Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Monkey’s Paw’

Written by Scott Edwards 

​There are many people that believe that there are things in this world that cannot be explained by normal science. As the Bermuda Triangle and the Loch Ness Monster always come to the top of people's lists, there are several smaller relics that people hang onto for sentimental value, yet do not know why. There are families that have handed things down over the generations, it may be a good luck charm, or it could be something that the family is trying to hide from the rest of the world. No matter what it is, there is something about the relic that has you hold onto it until you are able to find its next recipient.   

Jake Tilton has just been promoted to shift supervisor at his factory but has been falling behind on his new responsibilities. As his customers have been getting short shipped since the promotion, his boss asks him if the newly added stress is getting to him. Although Jake believes that he is just picking up the extra workload from his superior, he says no, but his latest shipment is short once again and even though he is to blame, his boss gets fired for the mistake.

Trying to hem things over with his former boss, Jake and his friend Cobb buy their old manager a drink, but the old man has something else in mind. Giving Jake an old trinket from his youth, the old man walks away without a worry in the world, but Jake has been given something special. An old monkey's paw that has the power to grant three wishes was given to the young man. With his first wish, Jake asks for the new car that is parked outside the bar, and when he and Cobb leave, they found the keys are in the ignition, waiting for someone to take it home. 

Not believing that this is happening, Jake takes the car, but when swerving to miss a crocodile in the middle of the road, Jake is forced to make his second wish to save his best friend’s life. As Cobb lies lifeless on the side of the street, he is brought back to the ranks of the living but has become more bitter than the man he once was. Wanting what really makes him happy, Cobb turns his attention to helping out Jake with his personal problems, so the last wish the young man has can be used for his needs.

As this movie takes place in the great state of Louisiana, it is easy to say that paw that is being handed off is a piece of voodoo from the area. I think I am all right with that as there are many stories that have come from that great state and plenty of history to back it. One of the things that has made this movie stand out to me, besides it being a creepy wishing movie, is the selflessness the characters are willing to show to each other. Trying to find a way to help each other, along with making one another happy is one of the things that did not get lost in the story. With plenty of killing, a fair amount of splatter, and a redemption point, there is no reason to forget that there is still a party going on, as it never ends in New Orleans. Stay Scared.

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