Space Chimps
Space Chimps is a 2008 American computer-animated science fiction comedy film directed by Kirk DeMicco in his feature directorial debut.[1] The film follows Ham III, a circus chimpanzee and grandson of the real-life Ham, the first chimpanzee in space, who is recruited by NASA to join elite astronauts Luna and Titan on a mission to retrieve a lost $5 billion probe that has vanished into a wormhole leading to the alien planet Malgor.[2] Upon arrival, the trio encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the tyrannical leader Zartog and a heroic trio of yellow aliens, sparking an intergalactic adventure blending humor, heroism, and themes of self-discovery.[3] The voice cast features Andy Samberg as the wisecracking Ham III, Cheryl Hines as the intelligent Luna, and Patrick Warburton as the burly Titan, alongside Jeff Daniels as the tyrannical Zartog, Kristin Chenoweth as the inventive alien Kilowatt, and Stanley Tucci as the scheming Senator.[4] Written by DeMicco and Rob Moreland, the screenplay draws inspiration from the history of primate spaceflight while delivering family-friendly comedy through slapstick antics and pop culture references.[5] Produced by Vanguard Animation and Starz Animation with a budget of $37 million, it was distributed by 20th Century Fox and released theatrically in the United States on July 18, 2008.[6] Critically, Space Chimps received mixed reviews, earning a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 89 critic scores, with praise for its voice performances and lighthearted tone but criticism for uneven animation and predictable plotting.[7] Commercially, it grossed $30.1 million domestically and $36.9 million internationally, totaling $67 million worldwide, marking a moderate success that led to a direct-to-video sequel, Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back, in 2010.[6] The film highlights the legacy of animal astronauts in space exploration history, paying homage to NASA's use of chimpanzees in early orbital missions during the 1960s.Synopsis
Plot
NASA's experimental probe, Infinity, unexpectedly enters a wormhole during a test mission and crash-lands on the distant planet Malgor, where it is discovered by the tyrannical alien Zartog. Zartog exploits the probe's advanced technology to subjugate the planet's peaceful inhabitants, using it to enforce his rule through fear and control.[8][9] Faced with the potential cancellation of the U.S. space program due to the lost probe, NASA decides to send a crew of chimpanzees on a retrieval mission, as the risks are too great for human astronauts. The team includes Ham III, a reluctant and wisecracking circus performer who is the grandson of the original Ham, the first chimpanzee to travel to space in 1961; the confident and skilled pilot Luna; the by-the-book mission commander Titan; and the technical expert Comet, who operates from mission control on Earth.[10][9] The crew's spacecraft, Horizon, successfully navigates the treacherous wormhole and lands on Malgor, but the mission quickly turns perilous as they confront Zartog's forces and the planet's hostile environment. After Titan is captured during an initial reconnaissance, Ham III and Luna rally to rescue him, evading alien pursuers and utilizing their unique chimpanzee abilities in a series of adventurous escapades that parody classic space exploration tropes. With Comet's remote guidance, the team locates the probe, and through clever improvisation, they harness its ejection mechanism as a weapon to overpower Zartog and free the oppressed locals, showcasing the transformative power of heroism and collaboration.[8][10][9] Victorious, the chimpanzees repurpose elements of the probe and local resources to construct a return vehicle, successfully piloting it back through the wormhole to Earth. Their triumphant landing not only recovers the technology but also secures renewed funding for NASA's chimpanzee space initiative, affirming themes of personal growth, interstellar teamwork, and the enduring spirit of exploration.[10][8]Cast
The voice cast of Space Chimps features a talented ensemble of actors and comedians who infuse the anthropomorphic chimpanzee astronauts and alien characters with humor, energy, and distinct personalities, enhancing the film's blend of sci-fi adventure and family-friendly comedy. Their performances emphasize exaggerated mannerisms and witty dialogue to underscore the story's playful tone, drawing on comedic timing to highlight the chimps' human-like quirks and the aliens' otherworldly traits.[1][4] Key members of the cast include:| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Samberg | Ham III | The reluctant hero chimp, a circus performer and grandson of the pioneering space chimp Ham, whose sarcastic humor and showbiz flair drive much of the film's comedic reluctance and growth. His portrayal captures the character's underdog charm in a sci-fi setting.[11][7] The character draws inspiration from the real-life chimpanzee Ham, the first hominid launched into space in 1961. |
| Cheryl Hines | Luna | The tough, no-nonsense female astronaut chimp, whose confident and sassy demeanor adds feisty dynamics to the team's interactions, balancing action with lighthearted banter. |
| Patrick Warburton | Titan | The honorable and stoic commander chimp, providing authoritative presence and deadpan humor that grounds the ensemble's adventurous spirit.[12][13] |
| Jeff Daniels | Zartog | The bombastic antagonistic alien leader, whose villainous schemes and over-the-top accent amplify the sci-fi comedy through exaggerated menace.[14] |
| Kristin Chenoweth | Kilowatt | The spunky Malgorian rebel alien, bringing bubbly energy and rebellious wit that contrasts the main crew's dynamics with quirky alien flair. |
| Stanley Tucci | Senator | The bureaucratic NASA senator overseeing the mission, whose dry, authoritative delivery injects satirical humor into the human elements of the story.[15] |
| Zack Shada | Comet | The young, tech-savvy chimp enthusiastic about space travel, whose eager innocence and gadget-focused personality contributes youthful optimism to the team's tone.[16] |
| Kenan Thompson | Ringmaster | The flamboyant circus ringmaster from Ham III's background, whose boisterous exclamations heighten the film's circus-to-space comedic transition.[17] |
| Jane Lynch | Dr. Poole | The sharp-witted NASA scientist, adding professional edge and humorous exasperation to the mission's preparatory scenes.[18] |
| Carlos Alazraqui | Houston | Titan's loyal bodyguard chimp and mission control operator, whose supportive role and quick quips reinforce the team's camaraderie with grounded humor. |