Is The Monkey's Paw Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Monkey's Paw is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 30 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Monkey's Paw Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, The Monkey's Paw emerges as a significant entry in the TV Movie, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of It is crazy to think that the severed paw of a monkey can change destiny. Unlike standard genre fare, The Monkey's Paw attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Monkey's Paw features a noteworthy lineup led by George Gabriel . Supported by the likes of Patricia Leslie and Alex McAvoy , 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 The Monkey's Paw (1988) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Monkey's Paw Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Monkey's Paw is a TV Movie, Horror 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.
The Monkey's Paw Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Monkey's Paw attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to tv movie resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 tv movie themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Monkey's Paw reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Monkey's Paw?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for TV Movie films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Monkey's Paw
- George Gabriel – Sergeant Major Morris
- Patricia Leslie – Mrs. White
- Alex McAvoy – Mr. White
- Derek McLean – Herbert White
- Douglas Milvain – Maw & Meggins Employee
Top Highlights
George GabrielSergeant Major Morris
Patricia LeslieMrs. White
Alex McAvoyMr. White
Derek McLeanHerbert White
Douglas MilvainMaw & Meggins Employee
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Monkey's Paw has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (TV Movie, Horror), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Monkey's Paw stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monkey's Paw movie hit or flop?
The Monkey's Paw is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is The Monkey's Paw worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Monkey's Paw may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Monkey's Paw online?
The Monkey's Paw 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.
How The Monkey's Paw Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Monkey's Paw
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.