Product Description

Based on the award-winning novel by Wilson Rawls, Disney's classic coming-of-age adventure offers a humorous and heartwarming story that spans generations. Beautifully filmed, SUMMER OF THE MONKEYS is an unforgettable tale about Jay Berry Lee, a 12-year-old boy growing up on a farm who dreams of buying the pony he loves. When his dog Rowdy wants to investigate a strange noise in "the bottoms" -- a place Jay is forbidden to go -- he reluctantly follows. Incredibly, they discover a band of four runaway circus monkeys who prove to be clever and elusive troublemakers. Once Jay learns there is a handsome reward for their return, the chase is on for a summer of fun, thrills, and danger. Along the way, Jay learns a lot more about monkeys and what's really important in life than he ever imagined! Including wonderful performances by veteran actors Wilford Brimley (COCOON, THE NATURAL), and Michael Ontkean (SLAP SHOT, POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE), SUMMER OF THE MONKEYS is a classic story of life-changing experiences your whole family will love!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21877 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-05-06
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 101 minutes

Amazon.com
Twelve-year-old Jay Berry Lee has one goal this summer: to buy his own pony. He plans to work long hours in his grandfather's general store to earn the money for it. But business is slow in this Great Plains farm town circa 1910, and his dream seems unreachable until the day he discovers a group of escaped circus monkeys. Despite his father's warnings and his mother's anger over his irresponsibility, Jay Berry tries everything in his power to capture the comical monkeys and claim the handsome reward offered by their owner. During his efforts, he learns important lessons about tenacity, charity, prioritizing his values, and, yes, monkeys.

Based on the award-winning novel by Wilson Rawls, Summer of the Monkeys brings together a snug ensemble of capable actors. The most recognizable cast members include Wilford Brimley (Cocoon) and the mild-mannered Michael Ontkean (Twin Peaks). Corey Sevier handles the role of Jay Berry Lee with the right blend of preteen adrenaline and emotion. Under the direction of Michael Anderson (Around the World in Eighty Days) the characters treat this moderately paced period piece with great care. Both the story and the dialogue are sensible without being sentimental, a quality that should appeal to all family members. Its clean, upbeat style may remind adult viewers of Disney's wilderness family classics of the 1970s. --Liane Thomas

Customer Reviews

Wonderful movie
Like a previous reviewer stated, the title didn't catch me. The cover (I was 8 and judging by the cover was the way to tell) looked bored and showed off a boring deal. It didn't help that it looked rural. It just looked dull!

How wrong I was! I haven't watched this movie in probably five years, but I remember it's magic. It was just a great, simple movie. You could relate to Jay-he was the troublemaker, yet often felt ignored. Corey Sevier is one of those actors that you see everywhere but you can't quite put your finger on it--but he's great!

The highlights of this movie are simple scenes, really. Unlike most, there's no HUGE event that leads the movie. That said, it's a simple movie that even young kids can enjoy. Kids who's favorites movie list upon the Fast and the Furious, may not like it because it's not that kind of movie-but sensitive children are sure to love it!

Excellent Movie for the Entire Family
I went to the mall and saw this movie sold at Best Buy. I had the priviledge to watch it on cable just today. We need more movies like this to instill family values. I think this is a super movie for the whole family. Have some tissues ready.

Be Brave.
During the storm scene while Jay and Daisy's Ma was reading the scripture from the bible Daisy was clinging on too her Pa Jay was praying and there Pa was holding onto Daisy so tight .They made it through the horrid storm without breaking a single bone or without getting hurt even though the storm wrecked there house they were just glad God blessed them with a miracle .Like it said on the ad a story with laughter and faith.