Is Monkey Shines Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Monkey Shines is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Monkey Shines Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Monkey Shines emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A quadriplegic man is given a trained monkey help him with every day activities, until the little monkey begins to develop feelings, and rage, against its new master and those who get too close to him. Unlike standard genre fare, Monkey Shines attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Monkey Shines features a noteworthy lineup led by Jason Beghe . Supported by the likes of John Pankow and Kate McNeil , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Monkey Shines (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Monkey Shines Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Monkey Shines is a Horror, Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller film that 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 and narrative structure.
Monkey Shines Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Monkey Shines concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Monkey Shines reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Monkey Shines?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Monkey Shines Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (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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Full Cast & Crew of Monkey Shines
- Jason Beghe – Allan Mann
- John Pankow – Geoffrey Fisher
- Kate McNeil – Melanie Parker
- Joyce Van Patten – Dorothy Mann
- Christine Forrest – Maryanne Hodges
Top Highlights
Jason BegheAllan Mann
John PankowGeoffrey Fisher
Kate McNeilMelanie Parker
Joyce Van PattenDorothy Mann
Christine ForrestMaryanne Hodges
Stephen RootDean Burbage
Stanley TucciDr. John Wiseman
Tom QuinnCharlie Cunningham
Janine TurnerLinda Aikman
William NewmanDoc Williams
Where to Watch Monkey Shines Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
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.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Monkey Shines stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Shines movie hit or flop?
Monkey Shines has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Monkey Shines worth watching?
Monkey Shines is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Science Fiction, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Monkey Shines online?
Monkey Shines may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
