Watch Monkeybone

Monkeybone is a fantasy comedy film from 2001 directed by Henry Selick and starring Brendan Fraser, Bridget Fonda, and John Turturro. The story follows a cartoonist named Stu Miley, voiced by Brendan Fraser, who is about to achieve his lifelong dream of having his own television series, based on his comic book character, Monkeybone. However, on the eve of his success, Stu gets into a car accident and falls into a coma, leaving him trapped in a surreal dreamscape.

In this bizarre world, Stu discovers that the creatures he created in his comic books have taken on a life of their own and are now living in the nightmares of those who suffer from sleep disorders. As he tries to navigate this strange new realm, Stu must confront his own anxieties and fears, embodied by his alter ego and arch-rival, Monkeybone.

With the help of a skilled therapist, voiced by Bridget Fonda, and a group of eccentric characters, including a cat-girl and a giantesses, Stu must find a way to awaken from his coma and return to the real world. This journey takes him through a series of wild and imaginative adventures, as he battles his way through haunted houses, carnival freak shows, and bizarre dreamscapes.

Throughout the film, Monkeybone serves as a metaphor for Stu's dark side, representing his fears and anxieties over failure and the pressures of success. As Stu struggles to overcome his inner demons and regain control of his own life, Monkeybone becomes a formidable enemy, leading him on a dangerous journey through the world of dreams.

The film's visual effects are a highlight, with Selick's signature stop-motion animation lending a unique and surreal quality to the dream sequences. The creatures created by Stu in his comic book are brought to life in a way that is both unsettling and enchanting, giving the film a distinctive look and feel that sets it apart from other Hollywood comedies.

Brendan Fraser delivers a charming and charismatic performance as Stu, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and humor that makes him easy to root for. Despite the film's darker themes, Fraser's performance manages to keep the mood light and playful, adding a much-needed sense of levity to the story.

Bridget Fonda also shines as Dr. Julie McElroy, Stu's therapist and love interest. Her understated, yet confident performance serves as a grounding force in the film, helping to balance out the more fantastical elements of the story.

John Turturro's performance as the voice of Monkeybone is a standout, imbuing the character with a sinister charm that makes him both repulsive and compelling. His interactions with Fraser are some of the film's best, showcasing a sharp wit and a physicality that make their scenes together a joy to watch.

At its core, Monkeybone is a film about the power of creativity and the importance of facing one's fears. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy surrealist comedy and imaginative storytelling are sure to find something to enjoy in this offbeat gem.

Monkeybone is a 2001 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8 and a MetaScore of 40.