Monkey Shines
Monkey Shines Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Monkey Shines
| Movie | Monkey Shines |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | George A. Romero |
| Genre | Horror / Science Fiction / Drama / Thriller |
| Runtime | 113 minutes |
| Language | EN |
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?
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 / 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.
Top Cast: Monkey Shines
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Where to Watch Monkey Shines Online?
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Amazon VideoMonkey Shines Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Monkey Shines age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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.
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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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.











