I watched Monkey Man and I liked it. 3/5
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Monkey Man is one of those movies that feels like it’s packed with potential but ultimately doesn’t quite pull everything together. Directed by and starring Dev Patel, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with elements of social critique and dark humor woven in. The movie has moments of real excitement and even beauty, but it also feels like it’s trying to do too many things at once, leaving the story a bit tangled and uneven.
Patel plays Gutu, an ex-convict released into a chaotic, corrupt world where he sets out on a quest for justice—or perhaps vengeance. The setup has all the classic elements of a gritty revenge thriller, but it’s laced with Patel’s own brand of humor and insight, which gives it a unique spin. Gutu isn’t a straightforward action hero; he’s scrappy and unpredictable, and Patel’s charisma shines through even when the script doesn’t give him much to work with. From the beginning, you can see Patel’s passion for the character and the story, which makes it easy to root for him, even as the plot gets muddled.
Visually, Monkey Man is striking, filled with saturated colors and energetic cinematography that keeps the film feeling vibrant and alive. There’s a definite style here that feels fresh and dynamic, particularly during the action sequences, which are shot with a mix of grit and grace. There’s a raw energy to the film that matches Gutu’s own rough-around-the-edges character, and Patel leans into that with a frenetic pace that keeps things moving. But while the action is fun, it can also feel relentless, with few moments of quiet to let the story breathe. It’s as though the movie is constantly trying to keep you entertained, which is great in theory, but after a while, the non-stop pace starts to feel a bit exhausting.
Tonally, Monkey Man is a bit all over the place. It tries to juggle intense action, satire, and moments of social commentary, particularly about class divide, corruption, and spirituality in modern-day India. These are heavy themes, and the film only scratches the surface, leaning more toward stylized action than meaningful exploration. The dark humor works at times, but the movie seems unsure of how to balance its serious themes with its more playful, absurd moments. As a result, it feels like Monkey Man is trying to be a lot of things—an action flick, a satire, a gritty revenge story—but never quite settles on any one identity. This lack of focus makes it hard to get fully invested, as the film keeps shifting gears just as you start to get comfortable.
Despite these flaws, Patel’s performance keeps the film engaging. He’s clearly committed to making Gutu a layered, intriguing anti-hero, and it’s easy to see why he took on the project both as director and star. His performance is filled with moments of intensity and vulnerability, making Gutu more than just a typical action hero. The supporting cast, though, doesn’t get the same depth, often falling into stereotypical roles that serve the plot without adding much texture to the story.
One of the film’s highlights is its setting. Patel does a great job capturing the bustling, chaotic energy of India, using it not just as a backdrop but almost as a character in its own right. The visuals convey the grit and beauty of the landscape, and there are scenes that really stand out for their sheer style and intensity. It’s clear that Patel has a good eye for visuals, and he brings an artful touch to several key scenes. You can tell he’s passionate about showing India in a way that feels both raw and vibrant, which adds a unique layer to the movie.
Monkey Man also deserves credit for its willingness to embrace strangeness. It’s not afraid to get weird, with dreamlike sequences and surreal touches that add an extra layer of intrigue. There’s a mythic quality to the story, as Gutu’s journey has elements of both ancient folklore and modern-day vengeance, which gives the film a unique texture. But as interesting as these choices are, they don’t always feel fully realized. It’s like the movie has all these fascinating ideas, but it only dips a toe into each one before rushing to the next big action scene.
In the end, Monkey Man is a fun, occasionally thought-provoking watch that doesn’t quite live up to its ambitions. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and Patel’s performance is compelling, but the film’s tonal inconsistencies and scattered approach make it feel more like a rough sketch than a fully fleshed-out story. For fans of unconventional action and Dev Patel’s work, there’s enough here to enjoy. But if you’re looking for a tightly crafted thriller or a deep exploration of its themes, you might come away feeling like Monkey Man could have used a bit more focus and depth.
So while Monkey Man doesn’t fully deliver on its promise, it’s an ambitious ride with flashes of excitement and creativity. If you’re in the mood for something stylish and offbeat, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t expect the story to stick with you for long after the credits roll.