Monkey Man (2024)

Director Bio:

Dev Patel is a British actor and filmmaker. He has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Patel was included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2024.

Review.

I'm a huge Dev Patel fan, and "Monkey Man" is the first movie I've been excited enough about to see in theaters in a very long time. Typically, I prefer to wait for movies to be available for streaming, but "Monkey Man" compelled me to make an exception. The trailer for this movie is, in my opinion, one of the best I've ever seen. It's incredibly well-done and drew me in completely.

However, I have concerns that many viewers will walk out of the theater feeling misled by the trailer. "Monkey Man" is not your typical action movie, and if you're expecting something like "John Wick," you'll likely be disappointed. This film is more of a drama with elements of action and crime thriller. While I appreciate the added substance of Indian mythology and culture, as well as the character drama hinted at in the trailer, the film didn't quite come together as I had hoped.

One of the film's strengths is its action scenes, which I thought were well-filmed and engaging. The criticism of the shaky cam didn't bother me personally, although I can see how it might not be to everyone's taste. However, where the film fell short for me was in its storytelling. The first act was strong, but the second act dragged on for too long, rehashing information we already knew and disrupting the pacing of the film.

I also felt that some parts of the story were fleshed out too much while others weren't given enough attention, making the film feel uneven. This was particularly true for the supporting characters, who I didn't feel were developed enough for me to care about their involvement in the story.

Despite these criticisms, I admire Dev Patel for his ambition in trying to create a film with more substance than your typical action movie. However, I think "Monkey Man" would have been better suited as a limited series, allowing for more time to fully explore the story and characters. While the film has its strengths, including good acting, cinematography, and music, it ultimately falls short of being a great movie.

In conclusion, while "Monkey Man" didn't quite live up to my expectations, it hasn't soured me on Dev Patel as an actor. I applaud his willingness to take risks and try something different, even if it didn't entirely succeed in this instance.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

While "Monkey Man" may not have met all expectations, it's important to recognize the broader context of cinema. Universal Studios, known for its iconic movies, has a rich history of producing films that have become cultural touchstones. From classic monster movies like "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" to groundbreaking films like "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park," Universal Studios has a legacy of creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.

These movies have not only entertained audiences but also left a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless filmmakers and storytellers. While "Monkey Man" may not reach the same iconic status as some of Universal's classics, it's a testament to the studio's commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas in filmmaking.

As audiences, we continue to be drawn to Universal Studios movies not just for their entertainment value, but also for their ability to transport us to new worlds and challenge our perspectives. While "Monkey Man" may not be a perfect film, it's a reminder of the power of cinema and the enduring legacy of Universal Studios in shaping the world of film.