Episode 71: George A. Romero’s Monkey Shines (1988)
Rotten Tomato Score: 53%
Picture this: a quadriplegic man, a helper monkey, and a wild ride of unintended comedy and horror. How does a movie intended to terrify end up being a source of laughs? That's the burning question we're tackling this week on Screams & Streams as Sam, Mike, and Chad reminisce about George A. Romero's 1988 film "Monkey Shines." From bizarre tropes like "perfect life destroyed" to the questionable science and unforgettable lines such as the infamous "clinical c**t" insult, we dive into how this film has morphed from childhood fright to comedic treasure. And we've got just the thing to sip on while watching—a tropical-themed cocktail that'll make even the most intense scenes a bit more palatable.
Join us as we journey through the film's rough edges, dissecting plot holes and gratuitous scenes that make "Monkey Shines" a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. Whether it's the laughable depiction of a car accident or the melodramatic interactions among characters, this movie offers endless fodder for humor. And let's not forget the unsettling dynamics between characters, with a particularly overbearing mother and a nurse who seems to have missed her empathy training. As we pick apart these jaw-dropping moments, we can't help but chuckle at how these peculiarities contribute to its lasting allure.
Of course, no exploration of "Monkey Shines" would be complete without some juicy behind-the-scenes gossip. From Orion Studios' influence on the film's ending to the curious choice of a male monkey in a lead role, the production challenges are as captivating as the movie itself. We'll also dive into some trivia, like the strategic edits that shaped the narrative. Despite its mediocre box office against Tom Cruise's "Cocktail," this film remains etched in our memories, not for its scares, but for its endearing oddities and humor. Grab your popcorn and cocktail, and join us for a nostalgic yet hysterical ride through this unforgettable 80s flick.
Sinister Sips
Monkey Shine
From: Steve the Bartender
Recipe:
2 oz Gold Rum
1 oz Coconut Rum
1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
Rim your glass with cinnamon sugar
Combine the 3 ingredients into a shaker
Shake with ice
Strain into the chilled coupe glass
Plot Summary:
A quadriplegic man has a trained monkey help him with his paralysis, until the little monkey begins to develop feelings, and rage, against its new master. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam gave the film a 4. Mike placed it at 5. Chad liked it a bit more and gave it a 6. We placed the film at 5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Film Production (Wikipedia)
Monkey Shines: George Romero’s Underseen Masterpiece (YouTube)