Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: Space Chimps is one of those animated movies that makes you wonder how it got greenlit. With a 33% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics AND audiences, a 4.5 on IMDb, and a dismal 2.1 on Letterboxd, this isn't a hidden gem—it's just hidden for good reason.

The premise (chimps in space!) has potential, but the execution is reportedly a mess: unfunny jokes, forgettable characters, chaotic pacing, and animation that was already dated in 2008. It's safe, sure—no content concerns whatsoever—but safety alone doesn't make something worth watching.

If your 5-7 year old is obsessed with space and monkeys and you've literally exhausted every other option on your streaming services, fine. Put this on. But don't expect them to remember it, ask to rewatch it, or learn anything meaningful. There are dozens of better animated films from this era (Wall-E came out the same year!) that are actually worth your family's time.

The WISE score reflects reality: this is a forgettable, poorly-made kids' movie that's safe but offers almost nothing in terms of imagination, enrichment, or entertainment value.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 6+, which tracks—it's simple enough for early elementary kids but so poorly executed that even 8-year-olds will likely find it dull. This isn't a family movie night pick; it's a 'I need 30 minutes of peace' streaming option.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

The premise involves cooperation among a trio of astronaut chimps on a mission, which models teamwork. However, the film's execution is reportedly chaotic and unfocused based on its poor critical reception. The tone appears to be aimed at younger children (Common Sense Media rates it 6+), but the lack of emotional depth or meaningful character development limits its wholesome impact.

Imaginative

48

A space adventure through a wormhole to an uncharted planet has imaginative potential, but the film's universally poor reviews (33% RT critics/audience, 4.5 IMDb, 2.1 Letterboxd) suggest it fails to deliver on that promise. The concept is derivative rather than original, and there's no evidence it invites creative thinking or exploration beyond passive viewing of a poorly-executed sci-fi premise.

Safe

82

As a G-rated (implied from Common Sense Media 6+ rating) animated kids' movie about space chimps, this contains no concerning content—no violence, scary moments, inappropriate themes, or surprise elements that would alarm young viewers. It's a straightforward, predictable kids' adventure with no safety red flags.

Enriching

35

The abysmal critical reception across all platforms (36 Metacritic, 33% RT) indicates this film offers minimal cognitive, ethical, or personal growth. While space exploration could be educational, the poor execution means kids are unlikely to gain meaningful takeaways. The entertainment value is also severely lacking—audiences and critics alike found it tedious and forgettable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It's genuinely safe—no scary moments, violence, or inappropriate content for young kids
Space exploration theme could spark interest in astronomy or science for the very young (5-7)
Available on multiple free streaming platforms if you're desperate for background noise
Short enough that the pain ends relatively quickly

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What to Watch For

Universally terrible reviews mean your kids will likely zone out or ask to watch something else
The humor falls flat and the pacing is reportedly chaotic—not the good kind of energetic
Dated 2008 CGI that looks rough even by mid-2000s standards
Zero rewatchability—this is a one-and-done at best

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would really be like to travel through a wormhole?"
"If you could send any animal to space, what would you choose and why?"
"Do you think the movie made space exploration look fun or boring?"

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