We rewatched Monkey Man again, and it was quite the ride. Dev Patel not only stars in the film but also directs and co-writes it, which is pretty impressive for a first-timer. The film is a mix of Hollywood-style action and Indian cinema flair, which gives it a unique vibe. The story follows Patel’s character, who’s on a mission for revenge after witnessing his mother’s murder as a kid. He’s now an adult, taking brutal beatings in underground fight clubs while plotting his payback against the corrupt police chief responsible.
The action in this film is intense, but we have to admit, the shaky camera work during the fight scenes made it a bit hard to follow at times. There are some standout moments, though, where you can really see Patel’s physical commitment to the role. Monkey Man doesn’t shy away from violence, but it also tries to touch on some deeper themes like Indian politics and social issues. However, these themes feel a bit underdeveloped, which is a shame because they could have added more depth to the story.
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What we really appreciated, though, was Patel’s performance. He’s come a long way from his Slumdog Millionaire days, and you can tell he’s poured a lot of passion into this project. His direction has its moments too, with some stylish visuals and a gritty, urban feel that suits the film’s tone. It’s clear he’s got potential as a filmmaker, even if Monkey Man doesn’t quite hit all the marks.
TSHC Score: 7.5/10
Monkey Man is a solid first effort from Dev Patel. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough going for it to make it worth a watch, especially if you’re a fan of action movies with a bit of an edge. It’s a decent film with room for growth, and I’m excited to see what Patel does next.
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