Julia Roberts Movie:

In the Wild [Region 2] Reviews:
Hilarious and Educational
2009-05-18 - I first saw this video during a Primate class in college. Not only does John Cleese love the lemurs he travels so far to see, he also explains details about the various breeds. His comedy shines through as well. I recently attended his lecture at Trinity University, and he stated that this was his favorite project.

Tugs at your heart.
2009-03-06 - I really enjoyed this video. The scene with Whoopi and the baby chimp is worth the price of the video alone! Even she had trouble holding back the tears. The only disadvantages are that this is not offered in DVD format and it's not that long--about an hour. Whoopi is as funny as ever, and if you like her, you'll like the video.

If your interest is very much Julia Roberts and a little bit Orangutans, this is for you.
2008-07-06 - If you are interested in learning about orangutans, there are a LOT better choices out there. The film is about Julia Roberts's month-long experience with orangutans, as seen by Julia Roberts, who left the comfortable surroundings normally enjoyed by Julia Roberts. Do we really need the montage of Julia leaving NYC, with multiple art-school close-ups/silhouettes? Or so much focus on her Hepburnesque boat making its way up the river?

Still, orangutans being what they are, there is footage to commend this effort. Seeing the orangutan empty a flooded canoe to make its way across the river and help scrub clothes is genuinely touching. The closing scene is a piece of real life that is understandably upsetting to Ms. Roberts, who manages a short debriefing of the moment, but is clearly, as she puts it, "freaked out". Then the piece stops--no montage of Julia's boat returning, no more pseudo-spiritual paens from Julia to the orangutans, no shots back in the 'jungle' of NYC.

It would have been very helpful to have someone who knows about orangutans put the experience into context. As it is, given the abrupt ending, you get left with the impression that following this experience, Ms. Roberts's cooperation with the show ended.

If your attraction to this video is Julia Roberts, you should definitely watch. If it's more the orangs, look elsewhere.

Cleese in top form
2006-08-06 - In this "In the Wild" episode, John Cleese ventures to Madagascar to check up on five captive-raised lemurs that were released back into the forest. Along the way, he peppers his explanations and commentary with typical one-liners, just what you'd expect from the Monty Python alum. Anyone who likes Mr. Cleese's style will not be disappointed. Besides the entertainment value, you will learn a thing or two about lemurs, too!

Four stars. Highly enjoyable!

In the Lion's Den with Anthony Hopkins
2006-03-28 - This is a Wonderful movie about the behavior and myths about Lions.