You are here:

Monkey in the Middle

Name: Monkey in the Middle
Director: Justin G. Dyck
Released: 2014
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

2014

Not Rated

Director

Justin G. Dyck

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Monkey in the Middle operates within the established conventions of the family comedy genre. The narrative centers on adolescent discovery and moral binaries like good versus greed. While the film includes diverse character naming through Malick, it lacks multi-layered depth and adheres to traditional storytelling structures. The social dynamics and character roles follow standard Western demographic norms. Ultimately, the film does not aim to disrupt social or cultural hierarchies, functioning as a safe, conventional piece of family media.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Monkey in the Middle have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a traditional coming-of-age storyline focused on Chris's interest in his neighbor, Mara, without addressing non-cisgender identities.

How does Monkey in the Middle portray gender?

Fair

Chris drives the plot as the main character within a typical protagonist model. Mara acts as a key companion and social catalyst, following traditional gender roles and dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Monkey in the Middle?

Fair

The inclusion of a character named Malick suggests some racial diversity. However, the broader community's makeup remains unspecified beyond this single identifier.

How does Monkey in the Middle represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story adheres to a traditional moral framework centered on friendship and animal protection, emphasizing childhood innocence without complex systemic critiques.

Does Monkey in the Middle include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of visible or invisible disabilities among the main cast or supporting characters.

Present on Screen

Includes diverse character naming through the character Malick.
Features a female character, Mara, as a primary companion and catalyst for the protagonist's growth.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender arcs.
Follows traditional gender hierarchies and straight-centered romantic interests.
Does not provide evidence of deep multi-layered or systemic cultural critiques.

Official Synopsis

Chris has just moved to the East Coast, and already his workaholic father is encouraging him to make new friends. Luckily football (soccer) practice is starting up, and Chris meets a few kids on the team-including his cute neighbor Mara. When Mara invites Chris to help liberate some mistreated animals from the local fair, Chris accepts. They head to the fair that night, but get busted by ringleader Malick, who chases them off the grounds. It isn't until the next morning that Chris realizes Momo, a lovable little monkey, stowed away in his backpack. Not wanting to send Momo back to Malick's greedy clutches, Chris must find a way to keep him out of sight. But handling a monkey does have its perks: Mara is spending a lot of time with Chris, and Momo is even lending Chris a paw on the football field. Chris' summer is bound to have a lot of monkey business, but is it enough to drive him bananas?

How are these scores produced? →