Monkey Shines (1988): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Monkey Shines is a 1988 sci-fi thriller directed by George A. Romero, starring Jason Beghe and John Pankow. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes and earned $5.3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 53m (113 min)
- Director
- George A. Romero
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Orion Pictures
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Monkey Shines About?
The premise of Monkey Shines without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Following a car accident that leaves Allan paralyzed, his friend Geoffrey introduces him to Ella, a highly intelligent monkey trained to assist people with disabilities. Allan finds comfort and connection with Ella, and even develops a romantic relationship with Melanie. However, as Allan struggles with his new reality and repressed anger, Ella’s behavior becomes increasingly unpredictable and violent, leading to dangerous consequences for everyone around them and blurring the boundaries of their unusual bond.
Monkey Shines Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- paralyzed man
- quadriplegic man
- bare chested male
- quadriplegic
- nudity
- telephone call
- man wrapped in a towel
- experiment
- science
- mad scientist
- medical diagnosis
- friend
+38 more Show fewer
- vaginal sex
- detached house
- jogging
- park
- bicycle
- train
- train track
- accident
- hit by a car
- dog
- surgeon
- latex glove
- operation
- surgery
- hospital
- hospitalization
- indoor plant
- doctor
- celebration
- surprise
- nurse
- female nurse
- surprise party
- toast
- toasting
- ice cube
- name tag
- toy
- van
- handicapped
- motorized wheelchair
- feeding tube
- reward
- treat
- acoustic guitar
- sweeping
- recliner
- pasta
Where to Watch Monkey Shines
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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Monkey Shines Cast
Jason Beghe leads the cast, with John Pankow. Directed by George A. Romero.
-
Director George A. Romero
Monkey Shines Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Monkey Shines 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 53% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 41%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 71 Metascore
User score 7.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB
Monkey Shines Plot Summary
What happens in Monkey Shines from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In a shocking twist of fate, law student and athlete Allan Mann finds his life irrevocably altered when a truck accident leaves him quadriplegic, thrusting him into a world where he must adjust to life in an SNP-equipped wheelchair. Struggling to adapt to his new existence, Allan faces challenges not only from his well-meaning but overbearing mother but also from an indifferent nurse. The situation takes a turn for the better when his friend Geoffrey Fisher proposes an unconventional yet uplifting solution: introducing a Capuchin monkey as a service animal to assist Allan and brighten his spirits. Unbeknownst to Allan, Geoffrey has been experimenting with the monkey, administering a serum to enhance its intelligence.
Full summary
The whole story of Monkey Shines, scene by scene
Monkey Shines Box Office
Monkey Shines grossed $5.3 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$5.3M
- US & Canada
- $5.3M
Monkey Shines Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 1 featurette.
- Clip Ella Gets Revenge (1/1) Monkey Shines (1988) HD
- Featurette Cast and Crew Talk About the Monkey's Antics On Set (1988) Monkey Shines
How Well Do You Know Monkey Shines?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What tragic event leaves Allan Mann quadriplegic?
Cars in Monkey Shines
13 cars on screen, including the 1981 Datsun 210 Coupé and the 1974 Dodge Tradesman.
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1981 Datsun 210 Coupé Important role -
1974 Dodge Tradesman Important role -
1973 Chevrolet C-Series Minor role -
1975 Ford Econoline Minor role
Monkey Shines Also Known As
23 alternative titles, including “Monkey Shines: An Experiment in Fear” and “Ella”.
- Also known as
-
- Monkey Shines: An Experiment in Fear
- Ella
- Monerías diabólicas
- Opičí experiment
- 공포의 살인 원숭이
- 공포의 살인원숭이
- Der Affe im Menschen
- Monkey Shines - Esperimento nel terrore
- Atracción diabólica
- Incidents de parcours
- Comando Assassino
- Majomszeretet: Egy félelmetes kutatás
+11 more Show fewer
- Vražedná opice
- Мавпячий вишкір
- 어둠의 사투
- Eksperiment i terror
- Instinto Fatal
- Małpia intryga
- Маймунска привързаност
- 异魔
- Atracción diabólica (Monkey Shines)
- Обезьяна-убийца
- Ett experiment i skräck
Seen Monkey Shines?
Movies Like Monkey Shines
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including B. Monkey, The Monkey's Mask and Demon Monkey.
Monkey Shines FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Monkey Shines, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Monkey Shines?
Monkey Shines runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).
When was Monkey Shines released?
Monkey Shines was released on July 29, 1988.
Who directed Monkey Shines?
Monkey Shines was directed by George A. Romero.
More films by George A. Romero Who is in the cast of Monkey Shines?
Monkey Shines stars Jason Beghe and John Pankow.
Where can I watch Monkey Shines?
In the US, Monkey Shines is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home Free and fuboTV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Monkey Shines make at the box office?
Monkey Shines grossed $5.3 million worldwide.
How is Monkey Shines rated?
Monkey Shines has 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.
Does Monkey Shines have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Monkey Shines has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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