Monkey Business
Monkey Business

Movie spotlight

Monkey Business

1982
Movie
86 min
Cantonese

Hong Kong comedy film.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes40%
Google Users50%
Director: Norman JewisonGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

Four bumbling clowns attempting to pull off a heist discover they've accidentally smuggled diamonds within their props. As they try to keep the gems away from the mob, they get caught up in a series of increasingly chaotic and dangerous situations. Their clumsy attempts at subterfuge lead to more trouble than their initial crime.

Critical Reception

Monkey Business received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often found the slapstick humor broad and the plot convoluted. While some praised the comedic performances, particularly John Candy, many felt the film lacked genuine wit and relied too heavily on predictable gags. Audiences were similarly divided, with its appeal largely resting on a fondness for its star-studded cast.

What Reviewers Say

  • Relies heavily on its ensemble cast's comedic timing, with John Candy often cited as a standout.

  • Criticized for a predictable and often nonsensical plot that underutilizes its comedic talent.

  • The humor is generally considered to be slapstick-heavy and occasionally juvenile.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a general disappointment with the film's storyline and a lack of consistent humor, although many found it watchable for the performances of its comedic stars. Some viewers enjoyed the lighthearted, albeit silly, premise.

Fun Fact

John Candy was reportedly added to the cast to help boost the film's comedic appeal, given his growing popularity in the early 1980s.

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