Allen (Jason Beghe) is involved in a car accident that leaves him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. When he finally returns home from the hospital, his life quickly begins to unravel. His girlfriend (Janine Turner) leaves him for the doctor (Stanley Tucci) who operated on him after the accident. His mother hires a dreadful nurse to look after him, so things are not going well for Allen. That is, until his friend Geoffrey brings him a gift—a monkey named Ella, trained to assist him in exchange for little treats. What Allen doesn’t know is that Ella has been infected with something meant to enhance her intelligence. Over time, the two form a strong bond—perhaps a little too strong.
We’ve seen horror films featuring sharks, spiders, alligators, birds, cats, and dogs. This time, it’s a sweet little monkey that takes the role of the monster.
This late-80s horror flick is brought to us by zombie guru George A. Romero. With Monkey Shines, Romero took a more typical Hollywood route than with his earlier cult classics. It’s well-acted, well-shot, and competently directed, playing things safe and steady. Yet something vital seems to be missing. It lacks impact, takes no real risks, and ends up being a bit dull and predictable. The story itself is rather weak, and its believability is questionable. As a viewer, it’s easy to drift off because the film never fully grabs hold of you.
That said, there are some positives here. But with a name like George A. Romero attached, expectations run high—and the film doesn’t quite live up to them. This is light entertainment that might work for viewers who aren’t expecting too much. If you’re one of those people, then this one might be worth a watch.
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