Kindhearted Griffin Keyes is one of the best-loved caretakers at the Franklin Park Zoo, but he's more comfortable with the animals than with females of his own species as proven by his failed marriage proposal to the self-absorbed Stephanie several years ago. The animals have listened to Griffin pine over her for years and, after she reappears in his life, they decide to help Griffin rekindle the relationship and become the alpha male she wants him to be. They inadvertently reveal their secret ability to talk and, after Griffin's initial shock, teach him the rules of courtship, animal-style. Surprisingly, the animals' advice really works and Griffin is about to get everything he's ever dreamed of--or is he?
Practical Effects
Animatronics and real animals, blessedly pre-CGI overload
Acting
Sylvester Stallone as a lion is unhinged casting genius
Director
Frank Coraci
Kevin James
Griffin Keyes
Rosario Dawson
Kate
Leslie Bibb
Stephanie
Joe Rogan
Gale
Nat Faxon
Dave
Ken Jeong
Venom
Steffiana De La Cruz
Robin
Thomas Gottschalk
Jurgen
Donnie Wahlberg
Shane
Brandon Keener
Nimer
Nick Bakay
Franky
Jackie Sandler
TGIF Waitress
Nicholas Turturro
Manny
Nick Nolte
Bernie the Gorilla (voice)
Adam Sandler
Donald the Monkey (voice)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nick Nolte recorded his gorilla lines while legally prohibited from certain activities, making his gravelly performance method acting by necessity.
This film represents peak 'Kevin James falls down' cinema, a genre that died with the 2010s. Cherish it.
US
