MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate (2001) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A hockey-playing chimpanzee befriends a runaway skater, helps him find a family, and reunites with his own brother on the ice.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Framed and Adrift

Jack is invited to play hockey in Seattle but is framed by the rival Carjackers. He flees the team and wanders until he meets Ben, a runaway boy living at an old pool.

Key Events

• Jack Invited to Seattle — Jack is invited to play for the Seattle Simians hockey team. Location: Seattle
• Framed by the Carjackers — The LA Carjackers make it look like Jack bit a player's finger. Location: Hockey rink
• Jack Leaves the Team — Jack leaves while the Simians players search for him. Location: Seattle
• Meeting Ben at the Pool — Jack meets Ben Johnson, a runaway orphan living in a shack. Characters: Ben Location: Old pool

A Runaway's Bond

Jack and Ben become best friends, but a police officer discovers their hideout and forces them to flee. Ben breaks his skateboard, and Jack seeks help from Oliver Plant.

Key Events

• Becoming Best Friends — Over time, Jack and Ben become best friends. Characters: Ben Location: Old pool
• Police Discover the Hideout — A police officer finds where Jack and Ben live, forcing them to leave. Characters: Ben Location: Old pool
• Ben's Board Breaks — Ben breaks his skateboard while leaving the pool. Characters: Ben Location: Old pool
• Jack Searches the Dumpster — Jack goes to Oliver's dumpster full of old skateboard parts. Location: Oliver Plant's dumpster

The Skateboard Gambit

Oliver gives Ben a new skateboard and shelter for the night, but secretly contacts someone who deals with runaways. Ben suspects Oliver's intentions, yet Jack convinces him to stay.

Key Events

• Oliver Gives Ben a Board — Oliver finds Ben, hears about the competition, and gives him a board. Characters: Ben Location: Oliver Plant's home
• Overnight at Oliver's — Ben and Jack stay with Oliver overnight. Characters: Ben Location: Oliver Plant's home
• Oliver's Secret Call — Oliver calls the woman who deals with children like Ben, saying he found Ben. Location: Oliver Plant's home
• Ben Suspects Oliver — Ben suspects Oliver knows he is a runaway after Oliver says good night. Characters: Ben Location: Oliver Plant's home
• Jack Persuades Ben to Stay — Jack asks Ben to stay since there is no other place to sleep. Characters: Ben Location: Oliver Plant's home
• Competition Day Arrives — Ben, Jack, and Oliver go to the skating competition. Characters: Ben Location: Skatepark

Victory and Family

At the competition, Ben freezes until Jack offers to ride with him. Ben wins, earns sponsorship from Bob Burnquist, and is adopted by Oliver.

Key Events

• Ben's Stage Fright — When Ben's turn comes, he says he can't do it. Characters: Ben Location: Skatepark
• Jack Rides with Ben — Jack says he will ride with Ben, so Ben decides to compete. Characters: Ben Location: Skatepark
• Ben Wins the Competition — Ben wins the competition and gets sponsored by Bob Burnquist. Characters: Ben Location: Skatepark
• Sponsorship and Adoption — Bob sponsors Ben and Oliver adopts him. Characters: Ben Location: Skatepark
• Louie Impersonates Jack — Louie gets a ride to Seattle and pretends to be Jack, playing terribly. Location: Seattle

Brothers and Champions

Louie impersonates Jack and plays terribly, but Jack returns to win the ZHL cup. Ben gives Louie a skateboard, and Louie rides home.

Key Events

• Louie Impersonates Jack — Louie gets a ride to Seattle and pretends to be Jack, playing terribly. Location: Seattle
• Jack Wins the ZHL Cup — Jack shows up and wins the ZHL cup for the Simians. Location: Hockey rink
• Ben Gives Louie a Board — Ben gives Louie a skateboard so Jack can teach him. Characters: Ben Location: Seattle
• Louie Rides Home — Louie rides down a ramp back to their home. Location: Ramp to home

Story Breakdown

• Jack's Hockey Dream — Jack is invited to play professional hockey in Seattle.
  • Invitation to Seattle — Jack joins the Seattle Simians hockey team.
  • Framed by Rivals — The LA Carjackers make Jack look like a biter.
  • Leaving the Team — Jack flees while the Simians search for him.
• Friendship at the Pool — Jack finds a kindred spirit in a runaway boy.
  • Meeting Ben — Jack discovers Ben living in a shack at an old pool.
  • Becoming Best Friends — The two bond as outsiders.
  • Fleeing the Police — A police officer forces them to leave the pool.
• The Skateboard Quest — Ben needs a new board for the competition.
  • Broken Board — Ben's skateboard breaks as they flee.
  • Oliver's Dumpster — Jack searches Oliver's discarded skateboard parts.
  • A Generous Gift — Oliver gives Ben a board and shelter.
• Secrets in the Night — Oliver's hidden agenda threatens the new friendship.
  • The Mysterious Call — Oliver contacts someone who deals with runaway children.
  • Ben's Suspicion — Ben realizes Oliver may know his secret.
  • Jack's Persuasion — Jack convinces Ben to stay the night.
• Competition Day — Ben faces his biggest challenge.
  • Stage Fright — Ben freezes when his turn arrives.
  • Jack's Encouragement — Jack offers to ride with Ben.
  • Victory Lap — Ben wins the competition.
• A New Family — Ben's life changes forever.
  • Bob's Sponsorship — Bob Burnquist sponsors Ben.
  • Oliver's Adoption — Oliver adopts Ben as his son.
• Louie's Misadventure — Jack's little brother causes chaos in Seattle.
  • Impersonating Jack — Louie pretends to be Jack on the hockey team.
  • Hockey Humiliation — Louie plays terribly in Jack's place.
• Champions and Homecoming — The story concludes with victory and reunion.
  • Jack's Return — Jack arrives to win the ZHL cup.
  • A Gift for Louie — Ben gives Louie a skateboard.
  • Riding Home — Louie rides down the ramp toward home.

Directed by

Robert Vince

Key Cast

• Richard Karn — Ollie Plant
• Scott Goodman — Ben
• Cameron Bancroft — Rob Poirier
• Jane Sowerby — Julie
• Fred Keating — Coach Miller