Film Review #84 - Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man (2024) is a film directed by Dev Patel, who also takes on the lead role and wrote the script. It's impressive to see his multitasking skills on display as he handles both the directing and acting duties. The movie is really impressive with its visually stunning color grading. The shades of mustard, green, and violet are absolutely captivating. The cinematography in this film is quite ambitious, particularly in the final act. However, the excessive camera shakiness during chase scenes, 1st and 2nd act takes away from the overall experience with not enough medium and long shots, most of the scenes were medium closeups, yet the use of Dutch tilts was quite innovative.

The film has a really diverse soundtrack that includes a mix of hip hop, heavy metal, EDM, and Indian pop music, which added a great atmosphere to the film. However, I found the screenplay to be a bit disappointing at first because it seemed to prioritize non-stop action and had some confusing flashbacks, which made it difficult to follow. The narrative really starts to come together between the 2nd and the third act when it reveals backstories that give the story more depth.

The editing in some parts feels rushed, with too many quick cuts that take away from the impact of scenes. However, the overall production design remains strong, presenting authentic and engaging locations. The casting is a good fit and adds to the film's experienced atmosphere. The choreography itself is impressive and captivating, similar to the action in movies like "John Wick."

Conclusion (100 words)

Monkey Man (2024) is ambitious yet technically flawed. The film is visually appealing with captivating visuals and an engaging music that appeals to both the eyes and ears. The performances are also captivating. Although the film has certain flaws, particularly in terms of narrative coherence and editing, it provides a unique experience that may indicate more innovative initiatives from Dev Patel.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Film Review #030 - Saw X (2023)

Image
Saw X (2023) is the tenth movie in the Saw series. It is a sequel to Saw (2004) and a prequel to Saw II (2005). It was directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Saw X (2023) marks my first full-length horror movie experience, particularly in a cinema setting. Cinematography: Cinematography was surprisingly good. It has a very unique style of camera movements while it follows the basics of camera shot techniques and mostly there were medium shots and closeup shots. I like the cinematic approach when there is a full shot and camera is going backwards slowly and other scenes forwards. I've never seen this before in the movies. The use of two distinct color palettes was notable, although I found the vibrant colors in the Mexico scene to be somewhat overdone. Locations and Setting: The chosen locations added to the film's stunning visual appeal, enhancing the horror atmosphere. I loved it. Survival Scenes: As a first-time horror viewer, the mor...
Read more

Film Review #70 - The Kill Room (2023)

Image
The Positives: The cinematography truly stands out, employing a mix of medium, long, and over-the-shoulder shots that bring a fresh perspective to each scene. The editing is top-notch, seamlessly keeping pace with the unfolding story. I was particularly impressed by the wide-angle lens shots, adding a unique visual flair. It's always a treat to see Samuel Jackson on screen, and his presence in this film did not disappoint. Uma Thurman's performance, who is known for appearing in Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, was another highlight. The modern costume design deserves recognition as it brilliantly reflects the world of art-buying and selling. The Mixed: Although the film has its strengths, I had mixed feelings about its impact. The plot, while straightforward, and the exceptional acting, particularly Samuel Jackson's standout portrayal of Baker, couldn't completely lift the film above its comedic and clever surface. The film's humor was enjoyable and the absence of clichés ...
Read more

Film Review #67 - Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Image
First Impression: From the start, I must say, I love the characters (also the new ones) in Kung Fu Panda 3. They retain the charm that captured our hearts in the initial movie. It feels like reuniting with old friends, and music and sound design is crucial in evoking that sentiment. It's great, capturing the essence of "Kung Fu Panda 1". The Positives The music is just as captivating as before, reflecting the same quality as we saw in "Kung Fu Panda 1". However, the story is where "Kung Fu Panda 3" truly stands out for me. It seems more refined than the previous KFP 2, incorporating emotional depth and unexpected elements into a visually impressive display. The storyline’s focus on Po’s family issues, rather than just the action, is both profound and emotionally charged, greatly enhanced by Hans Zimmer’s touching music. The Mixed When it comes to visuals, there was a slight hiccup at first with the animation appearing less impressive than the colorful ...
Read more