MONKEY MAN (2024) REVIEW

 

Dev Patel swings into action with gusto in “Monkey Man,” embodying a character who's as determined as a bull in a china shop. Sure, some scenes might feel like they've been tossed into a blender and served with extra toppings, but Patel's passion shines through brighter than a neon sign in a blackout. It's like he raided a buffet of action movie clichés and decided to make a gourmet meal out of it—sure, there might be a few questionable combinations, but darn if it isn't deliciously entertaining!

As the writer, producer, star, director, and possibly the guy who makes the coffee on set, Patel wears many hats, much like a magician pulling rabbits out of an endless hat collection. He name-drops more action influences than a fanboy at Comic-Con, and you can practically feel his excitement oozing through the screen. With a production history more troubled than a soap opera plotline, "Monkey Man" feels like a cinematic miracle—like finding a gourmet meal in a fast-food joint.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, Patel's unnamed fighter, lovingly credited as 'Kid,' dons a gorilla mask in the ring, battling sleazy promoters and bleeding for extra cash. With scarred hands and a steely gaze, Kid's determination is palpable—kind of like smelling burnt popcorn in a movie theater. But when a job opportunity at an exclusive club lands in his lap faster than a pigeon on a dropped hot dog, Kid's life takes a wild turn, dragging him into a world of power players and revenge plots thicker than molasses.

While "Monkey Man" might not be the non-stop action extravaganza some expect, its structure is as predictable as a cat in a room full of laser pointers—long setups followed by explosive action, rinse, repeat. Yet, when the action hits, it hits harder than a wrecking ball at a demolition derby. Patel infuses every bone-crunching moment with a brutality rarely seen outside a wrestling ring, making even the most seasoned action aficionado wince in awe.

However, like a banana split with too many toppings, "Monkey Man" falters in places. Its political subtexts are as subtle as a sledgehammer, leaving even the most knowledgeable viewers scratching their heads like confused monkeys at a zoo. And while Patel's flashbacks add emotional depth, they're as overused as a treadmill in a gym full of couch potatoes. It's like he doesn't trust his own acting chops, opting for flashback crutches instead of letting his on-screen presence speak for itself.

But despite its flaws, "Monkey Man" is a wild ride worth taking. With Patel's talent both in front of and behind the camera, it's bound to be a box office beast. And as Patel sharpens his storytelling skills like a samurai sharpening his sword, future films may just catapult him into action movie superstardom. "Monkey Man" isn't just an origin story for a character—it's an origin story for a legend in the making.