Is The Ape Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Ape is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Ape Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, The Ape emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young writer, nearing a mental breakdown caused by his family and boss, moves into an apartment occupied by a walking, talking, foul-mouthed ape in a Hawaiian shirt and Converse High Tops. Unlike standard genre fare, The Ape attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Ape features a noteworthy lineup led by James Franco . Supported by the likes of Brian Lally and Allison Bibicoff , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Ape (2005) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Ape Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Ape is a Drama, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Ape Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Ape attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Ape reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Ape?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Ape Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $225.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $225.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Ape Budget
The estimated production budget for The Ape is $225.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Ape
- James Franco – Harry Walker
- Brian Lally – The Ape
- Allison Bibicoff – Cathy
- Stacey Miller – Beth
- Vince Jolivette – Steve
Top Highlights
James FrancoHarry Walker
Brian LallyThe Ape
Allison BibicoffCathy
Stacey MillerBeth
Vince JolivetteSteve
Nori Jill PhillipsJudy
Danny MolinaRaoul
David MarkeyFlies With Eagles
Sydney DeMarcoGirl in office
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Ape has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Ape stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ape movie hit or flop?
The Ape is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.1/10 and lower collections.
Is The Ape worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.1/10, The Ape may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Ape online?
The Ape may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Ape Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Ape
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
