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I started watching *Monkey Man* knowing only that Dev Patel, known for *The Green Knight*, played the lead role, and that it promised action sequences reminiscent of *John Wick*. I was pleasantly surprised to learn, by the time the credits rolled, that Patel also directed the film and Jordan Peele (*Get Out*, *Nope*) served as one of the producers. There’s something exciting about going into a movie blind, allowing discoveries like these to be revealed along the way. Patel portrays a character known as Kid/Bobby/Monkey Man, who is set on avenging his mother’s death at the hands of corrupt elites who not only killed her but also destroyed his home.
To set realistic expectations, *Monkey Man* has two major action sequences—lengthy ones—but it’s not the adrenaline-fueled ride one might expect from a movie marketed in the vein of *John Wick*. Let's clarify: while the movie takes inspiration from that franchise, it’s not a non-stop action fest. In fact, the film even references *John Wick* directly, but unfortunately, this comparison works against *Monkey Man* rather than enhancing it.
For those unfamiliar with *John Wick*, the franchise is renowned for its relentless, skillfully executed action, emphasizing the prowess of stunt performers and fighters in a way that showcases their talents with cinematic flair. The action is often stylish but carefully designed to highlight the choreography, avoiding shaky camera movements or rapid cuts that can obscure the physical feats. By contrast, *Monkey Man* doesn’t quite capture that same energy. Each fight scene is full of abrupt cuts, and the camera dives so close into the action that it feels invasive. Combined with shaky, blurry shots, even when the action is in focus, it’s hard to see what’s actually happening. While this technique may have been an intentional attempt to pull viewers into the chaos, it only occasionally pays off. The result is a series of sequences that seem more disjointed than dynamic, often hiding rather than enhancing the action.
That said, where *Monkey Man* excels is in the setup leading up to these action scenes. The film's primary setting is an exclusive club with multiple levels, each more elite than the last, where Kid’s revenge targets reside. The first act of the film skillfully showcases Kid’s gradual ascent through these levels, as he meticulously plans his retaliation. The film masterfully builds anticipation for the impending showdown, making the moments in between the action just as compelling.
The Mumbai backdrop also gives *Monkey Man* a fresh feel, making the city more than just a setting but almost a character itself, in stark contrast to the forest from which Kid originates. It’s in these quieter moments, exploring the city, where the camera work shines, offering some stunning and intriguing shots. It’s a shame the same visual care wasn’t carried over into the action sequences.
Most films in this genre don’t delve too deeply into thematic messages, with audiences often tuning in for the fight scenes alone. However, *Monkey Man* aims to be more than just an action movie. The film touches on issues like corruption, deforestation, and human trafficking, but its deeper message is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Hanuman. Kid and his mother worship Hanuman, the inspiration behind his Monkey Man persona. Like the deity, Kid embarks on a journey of self-discovery, meeting an outcast community of trans warriors known as the hijra, who help him realize who he truly is—a more assured killer.
The broader theme of the film centers around transforming personal ambition into a force for good. While this idea is admirable, the execution falls short. Kid undergoes an internal transformation, but the outcome of his journey remains largely unchanged. His newfound identity aligns conveniently with his original quest for revenge, allowing him to pursue his goals without compromising his loyalty to his new hijra family.
Identity struggles are something we can all relate to on some level. For those wrestling with this, here's a word of advice: don’t let society, your emotions, or even others define who you are. Our culture often lacks our best interests at heart, and feelings, while useful, can be misleading. The only one who truly knows who you are is the one who created you. God made you with intention and purpose. As it says in Psalm 139, you were not a mistake; you were carefully crafted. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us—plans for good and hope, not for harm.
In conclusion, *Monkey Man* is a solid action film, though its strength lies more in the moments between the fights than in the fights themselves. The shaky, close-up camera work detracts from the action sequences, but the film still stands as a labor of love with more substance than your typical action flick.
I started watching *Monkey Man* knowing only that Dev Patel, known for *The Green Knight*, played the lead role, and that it promised action sequences reminiscent of *John Wick*. I was pleasantly surprised to learn, by the time the credits rolled, that Patel also directed the film and Jordan Peele (*Get Out*, *Nope*) served as one of the producers. There’s something exciting about going into a movie blind, allowing discoveries like these to be revealed along the way. Patel portrays a character known as Kid/Bobby/Monkey Man, who is set on avenging his mother’s death at the hands of corrupt elites who not only killed her but also destroyed his home.
To set realistic expectations, *Monkey Man* has two major action sequences—lengthy ones—but it’s not the adrenaline-fueled ride one might expect from a movie marketed in the vein of *John Wick*. Let's clarify: while the movie takes inspiration from that franchise, it’s not a non-stop action fest. In fact, the film even references *John Wick* directly, but unfortunately, this comparison works against *Monkey Man* rather than enhancing it.
For those unfamiliar with *John Wick*, the franchise is renowned for its relentless, skillfully executed action, emphasizing the prowess of stunt performers and fighters in a way that showcases their talents with cinematic flair. The action is often stylish but carefully designed to highlight the choreography, avoiding shaky camera movements or rapid cuts that can obscure the physical feats. By contrast, *Monkey Man* doesn’t quite capture that same energy. Each fight scene is full of abrupt cuts, and the camera dives so close into the action that it feels invasive. Combined with shaky, blurry shots, even when the action is in focus, it’s hard to see what’s actually happening. While this technique may have been an intentional attempt to pull viewers into the chaos, it only occasionally pays off. The result is a series of sequences that seem more disjointed than dynamic, often hiding rather than enhancing the action.
That said, where *Monkey Man* excels is in the setup leading up to these action scenes. The film's primary setting is an exclusive club with multiple levels, each more elite than the last, where Kid’s revenge targets reside. The first act of the film skillfully showcases Kid’s gradual ascent through these levels, as he meticulously plans his retaliation. The film masterfully builds anticipation for the impending showdown, making the moments in between the action just as compelling.
The Mumbai backdrop also gives *Monkey Man* a fresh feel, making the city more than just a setting but almost a character itself, in stark contrast to the forest from which Kid originates. It’s in these quieter moments, exploring the city, where the camera work shines, offering some stunning and intriguing shots. It’s a shame the same visual care wasn’t carried over into the action sequences.
Most films in this genre don’t delve too deeply into thematic messages, with audiences often tuning in for the fight scenes alone. However, *Monkey Man* aims to be more than just an action movie. The film touches on issues like corruption, deforestation, and human trafficking, but its deeper message is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Hanuman. Kid and his mother worship Hanuman, the inspiration behind his Monkey Man persona. Like the deity, Kid embarks on a journey of self-discovery, meeting an outcast community of trans warriors known as the hijra, who help him realize who he truly is—a more assured killer.
The broader theme of the film centers around transforming personal ambition into a force for good. While this idea is admirable, the execution falls short. Kid undergoes an internal transformation, but the outcome of his journey remains largely unchanged. His newfound identity aligns conveniently with his original quest for revenge, allowing him to pursue his goals without compromising his loyalty to his new hijra family.
Identity struggles are something we can all relate to on some level. For those wrestling with this, here's a word of advice: don’t let society, your emotions, or even others define who you are. Our culture often lacks our best interests at heart, and feelings, while useful, can be misleading. The only one who truly knows who you are is the one who created you. God made you with intention and purpose. As it says in Psalm 139, you were not a mistake; you were carefully crafted. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us—plans for good and hope, not for harm.
In conclusion, *Monkey Man* is a solid action film, though its strength lies more in the moments between the fights than in the fights themselves. The shaky, close-up camera work detracts from the action sequences, but the film still stands as a labor of love with more substance than your typical action flick.
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