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Khel Khel Mein (2024)
A Confused Mess that Misses the Mark
This movie struggles to find its identity, failing to be a comedy, a thriller, or even a character study. It's simply all over the place.
As a comedy, it falls flat, delivering hardly any laughs. The jokes are juvenile, and the humor is almost non-existent. The plot is painfully predictable-if I asked ChatGPT to write a script based on the trailer, it would likely produce something just as unoriginal and unfunny.
Akshay Kumar and Ammy Virk manage to squeeze out a few laughs in the 2+ hour runtime, but the rest of the cast seems lost. They fail to grasp the comedic tone, playing their roles without any real flair. Fardeen Khan, in particular, is out of his depth, exposing his limited acting range and feeling out of place throughout the film.
The movie also suffers from a lack of internal consistency. For example, Fardeen Khan's character is supposedly a School PT teacher, yet he shows up to a wedding in Jaipur driving an open Jeep Wrangler. It's details like this that further disconnect the audience from the story.
In the end, this film fails to deliver on any front, leaving viewers questioning what it was even trying to achieve.
Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank (2024)
Boys Steal the Show in a Mixed Bag of Comedy and Chaos
"Stree 2" is a genuinely entertaining film that successfully tickles your funny bone, especially in the first half. The cast is in top form, with each actor handling their part exceedingly well. The real stars of the movie are the character interactions and witty dialogue, complemented by catchy songs sprinkled throughout its runtime.
The boys' gang steals the show, delivering standout performances that keep the audience engaged. The initial cameo adds to the film's quality, but the latter cameo disappoints, as it neither enhances the comedy nor the action. It seems included purely for the sake of a 'Stree-universe' integration, which might make sense commercially but ultimately diminishes the film's momentum.
However, the last 30 minutes of the movie are a letdown-the climax feels overextended, the action is choppy and poorly choreographed, and the CGI is subpar. This significantly detracts from what is otherwise a funny and sharp family entertainer.
While Shraddha Kapoor is receiving much of the credit for the film's success, it's the boys who truly shine and carry the film, with Shraddha's role feeling more like an extended cameo.
Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
What's Not To Like - light, smooth and pleasing
"Fly Me to the Moon" is a charming romance set against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 mission, making it a perfectly enjoyable TV watch. While the plot is straightforward, the film benefits from tight editing that keeps it from feeling bloated. The nostalgic background score effectively transports viewers to the 1960s, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The leads deliver solid performances and share a believable chemistry. Though their characters are somewhat one-dimensional, this simplicity suits the film's tone. Not every movie needs to be a deep character study, and here, the straightforwardness works in its favor.
However, while the film is pleasant, it doesn't particularly excel in either the romance or comedy departments. In that sense, "Fly Me to the Moon" is like comfort food-familiar, enjoyable, and easy to digest, but not something that will leave a lasting impression.
Kalki 2898-AD (2024)
Mixed Bag of Great Action and Flawed Comedy
This film feels like two movies packed into one-a high-octane action thriller with solid mythological undertones mixed with an underwhelming, cringe-inducing comedy of errors. Thankfully, the former overshadows the latter and saves the movie from being the biggest disappointment of 2024.
When the action happens, it is superbly executed. The pacing and background score exceed expectations, leaving the audience wanting more. The great reveal at the end is also excellently handled, hyping you up for the sequel.
Amitabh Bachchan delivers a standout performance and is impressive in every shot. His dialogue is crisp, his motivations are well-established, and his character is a true bad-ass. These positives rub off on Prabhas, too, whenever he shares the screen with Big B, and he truly comes off like a star.
Deepika Padukone and Kamal Hasan also fit well in their short roles and promise to deliver in the upcoming sequels.
The major problem with this movie is Prabhas' sequences in the first half. They are very hard to sit through and offer nothing fun. Although some dialogues may generate cheers from die-hard Prabhas fans, these sequences drag down the overall quality of the movie. Disha Patani's role seems like a throwaway and does not offer anything substantial to the plot.
The cameos, though many and featuring top stars from across the country, are wasted. They do not pack any punch or add depth to the characters. Half of them could be completely done away with, and the other half could have been made more poignant.
The music could also have been better, especially the character themes. The villains deserve a menacing tune or two.
