Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

  • 1988
  • PG-13
  • 90m
movieMx RATING
7.2/1021
VERDICT
HIT
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser Review

Last updated: January 30, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 30, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser features a noteworthy lineup led by Jimmy Cleveland . Supported by the likes of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane , 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 Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

Quick Plot Summary: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is a Documentary, Music film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

Ending Breakdown: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to documentary resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

All Cast & Crew →
Thelonious Monk
Thelonious MonkSelf (archive footage)
John Coltrane
John ColtraneSelf (archive footage)
Samuel E. Wright
Samuel E. WrightSelf - Narrator (voice)
Advertisement

Where to Watch Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home
Spectrum On DemandSpectrum On Demand

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser. Rating: 7.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser worth watching?

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser?

The total duration of Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

How Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.2
Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/thelonious-monk-straight-no-chaser-41973" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.2</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Jimmy Cleveland

View full filmography