Monkey Man
Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
- Released:
- Runtime: 113 minutes
- Genre: Drama, Thrillers
- Stars: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Sikandar Kher, Brahim Achabbakhe, Pitobash, Adithi Kalkunte, Jino A. Samuel, Anup J. Patel, Jeremy Tauziac, Andres Levi, Pehan Abdul, Dayangku Zyana, Alona Vykydanets, Fahad Scale, Ashwini Kalsekar, Makrand Deshpande, Zakir Hussain, Jatin Malik
- Director: Dev Patel
Comments
- abphadore - 30 June 2024
A Thrilling Action Spectacle
Monkey Man, directed by and starring Dev Patel, is an action-packed thriller that showcases the actor's impressive range both in front of and behind the camera. This 2024 release combines high-octane action sequences with a gripping narrative, making it a standout film in the genre.
Plot Summary The film centers around a former inmate (Dev Patel) who returns to a society ravaged by corporate greed and rampant corruption. As he seeks redemption and a chance to reclaim his life, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of conspiracies and criminal activities. The titular "Monkey Man" must navigate this treacherous landscape, using his wit, martial arts skills, and a deep sense of justice to survive and protect those he cares about.
Writing and Execution Monkey Man benefits from a tightly woven script that balances intense action with moments of introspection and character development. The screenplay, co-written by Dev Patel, is sharp and engaging, with well-crafted dialogues that add depth to the characters. The narrative structure is compelling, with a mix of flashbacks and present-day sequences that gradually reveal the protagonist's backstory and motivations.
Patel's direction is confident and dynamic, demonstrating a clear vision for the film. The pacing is brisk, with the action sequences seamlessly integrated into the storyline. The film's visual style is striking, featuring vibrant cinematography and creative camera work that enhance the intensity of the action scenes.
Acting Dev Patel delivers a commanding performance as the Monkey Man. His portrayal is nuanced and powerful, capturing the character's inner turmoil and determination. Patel's physicality is impressive, and he convincingly handles the demanding action choreography. This role marks a significant departure from his previous work, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Sharlto Copley, playing the antagonist, brings his signature intensity to the role. His character is menacing and unpredictable, providing a formidable foil to Patel's protagonist. Sobhita Dhulipala and Sikandar Kher also deliver strong performances, adding depth to the supporting cast. Dhulipala's character, in particular, serves as an emotional anchor for the story, grounding the high-stakes action in personal stakes.
Action and Choreography The action sequences in Monkey Man are a highlight of the film. They are expertly choreographed and executed, with a focus on realism and fluidity. The fight scenes are visceral and impactful, drawing inspiration from various martial arts styles. The film's commitment to practical effects and stunts enhances the authenticity of the action, making for an exhilarating viewing experience.
Conclusion Monkey Man is a thrilling addition to the action genre, driven by Dev Patel's stellar performance and assured direction. The film's combination of a compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and spectacular action sequences makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Patel's foray into directing proves to be a successful one, establishing him as a multifaceted talent in the industry.
For those seeking an action film with heart and substance, Monkey Man delivers on all fronts. It is a testament to Patel's skill and vision, offering a fresh and exciting perspective in a genre often dominated by formulaic storytelling. With its blend of adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth, Monkey Man is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. - danomiterock - 23 June 2024
Not quite Bollywood. Not quite Hollywood. Not quite John Wick
Let me begin by saying this movie had a lot going for it: beautifully shot; set, cast, costumes are all top notch; the cinematic quality hints at a decent production budget; fight scenes are pretty solid; soundtrack is great; and there are some pretty neat cultural references.
However....
This movie is very political.... and not American politics.... Indian politics. The class wars are the major through line of the movie, and this film unabashedly takes the side of the underdogs. The result is quite a few plot holes.
Take, for instance, the main character: He is presented as a lower class every man who just wants a chance to make a living. This everyman also has some very violent tendencies fueled by some very convincing childhood trauma. I have no doubt childhood trauma has been the driving force behind a number of great fighters, but they formally trained. This guy seems to have turned into a world class assassin all by himself from growing up on the streets. A world class assassin who for a short part of the film leads a small army of drag queens. Through his pain, struggles, and a whole lot of fighting, he becomes a symbol of the Indian lower class fighting against injustice and corruption.
Is this movie the Indian John Wick? No. I don't think so. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. John Wick is mentioned in the film. So, I would say the film pays homage to John Wick, but it is it's own film.
So, in conclusion, I would say that this was a decent movie. The sad thing is that I think I came in expecting more than what was delivered. This film had a lot of potential and it did a lot of things right. That's why I rate it a 6. If you want an action flick, try it out. You might like it. Just don't go into it with any preconceived notions. - rgreendroid - 18 June 2024
Unbelievably bad
If this film cost $10,000,000 to make, it was a colossal waste of money. The plot is difficult to follow, makes little sense and was a total waste of time to painfully watch.
I read the reviews here from people who actually thought that this movie was well done. This is astonishing. I have never seen any movie done this badly. The acting can barely be called that, the main character and hero of this story also apparently directed this incredibly bad film, and the supporting cast were even more awful.
The action scenes and filming were nearly as terrible as the story line. I simply can't describe how disappointing this turned out to be. - sushmapriya-56554 - 14 June 2024
Must watch this
I liked the hero confidence I this movie The film starts off well and builds momentum for a decent revenge arc although it is hard to follow sometimes. The shakey camera work contributes to this as well as the dialogue not being particularly clear.
However what takes this film from good to great is the final third. The music, the action, the violence, it was just so incredibly well done especially for first time director. I couldn't take my eyes off it and didn't know what to expect next.
Thank you Jordan peele for saving this from streaming as this deserves to be seen on the big screen! For upcoming contents. - ryanc-49973 - 3 June 2024
Exciting ride
I thought the movie was really good. I enjoyed it throughout and the action was almost nonstop. Dev Patel is giving his all with this one. Not sure why the rating isn't over 7 at this point.
The movie moved very well and didn't have any stale parts. The gore is plentiful and not for everyone for sure. Over the top meets over the top.
I thought this movie reminded me of big trouble in little China meets John wick meets Slumdog Millionaire. I can't figure out which one the most but definitely parts of all three.
The only gripe I had was what happened with his friend who hired him in the end? Besides that the cinematography was award winning.
