Project X (1987)

Watch the Project X (1987) Trailer

Virgil a chimpanzee who at first was being taught sign language so that he can communicate, is now in the military. An Air Force man boy, Matthew Broderick, after committing some infractions is assigned to the project involving the chimps.

And he learns that Virgil knows sign language and talks with him.

He eventually discovers what the project involving the chimps is and that it's inhumane. He contacts the woman who taught Virgil sign language and they try to save him.

That woman is none other than Oscar winner Helen Hunt.

Believe it or not, even after Matthew Broderick's box office success of Ferris Bueller's Day Off in 1986, Project X ranked a lowly #61 in the Top 200 Highest Grossing Movies at the 1987 movie box office, earning only $18 million.

More about Project X (2012).