Review of Going Bananas

Big Bad Joe (Dom Deluise) has agreed to take a senator's son, Ben (David Mendenhall) on an African safari. In truth, it doesn't make much sense as Joe sprays disinfectant everywhere and is scared of the creatures. But, a promise is a promise. Their private safari leader, Mo (Jimmie Walker) is glad to have them in his fictitious country of Tongola and is delighted when Ben expresses great admiration for lions, elephants, and ostriches. Joe is aghast when a lion perches on the roof of their vehicle and the man injures a tooth. Its off to a local tribe where natives speaking a foreign language try to "heal" his tooth and give advice on brushing! Adorable. Soon the trio rescue a monkey/chimp who takes to Ben like nobody's business. A local officer (Herbert Lom) grabs the chimp away from them and throws the group in an outdoor jail. Yet, this chimp is SMART. He breaks out of his confinement, rescues his friends and they all go to a high faluting Parisian cafe, with the chimp dressed as a lady. Also at the restaurant is the commanding officer. Could it be that this official has his own tricky plans for the chimp? What a joy this family film is! If anyone is in a bad mood, here is a movie to wash away the blues. Deluise, Lom, Walker, Mendenhall and all other cast members are great fun! Also darling is the chimp, which is really a midget wearing a monkey suit; it doesn't matter, kids will still love him. Then, too, the Africa scenery is beyond amazing, with lovely waterfalls, animals, caves, and more. The script is comedic and the direction is lively as well. Hey, folks, go bananas and find this entertaining movie. Even the crabby Appletons of the world will turn their frowns upside down at a showing.