Monkey Shines

  • 1988
  • R
  • 113m
movieMx RATING
6.3/10347
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Monkey Shines Review

Last updated: February 17, 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: February 17, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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?

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.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Monkey Shines stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

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 / RegionCollection (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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Top Cast: Monkey Shines

All Cast & Crew →
Jason Beghe
Jason BegheAllan Mann
John Pankow
John PankowGeoffrey Fisher
Kate McNeil
Kate McNeilMelanie Parker
Joyce Van Patten
Joyce Van PattenDorothy Mann
Christine Forrest
Christine ForrestMaryanne Hodges
Stephen Root
Stephen RootDean Burbage
Stanley Tucci
Stanley TucciDr. John Wiseman
Tom Quinn
Tom QuinnCharlie Cunningham
Janine Turner
Janine TurnerLinda Aikman
William Newman
William NewmanDoc Williams
Tudi Wiggins
Tudi WigginsEsther Fry
Patricia Tallman
Patricia TallmanParty Guest
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Where to Watch Monkey Shines Online?

Streaming Hub

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Monkey Shines Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Monkey Shines age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

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.

⏱️ 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.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Monkey Shines. Rating: 6.3/10

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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Critic Reviews for Monkey Shines

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Monkey Shines
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/monkey-shines-29787" 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;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Monkey Shines</div></div></a>

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