Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees

This was technically the first "episode" I ever saw. I was almost seventeen when this aired, and had just discovered these zany, loveable boys. So I didn't know what to expect. Now that I've seen the series, itself, I know better. It doesn't compare, but it's still entertaining.

Here's what you get: The Monkees gently poke fun at themselves, and at the series that made them international celebrities. It's cute, but I prefer the actual series. If you don't know what these guys are about, then this is not too bad of an introduction; just bear in mind that it REALLY IS a spoof of the original Sixties sitcom. It does share some things in common with the actual show, though: It's fun, it's quirky, and it naturally has fantastic music.

I enjoyed this very much. I thought that the guys were as funny now as they were in the television seris over 30 years ago. I always enjoyed the monkees and hope that in the coming years we hear more from them and I hope to see more shows like this one one the t.v screen.

"Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees" was broadcast Feb 17 1997, not on NBC like the original series, but ABC, the only time all four reunited since the 60s for a TV appearance. Written and directed by Michael Nesmith himself, an expanded episode showing The Monkees still together after 30 years, still in the same beachfront pad, still chronically unemployed, with several hundred episodes behind them. Each time a plot threatens to rear its ugly head, they remember the last time they did it, the low budget allowing occasional special effects, plus stock footage of a lizard sunning itself; it's basically an undemanding nostalgia trip, plenty of reminiscing, the four obviously still enjoying each others' company. The meager budget certainly didn't extend to the cast, with cameos from Chuck Woolery, Bill Martin (Monkees songwriter- "All of Your Toys," "The Door into Summer"), John Brockman ("Head"), and Davy's 25 year old daughter Sarah Lee Jones. Musically, we hear three songs from their Oct 15 1996 release JUSTUS, produced by Nesmith, featuring the four both writing and performing every track. First up is "You and I," a collaboration between Davy and Micky, first recorded in 1976 by Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, then Nesmith's "Circle Sky," a new version of an actual band recording from the movie "Head" (with updated lyrics), and finally "Regional Girl," a recent Dolenz composition. The climactic concert finds the group doing a medley of five 60s hits: "Last Train to Clarksville," "Daydream Believer," "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," "I'm a Believer," and ending appropriately with "Pleasant Valley Sunday," the band's consensus pick as their favorite single. No, it can't compare with any 60s TV episode, but it never loses its heart, surviving as our final glimpse of The Monkees as their television counterparts.

I can't believe I missed this movie. How? Why? Where was I? Only the greatest things can withstand the time and this surely did. They created a movie in the late 90's using 60's humor and it works even now in the 2020's. Damn, thats great stuff. I know they had their differences at times, but they put everything aside to give the fans one last romp in, in, Monkee heaven. Their series ended too soon and we are blessed with this wonderful, whacky, funny, corny, did I say funny, great show.

I wonder how many new fans they created in this show with the kids back then that never got to enjoy their antics for more than one show and reruns.

The Monkees are GREAT! Forever!

This is one of the best movies ever! It was just as good as Head and I'm sure it was as good as 33 1/3 too but I haven't seen that. I was laughing the whole time - especially at Peter's funny sayings for throw up and dumb and Mike saying "Life is like a box of chocolates." Mike did a great job writing it and I wish they'd make another movie JUST LIKE IT soon.