Monkey Man is messy but ambitious. It fortifies the generic revenge action plot with themes of classism and abuse of power. However, the causes and solutions of these issues are left unpacked. The protagonist's motivation becomes repetitive because he's defined by one turning point in his past. Consequently, the acting lacks layers or range. Patel injects outbursts, vulnerability, and physicality, but it's all tethered to one note. There's dutiful setup, patient payoff, fable parallels, and representation. Some characters are unnecessary, dialogue is middling, and humor is overshadowed. Overall, Monkey Man provides the necessary ingredients yet struggles to make them cohesive.
Technically, Monkey Man is scrappy but stylish. The imagery uses framing, motion, lighting, focus, angles, and excessive shaky cam. Its editing has inserts, slo-mo, action, montages, flashbacks, dream sequences, and uneven momentum. The dense sound adds split cuts, risers, match cuts, combat, distortions, smash cuts, and intimacy. Its music is modern, regional, atmospheric, juxtaposing, restrained, timed, and eclectic. The production design conveys classism, symbolic colors, and culture. Its cast has regional fame yet only Patel is globally known. The effects offer violence, makeup, plentiful stunts, and touches of CGI. Ultimately, Monkey Man is a flawed but positive effort.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.4/10