Monkey Shines (1988)
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A George Romero film about new advances in helping the paralyzed. Alan has always been a great athlete and runner but one day his life is turned upside down, literally, after being hit by a truck. Paralyzed from the neck down, Alan must adapt to his new life. His girlfriend though can't handle that and once he is brought home, off she goes. Alan's friend Geoffrey though may have a solution to help Alan. Alan has some suicidal thoughts and even has an attempt under his belt and the nurse his mom has hired isn't exactly the best one can buy. So Geoffrey, a doctor working with monkeys, figures out a way to help his buddy Alan and himself. He gives up his prize possession: Ella, a female monkey who with every shot of stimulants by Geoffrey, becomes more human all the time. Ella is sent to Maryanne, who works monkeys for use with those who are paraplegic, and trains her to live as Alan's helper. It goes great at first and
nothing seems to come between them. But soon, the treatments for Ella begin to have an effect on Alan and Geoffrey must show his boss, Dean Burbage, some results soon. But with each time Alan gets angry, so does Ella. In fact, it seems as if the emotions coincide with each other. But when Alan finds out his ex-girlfriend is sleeping with his own doctor, he thinks homicidal thoughts and Ella then goes out and performs them. Just hope that no one wishes ill to Alan, since Ella won't let any harm come to him. Ever!
Overall: An enjoyable flick that is definitely of the "Lawnmower Man" genre. The supporting cast though seems to be more popular now than the leading actor. I mean look at this list of TV series the cast has been in: (Alan) Jason Beghe in "Melrose Place," (Geoffrey) John Pankow in "Mad About You," (Burbage) Stephen Root in "News Radio," (Linda) Janine Turner in "Northern Exposure," and (Dr. Wiseman) Stanley Tucci in "Murder One." The plot is interesting but the film can be slow at times. And really, how can a paraplegic defeat a monkey? Enjoy this though for it is a scary flick. Comparison: Gorillas in the Mist meets The Lawnmower Man |
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