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Sam Huntington in "Jungle 2 Jungle"

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"Jungle 2 Jungle" (1997) is Sam Huntington's debut film. This Disney mega-hit family comedy is about a 13 year old boy (Mimi-Siku, played by Sam) who was raised in the rain forest by his physican mother (JoBeth Williams). His father (Tim Allen) comes to the forest village to finalize his devorce with his mother, whom he has not seen for 13 years, and meets the son he never knew he had. His father soon takes Mimi to New York City, where much of the plot develops. The film centers around their growing relationship and the comedic results of his father in Mimi's jungle and Mimi in his father's jungle.

Sam's performance as Mimi-Siku is brilliant, making his character believable and endearing, someone we care about - as well as a great comedy partner for Tim Allen and Martin Short.

"Sam Huntington turns in a naturally appealing performance as Mimi-Siku; he's got the stuff to be the next teen hearthrob." - Carol Buckland, CNN

"The charismatic Huntington is genuinely touching." - The Miami Herald

"Sam Huntington has the best role and does well with it; he'll be seen again!" - The Austin American Statesman

From Disney Pictures, "Jungle 2 Jungle" was directed by John Pasquin, best known for his work as the director of the early seasons at the popular TV show "Home Improvement."

Also appearing in the film are Tim Allen as Michael Cromwell, Martin Short as Richard Kempster, JoBeth Williams as Dr. Patricia Cromwell, LeeLee Sobieski as Karen, and Frankie J. Galasso as Andrew.

The movie was filmed entirely on location during April-June 1996 at Canaima National Park in Venezuela, New York City, and Pound Ridge, NY.
Speaking of the selection of Sam Huntington for the staring role of Mimi-Siku, director John Pasquin stated, "We searched a lot to find our Mimi-Siku because we needed somebody who was mentally quick, physically adept and with a sense of humor and yet, because the character has been raised in a very primitive natural environment, he couldn't be slick. Sam Huntington was ideal!" Producer Brian Reilly said, "When our casting director, Renee Rousselot, sent Sam Huntington to us, we had already seen a lot of very talented young actors, but Sam was special right from the moment he walked into the room. This was a very tough role to cast, but he became our clear choice to play the role of Mimi-Siku. In the film, Sam is believable, endearing, funny and physically adept."

Budget for the film was $40 million. The movie was released in March, 1997 and was instantly well received. It grossed $132 million world wide, making it the 26th top grossing film of that year and the 9th most popular rental of 1997.

"Jungle 2 Jungle" is a remake of the French "Un Indien dans la Ville" (1994). That film is now available in the US under the title, "Little Indian, Big City." "Jungle 2 Jungle" follows the original closely, although in the French movie, the city is Paris - not New York, and Mimi climbs the Eiffel Tower - not the Statue of Liberty. However, Disney completely changed the mood of the film, changing it from a silly romp to a heart-warming movie as much to do with father-son relationships as with being a fish out of water. The performance of Sam Huntington is pivital in accomplishing that goal.

For more about Sam's audition and participation, go to the "Actor's Studio" page

Trivia Quiz

1. What airline did Michael use to fly to Caracus?
2. Only one person comments on Mimi's good looks, who is it?
3. Michael forgets Mimi's name and calls him by the name of this Japanese automobile
4. Karen wears a top with this powerful message on it
5. What kind of cars are driven by Michael? Richard?
6. What is the name of Richard's most loyal fish?
7. How many times has the root of the Amano tree broken grown in Mimi's life?
8. What is the gender of Myteka?
9. What is the correct code for entering the office of Mr. Javonovich?
10. Andrew has this physical defect
11. Abe has a saying, what is it?
12. Richard says, "I am a parent, therefore..."
13. Lipo Lipo reminds Michael of this 60's television sitcom
14. It's Alexi Fyordor Sergei Janvonovich, NOT...
15. What is the brand name of Michael's electric shaver?
16. Ian refers to Mimi by this character in "The Jungle Book"
17. What is the name of Michael's attorney?
18. When Mimi first sees Karen, he describes her as...
19. How many birds does Mimi shoot?
20. Richard keeps the certificates behind these two books
1. American
2. Jan (Karen's mother) who calls him "adorable"
3. Mitsubishi
4. "Girls Rule"
5. Michael drives a Cadillac Elderado, Richard a Chevy Blazer
6. "Winky"
7. Three times (which makes him 13)
8. Myteka is female
9. Knock once, ring twice, knock three times (whatever you do, don't knock 4 times!)
10. Crooked teeth
11. "He who knows what a woman wants knows everything, but not even God knows that!"
12. "...therefore I'm an idiot!"
13. Gilligan's Island
14. Mr. J
15. Braun
16. Mowgli
17. Abe Botero (with a "B")
18. "Angel on table"
19. Two (one on neighbor's balcony, and one he gives begger)
20. The Bible and Judith Krantz

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Last update: 6/14/99
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