If you’re in the mood for an offbeat, early 2000's journey through the mind of an artist - Monkeybone (2001) is a darkly comedic cult classic that combines eerie stop-motion animation, live-action, and a twisted sense of humor. With a cast led by Brendan Fraser and directed by Henry Selick (if that sounds familiar, it's because he also made such nostalgic classics as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, James and the Giant Peach, AND Wendell & Wild), the film blends slapstick cartoon comedy with existential themes, exploring what it means to balance creativity, ambition, and a weird monkey trying to take over your life.
Plot Summary: A Journey to the Underworld
Monkeybone follows cartoonist Stu Miley (Brendan Fraser), whose life takes a bizarre turn after he’s left comatose following a car accident. Stuck in Down Town—a nightmarish, underworld-like realm where dreams and nightmares intertwine—Stu meets his creation Monkeybone face-to-face, the mischievous and lewd cartoon monkey, who quickly becomes more than he can handle. When Monkeybone escapes into the real world by possessing Stu’s body, Stu must navigate a surreal landscape full of twists and turns to reclaim his life and art before it’s too late.
Nostalgic Animation and Surreal Visuals
The film’s stop-motion and 2D animation, overseen by Henry Selick, add an otherworldly early 2000s charm. The visuals are both nostalgic and unique, creating a vibrant yet disturbing depiction of Down Town that feels like a cold syrup induced fever dream. From bizarre characters to imaginative surroundings, the film’s mix of animation styles and practical makeup effects enhances the strange, whimsical horror of Stu’s journey, appealing to fans of Selick’s signature creepy look.
Balancing Comedy and Existential Horror
Monkeybone brilliantly straddles the line between humor and existential terror, often pushing the boundaries of kid-friendly content (it's kind of a surprising PG-13 rating) while exploring darker themes of identity, purpose, and mortality. The film's humor is absurdist and pitch black at times, bringing moments of uncertain laughs to Stu’s dire circumstances. This balance keeps the story weirdly accessible to younger audiences while hinting at pretty honest adult fears—being lost in one’s creations, facing one’s worst impulses, and struggling to gain control and understanding of the future.
A Cast Full of Nostalgic Cameos
Monkeybone delights in its eclectic, nostalgic cast, featuring memorable cameos from stars who bring a silly energy to its surreal world. Whoopi Goldberg appears as Death herself, exuding a mix of menace and humor that fits the film’s strange tone. Rose McGowan plays Kitty, a feline waitress in Down Town, capturing a mix of sass and heart. These cameos, along with other familiar faces (look for Bridget Fonda, Chris Kattan, Megan Mullally, Giancarlo Esposito, Dave Foley...oh yeah, and John Turturro voicing Monkeybone himself!) , adding an extra layer of fun, enhancing the nostalgic charm and offbeat vibe.
An Artist’s Struggle in Surreal Form
Monkeybone digs into the creative mind’s inner turmoil, depicting Stu’s struggle to keep control over his own imagination. The film becomes a metaphor for the artist’s plight—facing one’s own “monkey” (or inner demon), managing creativity that can feel too rebellious or overwhelming, and wrestling with an art form that sometimes seems to take on a life of its own. Stu’s journey to confront Monkeybone speaks to the difficulty of balancing creative freedom with discipline, making it a fascinating exploration of the artistic struggle.
Where to Watch
Monkeybone is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, making it easy for fans of animated horror-tinged comedies to dive into its wild, imaginative world. I personally love watching my VHS copy though, and can't recommend watching it that way enough if you have the means to. It adds that nice fuzzy nostalgic warmness to everything.
Final Thoughts
Monkeybone is an underrated gem, combining nostalgia with an insightful, if chaotic, exploration of the artistic mind. Its unique blend of animation, lowbrow comedy, and horror results in an absurdist experience that’s equal parts funny and unsettling. If you’re in the mood for a twisted comedy that doubles as a love letter to the struggles of creation, Monkeybone should be on your watchlist.