Monkey Shines (1988)


To me, George A. Romero is the godfather of the zombie genre. In some alternate universe, George Romero made the first Resident Evil movie and it was a lot better then the 2002 movie. I still cast shade at Capcom for rejecting his script. I've always enjoyed Romero's zombie movies as far back as I can remember.  But I've also enjoyed his other non-zombie films like Creepshow, & The Dark Half. The main difference between his zombie films and the films I just mentioned above is that his zombie films were made indie style. Creepshow, The Dark Half, & Monkey Shines are studio films and I know Romero has gone on record saying that making Monkey Shines for Orion resulted in him sticking with indie films rather then the studios. Creepshow had no studio interference as far as I know. The Dark Half had none as well despite Orion's money issues & Timothy Hutton being difficult to work with. Despite the studio problems with Monkey Shines, it's a decently made film. It's not bad, but it's not great either. I wouldn't call Monkey Shines a horror movie. I'd consider it more of a thriller with a speckle of horror. The script isn't bad. Romero's always been strong with his writing, never a dull moment. As I've said about horror films, the acting is always decent. When watching a horror movie, who watches for the acting? The pacing is okay. A little slow in some spots but it doesn't deter from what it's trying to do. All in all, a decent film from the zombie master himself.

I'm Jeff Roman.

2 1/2/5
 

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