MVP: Most Valuable Primate 2000

In this captivating tale, we follow the incredible journey of Jack, a three-year-old chimpanzee filled with an unquenchable desire for competition. Initially, Dr. Kendall conducts a groundbreaking experiment at San Pueblo University in San Diego, California, where he aims to teach Jack sign language. However, when the project faces abrupt funding cuts, everything begins to unravel, leading to unexpected outcomes that will forever alter their lives. Following the unexpected demise of Dr. Kendall, his superior, Dr. Peabody, plans to sell Jack to the University of Tennessee. Yet, destiny has a different route in mind.

Simultaneously, the Westover family embarks on a fresh start in Nelson, British Columbia. The eldest son, Steven, a former high school hockey star, attempts to reintegrate by joining the local junior B team, the Nuggets. To his dismay, he finds the fierce nature of the sport and the indifference of his teammates towards their persistent losing streak quite disheartening. Meanwhile, his deaf sister, Tara, grapples with the challenge of fitting in, feeling isolated amid her new environment.

As whispers circulate regarding the alleged hepatitis experiments on primates at the University of Tennessee, a determined maintenance worker at San Pueblo takes action, orchestrating Jack’s return to his California nature preserve. However, an unforeseen incident involving a dozing train results in Jack arriving in Nelson instead, leading him to Tara’s treehouse sanctuary, where his unexpected appearance takes her by surprise.

Over time, Jack becomes known to Steven and their parents, but it is Tara who first keeps him hidden from any curious onlookers. When Steven discovers Jack’s remarkable skill in ice hockey, an improbable alliance emerges between them, igniting a winning streak for the Nuggets. Furthermore, Jack’s presence helps Tara break down barriers, forming genuine connections with her peers.

This heartfelt narrative of unexpected friendships and triumph illustrates Jack’s extraordinary journey, transcending not just species and language but cultural divides as well, reminding us that sometimes a little chaos is needed to unite us all. As the Nuggets junior B team secures a place in the Harvest Cup final, they find themselves amidst the dazzling lights of Vancouver. Concurrently, Peabody schemes a covert operation to capture Jack, only to face unwavering opposition from the team who refuse to abandon their cherished companion, compelling Peabody to revise his strategy for post-game antics.

Tara’s perceptive nature and swift instincts reveal Peabody’s plot, prompting her to alert Steven and the rest of the Nuggets without delay. Just moments before Peabody can execute his plan, Steven makes a rapid decision to whisk Jack away from the arena during the second intermission, ensuring he returns safely back to his natural home.

In a bold act of unity and cleverness, Tara seizes this opportunity, dressing in Jack’s gear and jersey to disguise herself. As the game nears its thrilling conclusion, Tara channels her inner Jack, clinching the winning goal that secures the Nuggets’ victory and thwarts Peabody’s malicious intentions once and for all. With Jack safely back in the preserve, the Nuggets revel in the glory of their hard-earned success.