| | | With a Roommate Like This...You'd Be Crazy Too.
Features: DVD, Widescreen
Sharply surreal and wickedly funny, James Francos darkly satiric directorial debut pits man against beast in the harrowing wilds...of a New York City apartment. Harry Walker (Franco) is trying to write a novel, and finds a new place to get some time alone... only to discover that a talking, Hawaiian-shirt clad gorilla is living in his midst. Despite the added distraction of lice, gorilla wet willies and flying excrement, The Ape pushes Harry to fulfill his dreams; but perhaps at the cost of his sanity.System Requirements:Running Time 93 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE
"...written, directed, and starring one of Hollywood's budding superhunks." Brendan Babish, DVD Verdict
"...quirky, relaxed, authentic and independent in every sense of the word...an entertaining, intelligent and effective film..." Richard Propes, IndependentCritics.com
Editor's Note
Heartthrob actor James Franco takes his first stab at directing with THE APE, a first-time feature about an aspiring writer named Harry Walker. Played by Franco, Harry hopes his still-to-be-written novel will rescue him from his dull job (complete with nagging boss) and his tedious family life, particularly his shrewish wife. Harry decides his only hope for getting any words on the page is to rent an apartment away from it all. But not even a creative mind like his could predict what awaits him there: a talking gorilla wearing a Hawaiian shirt. In order to get his imaginative juices flowing, Harry must accept the gorilla's strange presence and use it as the impetus to begin his masterpiece.
| Features | Audio Commentary With James Franco, Star Brian Lally, & Producer Vince Jolivette | | Audio: English DTS 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound | | Interactive Menus | | Interview With James Franco | | Scene Selection | | Subtitles: English |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Tla Releasing |
| Release Date: 1/29/2008 |
| Running Time: 93 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2005 | | Catalog ID: 154 | | UPC: 00807839002317 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Available Subtitles: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Anamorphic Widescreen 1.77:1 |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Variety 6 of 10
A struggling writer's id emerges in the form of a wisecracking simian in James Franco's self-indulgent "The Ape." Pic evolved from a stage version at Los Angeles' Playhouse West, known for its Hollywood-friendly showcase theater bookings. Though only containing enough material, humor and ideas for a short, talky text runs on and on as Franco struggles in front of and behind the camera. Even generous midnight movie exhibitors should think twice...Finding it impossible to jumpstart his novel at home, Harry (Franco) rents a Gotham flat for peace and quiet until an ape (Brian Lally, in full costume, and usually wearing a Hawaiian shirt) appears, insisting he comes with the place. Bringing out the worst in Harry, the macho ape pushes his new pal to act obnoxiously at work and to write with total abandon. It's a strategy that's a loser from the start, and it drags the film down with it. Lally is amusing in small doses, while chimps in cutaway shots steal pic. - Robert Koehler
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