There are quite a few chimps who can speak sign language. Hardly surprising that they're similar since they share so much DNA with us. They're also teaching dolphins to use iPads. There's a lot about animal intelligence we don't know, some species (the crow, the octopus) are unbelievably bright but not as cute as apes and dolphins so don't get publicity.
I believe fossilised bacteria was found on Mars. I think you need to consider your classification on 'life'. Bacteria are still alive, as are fungi and viruses. They don't look much but it's life. That's still as amazing as a three headed monkey with a dog's head. But not for films.