Is Spanking the Monkey Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Spanking the Monkey is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 106 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Spanking the Monkey Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1994, Spanking the Monkey emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Bright young student Raymond Aibelli is forced to sidetrack an important medical internship because his mother, Susan, is recovering from a broken leg. Unlike standard genre fare, Spanking the Monkey attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Spanking the Monkey features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeremy Davies . Supported by the likes of Alberta Watson and Benjamin Hendrickson , 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 Spanking the Monkey (1994) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Spanking the Monkey Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Spanking the Monkey is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Spanking the Monkey Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Spanking the Monkey attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Spanking the Monkey reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Spanking the Monkey?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Spanking the Monkey Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $200.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Spanking the Monkey Budget
The estimated production budget for Spanking the Monkey is $200.0K. 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 Spanking the Monkey
- Jeremy Davies – Ray Aibelli
- Alberta Watson – Susan Aibelli
- Benjamin Hendrickson – Tom Aibelli
- Carla Gallo – Toni Peck
- Matthew Puckett – Nicky
Top Highlights
Jeremy DaviesRay Aibelli
Alberta WatsonSusan Aibelli
Benjamin HendricksonTom Aibelli
Carla GalloToni Peck
Matthew PuckettNicky
Judette JonesAunt Helen
Zak OrthCurtis
Josh Philip WeinsteinJoel
Judah DomkeDon
Lleana StrattonFran Gibson
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Spanking the Monkey has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Spanking the Monkey stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1994 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spanking the Monkey movie hit or flop?
Spanking the Monkey has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Spanking the Monkey worth watching?
Spanking the Monkey is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Spanking the Monkey online?
Spanking the Monkey 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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How Spanking the Monkey Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Spanking the Monkey
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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