What’s It About
A young man ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he’s beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, he discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Monkey Man starts with a heartfelt moment, highlighting the potency of storytelling before plunging into intense action with rapid cuts and hard hits. Over the next couple of hours, the film jumps back and forth between the past, depicting a peaceful life for a mother and child, and the gritty present, where the hero faces relentless challenges. Dev Patel’s performance is a tour de force, overflowing with passion that shines through in a genre often criticized for a formulaic structure. The film, set in a fictional Indian city, follows Dev Patel as Kid, a fighter seeking vengeance for past injustices. The kid, who earns a living as a punching bag in underground fights, must endure brutal beatings to triumph eventually. His quest involves a complex scheme that pits him against influential figures outside the law. While the film’s production was fraught with challenges, including the pandemic, Patel’s dedication to the project is evident, making Monkey Man a remarkable achievement. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, the film explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the human spirit. Patel’s character is deeply compelling, portrayed with a blend of vulnerability and determination. Though these threads sometimes feel disjointed, the narrative weaves together elements of religion, mythology, and political intrigue. Despite this, Patel’s direction and performance elevate the film, especially in its gripping action sequences. Monkey Man is not just a typical action flick; it’s a layered story that delves into complex issues. While some aspects may feel rushed or underdeveloped, particularly the political subtexts, the film’s commitment to its themes is commendable. Patel’s portrayal of Kid is captivating and visceral, showcasing his versatility as an actor and filmmaker. In conclusion, Monkey Man is a bold debut for Dev Patel as a director, offering audiences a gritty and intense experience long after the credits roll. With its adrenaline-pumping action and thought-provoking themes, the film establishes Patel as a rising star in action cinema.
OUR RATING – A SUPPRESSED 7
MEDIA
- Genre – Action
- Street date
- Digital – April 23, 2024.
- DVD/Blu-Ray/4K – June 25, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.39:1
- Sound – English (Dolby Atmos), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1)
- Subtitles – English, French
Extras
- Audio Commentary – Dev Patel and three of his producers deliver one of the best commentary tracks in recent memory. Dev is very candid in how he talks about making this movie and it’s easy to appreciate the work he put in. They have some great stories from the set and how they filmed all of the action scenes. It’s a great listen.
- Alternate Opening (HD, 4 Mins.) – A different version of the start of the film that doesn’t have as big of a brutal impact.
- Alternate Ending (HD, 3 Mins.) – A different ending that is not as great as the one in the theatrical version.
- Deleted Scenes ( HD, 23 Mins.) – Six sequences were left out, including a training montage and a death scene that is not entirely clear why it was left out.
- A Labor of Love (HD, 9 Mins.) – This shows how much of an issue it was to make this movie from COVID-19 to changing locations quickly and taking on the double duty of acting and directing.
- Monkey Man of Action (HD, 9 Mins.) – This is the coolest extra where the big fight scenes are discussed and shown how it was all made from camera techniques to rehearsals.
- Fateful Encounters (HD, 8 mins.) – The protagonists and antagonists of the movie are explored and how they interact with Kid.
- Roots Exposed (HD, 3 Mins.) – A quick explanation of the folktale that inspired some of the movie.