Spanking the Monkey

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Spanking the Monkey

1994,

1h 46m,

Comedy

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Watchlist

92%

24 Reviews

Tomatometer

55%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

55%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Bright young student Raymond Aibelli (Jeremy Davies) is forced to sidetrack an important medical internship because his mother, Susan (Alberta Watson), is recovering from a broken leg. When he isn't tasked with the most mundane aspects of Susan's recuperation, Raymond finds distraction in a neighborhood girl, Toni Peck (Carla Gallo). But, as Susan begins relying on her son for both physical and emotional needs, Raymond starts developing disturbing and unwanted new yearnings.

Critics Consensus

David O. Russell's feature debut scores with an endearing cast and offbeat humor, finding compelling sweetness in perverse places.

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Joshua Katzman

Chicago Reader

Jun 6, 2022

2/4

What it achieves most plangently is a realistic, empathetic portrayal of a young man’s attempts at self-assertion, with all the pain, embarrassment, and missteps that go with it. The performances and mise-en-scene have a naturalistic quality.

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Anderson Jones

Detroit Free Press

Apr 26, 2022

3/4

The film's somber subject matter is brightened by the crafty direction razor-sharp editing, snarky camera angles, close-up detail shots. And Raymond's charming innocence, nicely underplayed by novice actor Davies, will prompt more compassion than malice.

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Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

Mar 22, 2022

This is not a feel-good movie. It is a unique effort to do something unusual with suburban pathos.

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Quentin Curtis

Independent on Sunday

Dec 14, 2017

Writer-director David O Russell's well-observed film captures the sullen defensiveness of adolescence, and finds humour and sensuality in strange places.

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Apr 9, 2007

A

A bitingly funny tale of frustrated sexuality.

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Anakin L

Aug 7, 2018

Wow. I almost can't believe most professional critics believe this movie is worth seeing. This movie is almost impossible to believe. I watched it multiple times back in the mid-1990s and the shocking idea that a teenage boy and his mom would engage in some form of sexual relationship sends chills down my spine (and not the good chills). Truly depraved.

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Anakin W

Apr 16, 2018

Story about a boy who does something disturbing. Not a movie for everyone but I enjoyed it a lot.

Finn M

Mar 17, 2017

The lady was so hot. It's a realistic attempt at the subject. Definitely worth a watch.

Abraham S

Feb 14, 2010

The praise from critics is shocking. This movie is complete trash and crosses boundaries with no purpose. (First and only viewing - In my early twenties)

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David O. Russell

Director

Jeremy Davies

Ray Aibelli

Alberta Watson

Susan Aibelli

Benjamin Hendrickson

Tom Aibelli

Carla Gallo

Toni Peck

Matthew Puckett

Nicky

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Synopsis

Bright young student Raymond Aibelli (Jeremy Davies) is forced to sidetrack an important medical internship because his mother, Susan (Alberta Watson), is recovering from a broken leg. When he isn't tasked with the most mundane aspects of Susan's recuperation, Raymond finds distraction in a neighborhood girl, Toni Peck (Carla Gallo). But, as Susan begins relying on her son for both physical and emotional needs, Raymond starts developing disturbing and unwanted new yearnings.

Director: David O. Russell
Producer: Dean Silvers
Screenwriter: David O. Russell
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, New Line Home Video [us], Fine Line Features
Production Co: Buckeye Films
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 15, 1994, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Dec 6, 2005
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.4M
Runtime: 1h 46m

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