Parents' Guide to

Summer of the Monkeys

By Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

A heartwarming chimp tale.

Movie G 1998 101 minutes
Summer of the Monkeys Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

DiversityTrainer
DiversityTrainer Adult
February 9, 2019
age 7+

Lots of potential But I could do without the use of guns

We gave this movie a try as it looked interesting and like it would have some good values. When we got into it there is a man in the woods that came after the main character with a gun. He shot the gun Into the Woods several times and said for the boy never to come near him again. This really scared my son.

This title has:

Too much violence
Druidswoman
Druidswoman Adult
September 24, 2013
age 13+

Summer of the Monkey Screw up

This story did not follow the novel by Wilson Rawls and is an insult to the book. It is a poorly done movie and a disappointment.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In SUMMER OF THE MONKEYS, Jay Berry Lee is dead-set on getting himself a pony until he stumbles on the hiding place of four trained chimpanzees who have fled their derailed circus train. When a reward is posted for the monkeys' safe return, Jay tries to capture them before the local bullies beat him to it. Aside from the monkeys' pronounced lack of cooperation, the biggest obstacles in Jay Berry's way are a stern mother, an ailing little sister who refuses to take him seriously, and Bayliss Hatcher, a rifle-toting old drunk who won't stand to have meddling boys on his property. Each of these obstacles winds up teaching the restless boy a thing or two about loyalty, responsibility, and courage.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (4):

This movie has its share of monkeys, but we're also forced to deal with the belligerent and unlikable main character, Jay Berry, his limping sister and rigid mother. The script fails to flesh out these characters and leaves us wondering what made them the way they are. Lending a degree of dignity to the proceedings are Michael Ontkean as Jay Berry's subdued and kindhearted father, and Wilford Brimley as Grandpa Sam, the crusty old voice of reason.

But a few good actors can't overcome the movie's biggest disappointment -- the monkeys themselves. For circus performers, they're just not very entertaining. Mostly they sit around, occasionally throwing in a tired back flip or two.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

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

Movie Details

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