Monkey Shines

  • 1988
  • R
  • 113m
movieMx RATING
6.3
355
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Monkey Shines Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Monkey Shines

MovieMonkey Shines
Release Year1988
DirectorGeorge A. Romero
GenreHorror / Science Fiction / Drama / Thriller
Runtime113 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Monkey Shines (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Monkey Shines are led by Jason Beghe . The supporting cast, including John Pankow and Kate McNeil , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Monkey Shines (1988) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 6.3/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Monkey Shines does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Monkey Shines has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Monkey Shines

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Monkey Shines is a Horror, Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller film directed by George A. Romero. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jason Beghe.

Ending Explained: Monkey Shines

Monkey Shines Ending Explained: Directed by George A. Romero, Monkey Shines wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.

The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Jason Beghe. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Monkey Shines reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Monkey Shines?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jason Beghe or the director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: Monkey Shines

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $7.0M
Worldwide Gross $5.3M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Monkey Shines Budget

The estimated production budget for Monkey Shines is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Monkey Shines

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Where to Watch Monkey Shines Online?

Streaming Hub

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Monkey Shines Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Monkey Shines age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Monkey Shines is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Monkey Shines is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Monkey Shines is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Monkey Shines. Rating: 6.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monkey Shines worth watching?

Monkey Shines is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Monkey Shines parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Monkey Shines identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Monkey Shines?

The total duration of Monkey Shines is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.

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Critic Reviews for Monkey Shines

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Monkey Shines
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