Patel plays Kid in the movie, who’s on a mission to bring down corrupt people who hurt the powerless and killed his mother.

At the start, Kid is a punching bag in an underground fight club, getting beaten up for money.

But when he sees a chance for revenge, he goes on a violent mission to destroy those who took everything from him and many others.

Monkey Man is clearly a project close to Patel’s heart. Every scene in the film feels purposeful, celebrating culture, mythology, determination, and the action movies that inspired Patel.

He pours himself into the role of Kid, showing both explosive violence and quiet contemplation of his past trauma. However, there’s a problem: while you can see Kid’s emotions, you don’t always feel them.

The script of Monkey Man introduces interesting characters, a gripping backstory, and details about the city’s corruption.

But these elements are jumbled together, leading to pacing issues, confusion, and a sense of detachment from Kid.

Despite Patel’s powerful performance, it feels like we’re observing Kid’s journey from a distance rather than experiencing it alongside him.

Review

While some supporting characters, like Sharlto Copley and Pitobash, stand out with their unique performances in Monkey Man, many others feel like they’re just there to push Kid along his journey.

They lack depth, which weakens the emotional impact of key moments towards the end of the movie.

However, the action scenes, handled by Patel, are top-notch and will surely be remembered for their intensity.

Although Patel might need to refine the story structure, his talent shines through in crafting thrilling fight sequences.

Sharone Meir’s cinematography in Monkey Man is breathtaking, whether it’s during action scenes or not. The visuals make the city feel alive and full of atmosphere.

During action scenes, Meir’s camerawork, combined with fantastic stunt work, puts viewers right in Kid’s shoes.

They skillfully show the surroundings, whether it’s a tight space or a larger area. The camera captures long shots of complicated fight scenes, creating an intense and immersive experience.

One standout quality of Monkey Man’s action is how well it reflects the character’s journey. The action effectively showcases Kid’s growth from being a victim to becoming powerful.

Monkey Man is a mixed bag. The action scenes are impressive and add depth to the story, but the parts in between can feel slow and confusing. However, what keeps it positive is the clear passion and vision behind the film.

Patel takes big swings with Monkey Man, some of which hit the mark while others miss. But his bold choices make the movie thrilling to watch, and Patel’s emergence as a compelling voice in this genre is exciting to see.