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Spanking the Monkey Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    66

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 40

    out of 100

    Variety Todd McCarthy

    The story is undoubtedly weird, but perhaps more so on paper than on the screen, since Russell and his actors have played it mostly straight in attempting to confer psychological validity on all the untoward developments.

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  • 50

    out of 100

    USA Today Mike Clark

    Even so, the film's incest theme seems more symbolic than literal in what is, at heart, a comedy about escaping the womb; throwaway gags are wicked enough throughout to keep the taboo plot twist from knocking this hit-and-miss black comedy off the track. [26 Jul 1994 Pg. 08.D]

  • 70

    out of 100

    Time Richard Corliss

    The movie is finally predictable, but it has connected with a generation that believes it has been saddled with the thankless job of raising its own parents.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Peter Rainer

    Russell is unusual among first-time directors in his ability to mold and shape performance. [28 Jul 1994 Pg. F2]

  • 75

    out of 100

    ReelViews James Berardinelli

    This is not a "nice" movie -- it deals with some pretty intense issues (like incest and suicide) -- but it is both bold and inventive, and works because of an unforced approach.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times

    It is also the sort of astonishingly fresh and self-assured work that can make a reputation.

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  • 83

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Davies registers believable frustration and deadpan teenage disengagement in equal measure.

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  • See all Spanking the Monkey reviews at Metacritic.com

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