Monkey Shines
Performance & Direction: Monkey Shines Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
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 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?
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
Ending Breakdown: Directed by George A. Romero, 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 involving Jason Beghe, 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 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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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.










