This adaptation of a Stephen King short story is written and directed by Osgood Perkins who gave us the big hit Longlegs last year. This is another horror movie and it features a malevolent vintage toy monkey. After stumbling on it in their attic, twin brothers Hal and Bill witness a string of horrifying deaths that appear to be triggered by winding up the toy. In an attempt to leave the horror behind, the brothers discard the monkey and go their separate ways. However, when the inexplicable deaths resume 25 years later, the pair need to re-unite to defeat the creature once and for all.
This is much more light-hearted than the sinister Longlegs. Whilst the monkey wreaks bloody carnage, Perkins’ tongue is firmly in his cheek. Most of the deaths are creative, and some are so elaborate they reminded me of the Mousetrap game. Theo James plays both the twins in their grown up guises and does a good job. Tatiana Maslany makes the greatest impression though as the boys’ Mum, Lois, and Perkins himself appears amusingly as the doomed Uncle who takes Hal and Bill in once Lois is dispatched by the toy.
Not a classic but there are enough chuckles and certainly enough gore to keep most audiences happy.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10