Psycho Ape! DVD Review (JabProducts / Munrovia Pictures)

Psycho Ape! is a 2020 horror comedy co-written, produced, edited, and directed by Addison Binek (Psycho Ape: Part II – The Wrath of Kong, Magnum Opus: The Movie, and Tromasterpiece Theatre). It was co-written by Steve Albers (Tromasterpiece Theatre). It was co-written, edited, produced, and shot by Greg DeLiso (Psycho Ape: Part II – The Wrath of Kong, Fake Henrik Zetterberg, and Hectic Knife). The sequel Psycho Ape: Part II – The Wrath of Kong was made in 2024. A psychotic gorilla (played by: co-writer Steve Albers) manages to escape from the Detroit Zoo. He viciously murders and absolutely destroys anything in sight. He meets the quirky Nancy Banana (played by: Kansas Bowling from Psycho Ape: Part II – The Wrath of Kong, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Murdercise, Onlyfangs, Christmas Bloody Christmas, B.C. Butcher, Beyond the Law, and The Barn Part III) during all this madness and they have a instant connection. They are hunted by obsessed biologist Dr. ZOOmis (played by: Bill Weeden from Psycho Ape: Part II – The Wrath of Kong, Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV, Upright Citizens Brigade, Hollywood Werewolf, Wedding Daze, and Carlito’s Way). This ape leaves banana peels and corpses everywhere during his brutal killing spree!!!! If John Landis and the Zucker brothers made a very low budget slasher back in the day it would probably resemble something like Psycho Ape. Psycho Ape takes the horror comedy sub-genre to a whole new level with this ambitious smaller project from director Addison Binek. The script is packed with so many pop culture references, corny jokes, weird scenarios, and hilarious violence. Who would have ever thought a banana could be this dangerous? Psycho Ape is a no budget killer ape feature that’s not ashamed of being a running joke and it basically feels like a dark live action cartoon with some violent moments added in. It spoofs some classic scenes in horror like A Nightmare on Elm Street and there’s some creative easter eggs all over the place. Movie fans will appreciate it’s respect and humor for all it’s influences when it comes to cinema. The bad special fx for Psycho Ape just elevate the dark comedy in this. It has a steady body count during the chaos. It has some gruesome stuff but the slapstick always kicks in to remind you of it’s silly atmosphere. Kansas Bowling as Nancy Banana steals the show for Psycho Ape and she’s the highlight in it. She goes for beyond over the top as the love interest and wacky sidekick but her presence makes this independent slasher so much better. Bill Weeden as Dr. ZOOmis is great as the man that needs catch this murderous gorilla that he feels responsible for. Steve Albers is hilarious as the Psycho Ape. The supporting cast includes Dylan Mars Greenberg (Shakespeare’s Sh*tstorm), Amanda Flowers (Amityville Turkey Day), Noah Chapp (Amber Waves), Cody Clarke (Invisible Shark), Jason Dietz (FBI: Most Wanted), Adrian Esposito (Clowns in the Woods), Dolores McDougal (Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power), Anthony Rogers (Amityville Karen), Ashley Marie Short (The Big F), and Grover McCants (Fatal Attraction). Psycho Ape has a little bit of everything including some sleaze. It doesn’t take itself serious and it goes by pretty quick so it’s an easy watch. It’s a goofy over the top blast and it’s very entertaining. All the references and nods alone make you want to revisit it again to see what you missed the first time. I’m really curious about the sequel after experiencing the original. As far as the DVD from JabProducts and Munrovia Pictures, there’s no extras on the disc. It does comes with a photo of the cast and crew. It’s a professionally made M.O.D DVD-R. It’s available directly from Addison Binek right now, CHECK IT OUT!!!!