"Monkey Up" Receives EXCLUSIVE Theatrical Run at AMC Theaters - January 22-28, 2016

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016 — (PRNewswire) —  Air Bud Entertainment proudly announces an exciting exclusive theatrical debut for the all-new family movie, MONKEY UP.  Proceeds from the week-long run at AMC Theaters from January 22 to 28, 2016, will benefit Starlight Children's Foundation, a leading global charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and health for kids and families around the world.  With ticketing also by Fandango, AMC Theaters will show the Dove Foundation certified 'Family Friendly' film on 50 screens in top U.S. markets.  This marks the first time Air Bud Entertainment has concurrently released a film in theaters and on home entertainment.  MONKEY UP will debut on Digital HD January 19 and be released on DVD, February 2, 2016.  

A hilarious and heartwarming movie for the whole family, MONKEY UP stars 'Crystal,' the adorable and multi-talented Capuchin monkey that audiences have fallen in love with in dozens of film franchises including The Hangover and Night at the Museum. The exciting new adventure introduces Crystal's character 'Monty' -- the star of Monkey Up energy drink commercials…who dreams of breaking out of advertising to become an A list player on the Hollywood scene.

"We're thrilled to team up with Starlight Children's Foundation," said Anna McRoberts, President of Air Bud Entertainment. "Our company's mission is to serve children and families and we are proud to support Starlight's critical work in communities around the world," McRoberts added. "Together with many great partners, Air Bud is happy to help Starlight make a difference to so many children and families."

"Strategic partnerships with beloved family brands like Air Bud Entertainment play an important role in Starlight's positive impact on the quality of life and health for kids and families in communities around the world," said Jacquie Hart, Starlight Global CEO. "We're so grateful for the support of the incredible team at Air Bud Entertainment, and for the opportunity to benefit from the success of this delightful family film."

The exciting benefit theatrical run is sponsored in part by Diana's Bananas, Inc.  MONKEY UP is produced by Air Bud Entertainment, the creative force behind the #1 live-action, direct-to-video movies in the family category for decades. The production team has entertained generations with their hugely popular Air Bud and Air Buddies movies.  MONKEY UP's home entertainment release on Digital HD and DVD is through Air Bud Entertainment's partnership with Alchemy, the leading independent film and television distributor.

MONKEY UP marks the first time Crystal the monkey has landed a starring role in a full length feature film. The movie has been rated 'Family Friendly' by The Dove Foundation – a recognition awarded to movies, DVDs, made for TV movies and specials, books and other entertainment products that portray and encourage positive values.

Joining MONKEY UP primate-star Crystal, are John Ratzenberger (TV's Cheers, all Pixar films), David Milchard (YouTube sensation Convos with my 2-Year Old), Danny Woodburn (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2), Erin Allin O'Reilly (Dumb and Dumber to), Jonathan Mangum (House at the end of the Drive) and Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect 2). Astin is the voice of Crystal in her role as 'Monty.'  MONKEY UP is directed by Robert Vince.  It is written by Robert Vince, Anna McRoberts, Kirsten Hansen and Mary Pocrnic.  Produced by Anna McRoberts.

Synopsis 
Meet Monty -- a precocious actor, spokesperson and… a talking Capuchin Monkey!  He's the face of the energy drink, 'Monkey Up,' but he dreams of becoming the first award-winning monkey movie star.  When the greedy owner of Monkey Up has other plans for Monty, the chase is on! He escapes with the help of his new family, the Andrews, and his hilarious primate siblings, Mort, Mooner, and Melody in an uproarious chase that proves Monty really is the 'fast and the furriest'. Together they help Monty discover that fame and fortune come and go, but family is forever!  MONKEY UP is rated 'PG' by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and has a suggested retail price of $14.99 (Canada $14.95.)

About Starlight Children's Foundation
Starlight Children's Foundation is a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the quality of life and health of kids and families around the world. Starlight funds critical needs expressed by more than 600 community partners including hospitals, specialty clinics and camps, respite houses and hospices in the United States and Puerto Rico that collectively support more than 27 million pediatric visits every year. Starlight supports kids and families in 11 countries and territories in a growing global network. Learn more at www.starlight.org, and follow Starlight on Facebook at /StarlightChildrensFoundation and on Twitter @StarlightOnline.

About Air Bud Entertainment
Air Bud Entertainment (ABE) is the company behind the beloved AIR BUD and BUDDIES franchise. For nearly 20 years, the AIR BUD and BUDDIES films have become an established and trusted family brand. ABE created the four-paw icon of this generation, which has become part of our social fabric across generations of children, parents and grandparents.  ABE's exciting new movies will be available across numerous multi-media and digital platforms. Fans can also watch exclusive programming on the recently launched Air Bud TV including original, all new short form content and TV series, in addition to sneak peaks of their adorable family-friendly films.  Please visit and subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHAL_UurzMKDyrpddriiuXA

About Alchemy
Alchemy is the largest independent distributor of film and television content across all platforms and windows in North America, specializing in the highest quality content. Alchemy develops tailored distribution strategies for the top family entertainment companies and brands, from theatrical release to DVD, digital, VOD, and television. The company has distributed works ranging from some the most well known franchises to those of the finest independent filmmakers in the business. The company is the industry's largest physical distributor outside of the major studios and Lionsgate, representing the majority of non-studio content at Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Sam's Club and is the leading independent supplier to digital platforms including iTunes and Netflix.

Stay connected with the latest news and information on MONKEY UP and 'Air Bud Entertainment' via social media:

www.airbud.com
facebook.com/AirBudOfficial
twitter.com/montymonkeyup
youtube.com/Monkeyup

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_cyiGdaNtw

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SOURCE Air Bud Entertainment

Contact:

Air Bud Entertainment Rick Rhoades Email Contact 818-468-5585 Jill Goldstein/JGPR Email Contact 646-449-9614 Deana Dor/JGPR Email Contact 646-449-9614 Web: http://www.airbud.com