The Trapalhão in the Plateau of the Apes
This movie is a spoof of "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and follows the storyline of the original step by step - in spite of being a crazy parody of the original film. A group of men lands in a balloon on an area (it's not a planet, it's more like a hill) where talking apes rule and humans are slaves. The apes try to transform the guys in monkeys; a simian princess falls in love with one of them; and so on. This film is one of the several movies made for the popular Brazilian group "Os Trapalhões" - Didi (Renato Aragão), Dedé, Mussum and Zacarias (who at this point hadn't joined the troupe yet) -, many of them inspired by American blockbusters. It's a very fun entertainment, but the humor is very "local" to be understood in other countries. Oh, yeah, the ape "makeup" is terrible, but that's part of the fun. The movie doesn't take itself seriously.
Insights
Plot Summary
The beloved Brazilian comedy troupe Os Trapalhões travel to a distant planet inhabited by intelligent apes, which bears a striking resemblance to Earth. They become embroiled in a conflict between the apes and a band of human explorers, eventually finding themselves in a position to influence the fate of both civilizations. The adventure is filled with the group's signature slapstick humor and musical numbers.
Critical Reception
As a product of the '70s Brazilian comedy scene and Os Trapalhões' established formula, 'The Trapalhão in the Plateau of the Apes' was primarily received as lighthearted entertainment for its dedicated fanbase. Critically, it was not a film aiming for cinematic prestige but rather for broad popular appeal, often seen as a vehicle for the group's comedic antics and visual gags.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its classic Trapalhões humor and lighthearted adventure.
- Often viewed as a typical, formulaic entry in the group's filmography.
- Appreciated for its escapism and appeal to younger audiences of the era.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film from 1976 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's science fiction premise and alien planet setting were a departure from Os Trapalhões' more grounded, everyday comedy scenarios, offering a unique visual and thematic playground for the group.
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