

Insights
Plot Summary
A lonely and eccentric widow, May Jane, is convinced by her well-meaning but misguided children to adopt a new companion. She ends up with a chimpanzee named Darwin, who becomes her confidant and brings unexpected chaos and joy into her life. As May Jane and Darwin form a deep bond, her family must confront their own assumptions about love, companionship, and what truly makes a person happy.
Critical Reception
May Jane received mixed reviews, with many critics praising Bette Midler's performance but finding the film's premise somewhat contrived and sentimental. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some enjoying the heartwarming story and Midler's comedic timing, while others found the film's exploration of loneliness and unconventional relationships to be underdeveloped.
What Reviewers Say
- Bette Midler delivers a compelling performance as a lonely widow.
- The film's premise is unusual, leading to both heartwarming and awkward moments.
- While sentimental, the movie offers a unique exploration of companionship.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight Bette Midler's standout performance and the film's emotional core. Many appreciated the unconventional relationship depicted, though some felt the story lacked depth and relied too heavily on sentimentality.
Fun Fact
The chimpanzee actor who played Darwin, named Darwin, was actually trained by Bob Berky, a renowned animal trainer who also worked on films like "Every Which Way but Loose".
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