grew up and was raised in the jungle by apes. He has adapted the life in the wild because he doesn’t feel he belongs to the human world. Another movie about Tarzan is coming out this year.

Monkey Trouble. A lonely girl finds a new friendship with a cute, witty monkey. They enjoy each other’s company and would show off some skills to people. Everything seems to be okay until the monkey starts stealing stuff. It turns out he is a trained thief. Trouble has come. 

The Monkey King. Of course, the list won’t be complete without the famous Chinese film about a man who is a part-monkey. He has powers but he also has some attitude problems that make him a pain in the neck. Together with other mythical characters, he journeys to magical places and learns about life the hard way.