Dev Patel created cinematic gold and I’m glad I’m here for it.
Monkey Man is a must-watch film and I’m not just saying that because of all the ass-kicking, but because it’s actually a movie worth seeing in cinemas. It is breathtakingly beautiful and tells a story that’s relevant. Dev Patel wrote, produced, directed and stars in what might be one of the best movies of 2024.
Lately there has been an action-film renaissance. Movies like John Wick, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Beekeeper has created new interest in the genre, because each one has a unique concept. And Monkey Man does the same, except it’s also a movie that sends a strong message.
Kicking butt and stabbing people is fun, but it can only take you so far. You need something to catch the audiences heart and mind. The action in Monkey Man definitely gets the adrenaline pumping, but the premise sends shivers down your spine.
Monkey Man is beautiful film with depth and heart. It tackles uncomfortable themes in a spectacular fashion. The story drives the action and not the other way around like most action films. The movie has been compared to films like John Wick and The Equalizer, but that can’t be further from the truth.
The film delivers commentary on social injustices – the rich becoming richer, the powerful becoming more power hungry, while the poor continue to suffer. The meek and weak get separated from society in what can be compared to apartheid. A theme that Monkey Man wonderfully explores.
Dev Patel created a story and character that’s unique and important to the film’s setting. It might be a culture and people different than ours, but their struggles are in some way relatable to many others. It’s about rising above the oppression and repression.
Monkey Man the character is an underdog and that’s what makes him different from John Wick. He’s not a professional who you know can kill his way to the top. He has flaws and weaknesses. His humanity and pain is his strength. A story that is like Rocky’s. He kept trying until he reached the place where he became the hero the people needed.
I don’t want to get into the technical aspects of the story, but I have to say it was beautifully shot. I loved the use of first-person shots during some of the fight scenes. It immerses the viewer into the fights and it adds to the story.
The acting is also top-notch. I’ve been a fan of Patel since Slumdog Millionaire and he really impressed me in this role. Sharlto Copley adds a little little South African flare to the film, while Pitobash provides some great comedic moments. The rest of the cast did an amazing job as well.
The movie isn’t without its flaws, but I don’t want to focus on that. If you love action films or crime thrillers, then this is a must watch. It’s not a film that helps you pass time, it’s a film that gets you invested in an awesome story. So get your tickets and go support it.
