A One Mann’s Movies review of “Monkey Man” (2024).
I was late to the game in getting to watch this one, but was so glad I did. It’s a breathless blast of violent entertainment from beginning to end.
One Mann’s Movies Rating:
Plot Summary:
A young man (Dev Patel), with traumatic childhood memories, has revenge in mind as he takes on the political organisation behind the death of his mother and ongoing persecutions. .
Certification:
UK: 18; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Strong bloody violence”.)
Talent:
Starring: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Sikandar Kher, Makrand Deshpande, Ashwini Kalsekar.
Directed by: Dev Patel.
Written by: Dev Patel, Paul Angunawela & John Collee.
Running Time: 2h 1m.
The name’s Bond, James Bond. Dev Patel makes the grade of “Action Hero”. (Source: Universal Pictures).
“Monkey Man” Review:
Positives:
- It’s extraordinary that this is Dev Patel’s directorial debut, because the film is chock full of scenes that make you go “Wow – THIS is cinema!!” Which is surprising. On paper, it’s just A.N.Other revenge movie: an Indian-set John Wick but without the dog. But on screen it morphs into something so much more. Aside from the beautifully choreographed fight scenes (one in a lift and another in a kitchen stand-out) the film takes time to breath between the chaotic action. As our hero in a Tuk-tuk roars down an alley at 100 mph the camera lingers on a homeless pair sleeping on the ground and briefly stirred from sleep. And it’s not afraid to make fun of its subject matter: as ‘kid’ runs down a corridor to jump through a window (same old, same old) he is met by unexpected resistance, leaving a blood stain on the glass and a crumpled heap on the floor!
- Dev Patel? An action hero? I must admit that I was a bit baffled going into this, but the guy has got himself ripped for the part and really delivers. I’ve seen comments that he should be offered the part of Bond – – and I can’t disagree… he would be superb! Amazingly, Patel badly fractured a hand during filming, so that amazing kitchen fight scene was re-choreographed to be done by him one-handed!
- For me, this was better than John Wick. I’m not a Wick-expert, having only seen the last one, but my main criticism of John Wick: Chapter 4 was that it was all just so unrealistic. At least in Monkey Man, although the action is far-fetched, it stays just the right side of believable: the ‘kid’ hurts… and bleeds… and has to find sanctuary to repair his broken body. At one point, about 20 heavily armed thugs enter the room and I thought “uh oh, now its going to get ludicrous”. But no! There is a twist, and that made me so, so, happy! The film cheekily references John Wick: at one point, a gun salesman comments “You like John Wick? I have the same gun from the movie!”.
Negatives:
- The only criticism is that this type of revenge movie is a very well-worn genre.
An innovative way to dispatch your enemy. Dev Patel gets his teeth into the action. (Source: Universal Pictures).
Summary Thoughts on “Monkey Man”
I’ve seen two films in the last week that have completely exceeded my expectations (the other being “Challengers“). Monkey Man is a cracking little action film, full of wit and surprises. Dev Patel should be very proud of himself for this offering.
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Monkey Man”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8zxiB5Qhsc .
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