Monkey Man, a new action movie produced by horror legend Jordan Peele, is getting rave reviews ahead of its April release date – with critics comparing it to the likes of The Raid and the John Wick franchise.
Directed by Dev Patel, who also co-wrote the screenplay and stars in the lead role, the film centers on Kid (Patel), a downtrodden young man who makes ends meet by competing in an underground fight club night after night. During each one of his fights, he wears a gorilla mask, which may hide his identity but doesn't stop him from getting beaten black and blue every evening.
His life takes a turn, though, when he decides to get revenge on the corrupt leaders responsible for his mother's death, who have been taking advantage of the poor and powerless people of India.
Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, and Sharlto Copley also feature in the flick, which, if the trailer is anything to go by, is set to be quite the bloodsoaked bonanza.
"Dev Patel receives a standing ovation for being the writer, director, producer and star of MONKEY MAN, a visually spectacular revenge action movie that draws from Bruce Lee, Korean cinema, The Raid & John Wick," one critic wrote out of SXSW. "The crowd went ape for it."
"Monkey Man: Dev Patel's got rocket fuel in his veins as an action director and an action star. One of the most assured, kinetic debuts I've seen: gorgeous, crunchy, and relentless. What a blast," said another, while a third tweeted: "Monkey Man is an incredible debut film from Dev Patel. Loaded with bone breaking violence that splatters blood everywhere. The #sxsw audience went crazy many times during the world premiere. Can't believe this is his first film. Def worth seeing in a movie theater."
Monkey Man is absolutely phenomenal. The cinematography is a treat, sound design is breathtaking, the action is like you've never seen, soundtrack / score are fire ... there's a heartcrushing story and even a bit of comedy. Wow. I'm blown away. #MonkeyMan #sxsw pic.twitter.com/RGC8FubHqKMarch 12, 2024
MONKEY MAN: Holy shit, I never thought I’d see an action sequence set to a Bloodywood song??? Dev Patel comes out swinging, stabbing, and pulverizing in his hard-hitting debut. Dev’s adoration of action cinema shines as clear influences meld with his fiery storytelling. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/kqoiJoWXyqMarch 12, 2024
MONKEY MAN is more than just a bloody good time. Dev Patel takes his time with the storytelling, weaving personal tragedy with inner strength, mythology with modern political revolutions. It’s an action tour de force, full of talent and fucking passion in every frame. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/hhKyJRM8oWMarch 12, 2024
Dev Patel’s ambition behind the camera is second only tohis talent. MONKEY MAN is an insanely ambitious first feature, the constantly escalating action setpieces strengthened by the story’s strong emotional core. Prepare yourselves for Action Star Dev Patel. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/gjO86SGgIcMarch 12, 2024
MONKEY MAN goes ape shit. Dev Patel asserts him as an A-level action star in his hard-hitting, bone-breaking, badass directorial debut. Wild, intense brawls that stretch across scenes, this one feels like a shot of pure adrenaline. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/2hOXkGO3dZMarch 12, 2024
Monkey Man releases on April 5. For more, check out our picks of the best action movies or our breakdown on all the exciting upcoming movies heading our way.
