We got to take Evie to her second movie ever, we headed to the theatre for the screening of DisneyNature’s Monkey Kingdom. I am so happy that we got to see this because we have enjoyed a few of the other movies from DisneyNature. We knew that this was going to be good, and it did not disappoint.
A quick little recap of what the movie is about…
Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in “Monkey Kingdom,” Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colourful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighbouring monkeys, Maya’s whole family retreats, and she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to uncover untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings. Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.
Featuring a rich variety of characters, including a mischievous mongoose, simple-minded langur monkeys, predatory leopards and monitor lizards, “Monkey Kingdom” is narrated by Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), directed by Mark Linfield (“Chimpanzee,” “Earth”) and co-directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Chimpanzee,” “Bears”). With music from award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams (“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Shrek” movies), Disneynature’s eighth True Life Adventure—the follow-up to 2014’s “Bears”—swings into theatres April 17, 2015. 
Evie was so excited the morning of the screening, we had been preparing her that we were going to be seeing a movie about monkeys, so of course she wanted to bring her little stuffed monkey with her. Little did I know that there are Maya plush monkeys available at the Disney Store, they are seriously cute. We got our seats and snacks, and settled in. As parents, were were surprised and thrilled that the movie kept our daughter’s attention. In true Disney fashion it seems, there was of course humour tied in for the adults. I mean, who else is going to appreciate hearing “Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees”, or “Whatta Man” when Maya’s love interest enters the scene. The whole time my husband and I kept asking each other “how did they film this?”, and during the credits of the movie you get a little glimpse at how they went about creating Monkey Kingdom.
While there are several laughable moments for all ages, there are two moments that may be a bit squeamish for sensitive children. There is a scene that does show the food chain, and a predator of the macaque monkeys, in which one monkey dies. Another monkey passes away after a fight occurs between two rival monkey troops. Thankfully, not much is visible, but you may get some questions about what happened. 
This documentary overall is very child friendly, and I really appreciate that from DisneyNature. There was no offensive language, or content that would be considered inappropriate. The movie is rated G. This is almost a Cinderella story in the world of monkeys, how one monkey had to work hard going from the bottom of her troop to being one of the top leaders. This movie is a great opportunity to open up a different animal kingdom to your children, and learn a bit about the macaque monkeys. We will definitely be adding Monkey Kingdom to our movie collection once it’s out on DVD.
If you go to see Monkey Kingdom during opening week (April 17-23, 2015) every ticket sold DisneyNature will make a donation of $0.20 to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats. 
Disclosure: I received tickets to attend the screening of the film with my family in order to facilitate a review. The opinions expressed are my own All photos copyright DisneyNature 2015