The Monkey’s Paw (2013)

If you could just make a wish and it would come true, would you? In October 2013, we saw how wishes don’t always come true the way we want them to.

Directing this 90 minute horror/thriller is Brett Simmons.

Trying to escape the monkey’s grasp is: C.J. Thomason as Jake Tilton, Setephen Lang as Tony Cobb, Michelle Pierce as Olivia, Daniel Hugh Kelly as Gillespie, Charles S. Dutton as Detective Margolis, Corbin Bleu as Catfish, Tauvia Dawn as Abby and James Minor III as Corey Cobb.

Jake wishes things in his life were better then they are. His mother is sick, work sucks and the girl of his dreams… isn’t his girl anymore. Yet, he does what he has to do to get by. One night, Jake and his friend Cobb run into their ex-boss Gillespie at the local bar and they wind up talking over drinks. That’s when Cobb notices a odd looking object on the table. When asked about it Gillespie tells them it’s a monkey’s paw that grants the owner three wishes. After a little coaxing, Jake finally makes a wish, at which point Gillespie gives the paw to Jake, telling him he now owns the paw. Still not fully believing in the paw, Jake takes it and goes on with his night. Unfortunately, Jake realizes too late that the wish he made as a joke has started a twisted chain of events that will lead him down a dark and bloody road. All the while questioning, was the wish real or was it just a coincidence?

I have to say I really liked this one right off the bat. A few of the things I liked about this one was that you get a back story, some ground work to start you off on and to set the mood of the film. Then into the main storyline you go, that has a really good playthrough.

The special effects and make-up were good looking and the cast did a nice job.

Originally, The Monkey’s Paw was a short horror story that was written by W.W. Jacobs back in 1902. Over time the story has appeared many times throughout the media, be it books, movies or television.

Chiller Films can give themselves a pat on the back for distributing this one. In this version they held true to the original story, make three wishes, and watch the trouble that ensues. I have to say, as a directer, Simmons did a great job putting everything where it needed to be to make this a film worth watching.

One thing to watch out for, while this title falls into the horror section, I’d say it’s more of a thriller with horror tendencies. Meaning, people get killed and there is some gore (horror), but it’s more of the twists and how is this going to end (thriller).

 

Summary : Wait for a late night, throw this one on and remember to be careful what you wish for.

It's rated NR (not rated) but has language, violence and gore.


Rating


Average

4