Search - Funky Monkey on DVD

A very funny, family-friendly film

Daniel Jolley | Shelby, North Carolina USA | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"They just don't make very many good family-friendly films these days; they're too busy taking classics and making modern-day mockeries out of them. Funky Monkey, though, is a very funny, perfectly family-friendly film that just about everybody can enjoy (I guess it's the fight scenes that earned it a PG instead of a G rating). Normally, I shy away from movies built around chimpanzees - give me a chimpanzee that knows martial arts, though, and I am there. Clemens is no ordinary chimpanzee - he's been specially trained by former CIA agent Jack McCall (Matthew Modine) to be some kind of simian super agent. When the training is finished, though, McCall's boss sends him packing and makes plan to transfer Clemens to some kind of biological research place (where study means death, of course). The ultimate plan is to make an army of chimps just like Clemens. McCall's not about to let that happen, so he rescues the chimp and rides off into the night with him.

The pair turns up in San Diego, where they meet Michael Dean (Seth Adkins) - after a certain little action-packed episode at the zoo. Thanks to Michael and his mother Megan (Roma Downey), McCall and Clemens have a place to hide out for awhile. The bad guys, including two complete idiots, eventually track them down, of course - but before that happens, McCall has time to make buddies with the kid and even give him a little guidance concerning the ladies (which apparently includes changing his height at will, as he's about a foot shorter than Christina (Kaleigh Krish) at one point, a few inches taller at another). Tommy Davidson and Gilbert Gottfried make short but memorable appearances, and I believe a good time was had by all.

McCall does the lion's share of the fighting here, but Clemens acquits himself well in various physical situations. He's not exactly Jackie Chan, of course, but he's still fun to watch. I was figuring on giving this film four stars until I got to the last twenty minutes or so - those later scenes are so funny, I just had to give Funky Monkey five stars overall. Sure, the whole film is completely unbelievable, but who cares? It's a funny movie that children will almost certainly enjoy, and I believe most adults will find a lot of entertainment value in it as well. Best of all, it's a film parents can let their children watch without any hesitation."

Funky Monkey is Funny Monkey

Christmas Movie Buff | 12/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This show is very cute. The monkey and other scenes are just absolutely funny. There are a few "get real" plots but that goes for most movies now days. If you have kids at home be prepared to watch this movie over and over again. The husband likes it too, but I think he is ready to hide it for awhile. Buy it you won't regret it. It's a fun movie."

Funky Monkey or Funky Fun!

J. Lance | 06/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am 7 years old. I loved this movie because it was so funny! It has so much action! My Grandma let me write this review for her."

Master film-making, questionable acting.

Shane Falco | USA | 09/28/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Harry Basil has created a new level when it comes to the art of the movie. The plot is near genius and the twist is incredible. The screenplay alone kept me on the edge of my seat. The dialog was breathtaking and the camera shots flowed in perfect harmony throughout the entire film. So why the 3 star rating you ask, one word, acting. Poor poor acting throughout the movie really held it back from being considered the true classic that it could have been. If only they had cast some more experienced human actors the film could have been box office gold, instead it was a stright to DVD flick. The monkey, Ramesey the chimp, did a decent job but he just didnt have the raw talent and experience to pick up the slack of the other actors. If you can get past the acting Funky Monkeys screenplay has some valuable lessons and paints a good picture of Americas economy today. The film is a microcasim and metaphor for Americas corporations exploiting the American public for a quick buck. The public of course being represented by the chimp and the corporations as the evil scientist. Many people did not see the underlying themes of Funky Monkey, but I have after multiple viewings. The movie is saturated with groundbreaking director Harry Basils views on commerce, free speech, sexual orientation, Monarchy in 17th century France, and the new NHL rule changes. Overall Funky Monkey teaches us that bad acting can ruin great film."