Movie Reviews: Monkey Shines
Alan Mann is left paraplegic after a horrific traffic accident. Alan grows bitter and depressed, even attempting suicide at one point. Geoffery, a scientist friend of Alan's, has been experimenting with the injection of human brain tissue into monkeys, is prompted to donate one of the test subjects to Alan as a helper. The monkey, name Ella, soon proves herself adept at providing for Alan's every need. However, things take a more sinister turn as the pair develop a telepathic bond and Ella begins acting out against those that had angered Alan.
Director George A. Romero might be best known for his zombie flicks, but he has directed many others besides. This film was also bis first and only studio film. When the film failed at the box office, he returned to making independent pictures. Don't let that put you off thought, as I thought this film was pretty good.
The human actors were pretty decent, but the monkey that played Ella stole the whole film. You don't have to worry about the monkeys being mistreated as the film goes out of its way to point out that no monkeys were harmed. I believe that the monkeys they used were real life helpers as well.
The film isn't without some unintentional hilarity. Alan has an obviously fake beard during his depressed period that I just found hilarious. Also, there is something darkly humorous about a wheelchair-bound man grabbing a monkey in his teeth and shaking it to death.
Three and a half pointy hats.
Next time: Batman- Year One
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