The Monkey's Paw

Having read the story, I was quite disappointed in this interpretation as it really doesn’t follow the original very closely. I will say it kept my attention, but it was a bit confusing at time figuring out the relationships between everyone. It also was not particularly scary or even suspenseful.

The Monkey's Paw film, based on the classic short story by W.W. Jacobs, is a taut thriller/horror featuring strong performances, suspense and shocks. A modern-day updating of the original literary tale, the movie succeeds in getting viewers fully invested in its cast of characters while throwing these characters into extreme circumstances. Stephen Lang (Avatar) and Michelle Pierce (NCIS) are stand-outs, while C.J. Thomason (Harper's Island), Daniel Hugh Kelly (Hardcastle & McCormick) and Charles Dutton (Roc) add very strong performance. Corbin Bleu (High School Musical, Dancing with the Stars) gives a surprising performance as a tough-talking Cajun. Lang was my favorite -- his absolutely unhinged performance really jumps off the screen. Thematically, the movie warns the viewer to "be careful what you wish for" in this twist on the original classic three wishes tale. The movie was shot in New Orleans and makes great use of the setting, sights and flavors of that unique southern city. Highly recommended!