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Summer of the Monkeys

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A heartwarming chimp tale.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    There are good lessons here about altruism and giving.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mean boys gang up on a kid and club his dog with a metal trap. A big thunder storm hits and a creepy old man dies.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Summer of the Monkeys

Parents need to know that although heavy-handed and predictable at times, this tale of a country boy who discovers four runaway circus monkeys offers some tender moments and a few pleasant surprises. Adapted from the novel by Wilson Rawls. The promising story is treated with excessive earnestness, however, and only the music, which is downright goofy at times, shows any sense of humor. The movie's biggest disappointment is the monkeys themselves. For circus performers, they're just not very entertaining. Younger children might prefer something with more laughs. Older kids and preteens will get swept up by the chimp-laden drama. Teenaged rebels may find themselves identifying with the main character.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the lessons that Jay Berry learned through the course of the movie.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

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