Overall, this is one of the best pan-India movies made, setting the groundwork for something truly revolutionary. After all, Terminator 2 was the best movie of its franchise and perhaps the best sci-fi movie of all time.
House of the Dragon: The Red Dragon and the Gold (2024)
Dragon Fury Unleashed
After a few off-beat episodes, this installment brings "House of the Dragon" back to its prime, delivering much-needed excitement and character development.
This episode reintroduced the thrilling dragon action we've been craving. The dragon scenes were masterfully executed, showcasing the immense danger these creatures pose to everyone, from commoners to nobles. Vhaegor, in particular, was a cinematic marvel, overshadowing the other dragons and highlighting the sheer scale of their threat.
Rhaenyra's character, who seemed adrift at the start of the season, makes a powerful comeback. This episode expertly portrays her renewed determination. Her visit to King's Landing didn't bring peace but served to exorcise her grief over her father's death and solidify her resolve to be the "prince" Viserys envisioned.
The episode brilliantly contrasts the main characters' evolving states: Rhaenyra's steadfastness and resolve, Aegon's impotence and helplessness, and Daemon's captured state of dread. The portrayal of Alicent's and Daemon's eventual helplessness adds depth to their characters. However, Daemon's decline since Harrenhall needs more explanation to justify the fall of such a formidable character.
Aegon's infantilization makes him slightly sympathetic, but it's clear the showrunners want viewers to root for Team Black, unlike the nuanced portrayal in the books. This decision may boost the show's popularity but dulls the underlying emotional conflict.
Overall, this episode reestablishes the show's rhythm, blending thrilling dragon action with deep character arcs. While some areas need more exposition, it sets the stage for an epic and emotionally charged continuation.
The Boys: Dirty Business (2024)
Cheap Thrills, Strong Foundation
Every show has a couple of episodes each season made inexpensively to save resources for the bigger, more action-packed episodes. Think of the "Fly" episode in "Breaking Bad" or the countless recaps in "Friends" and other sitcoms. This episode was "The Boys'" version of a budget episode, yet the showrunners managed to deliver a compelling 50 minutes of character development and bizarre BDSM elements.
The main talking point about this episode is certainly the Tek-Cave and its disturbing depravity. It brought back the raw discomfort reminiscent of the initial episodes of Season 1, especially the scenes involving the capture of Translucent. It's refreshing to see the show returning to its strong foundations.
Homelander's despair was excellently portrayed, though it felt slightly incongruous given his mental "progress" in the last two episodes. Nonetheless, with Homelander's newfound ability to "recuperate" at will, his character is bound to become even more diabolical.
Ashley and A-Train have become my new favorite characters, and I am eagerly anticipating their comeuppance, especially Ashley's, which promises to be diabolical.
Apart from Annie/Starlight, every other character is well-positioned with intriguing subplots. While Mother's Milk's character arc took some time to develop, it has evolved from a caricature of an angry black father to a more nuanced character. Hughie and Neuman, previously slotted wherever needed, now seem poised for deeper exploration of their struggles.
Butcher's conversations with the tumor in his mind were the show's worst-kept secret over the last few episodes. Still, the reveal was excellently executed, highlighting the duality of Butcher and the ultimate choices he will have to make.
So, a good solid 8 will do justice to the episode for now. But in the larger context of the season, this episode may not matter as much.
House of the Dragon: The Burning Mill (2024)
Don't Gloss Over the Good Parts
This episode is hard to sit through due to its slow pace and lack of excitement. Apart from some gore, the handling of the opening battle is ridiculous. The Blood and Cheese sequence in the prior episode was also underwhelming. The show seems to be paying lip service to the plot while subverting expectations of action and gore.
If they continue in this manner, they'll lose a significant portion of their audience. For the sake of God, SHOW, DON'T TELL!
The fundamental problem with this show is its absence of likable characters. There's no one to root for, as every character feels plain and uninspired, merely going through the motions dictated by the script.
The characters lack charm and intelligence. There hasn't been a single moment of cleverness or strategic brilliance from any of them, and this will likely continue.
The showrunners aren't helping matters by skipping over battles to focus on the emotional aspects of the story. However, the emotional depth is severely lacking-it's all about grief and confusion without any real substance. This approach raises concerns that future battles might also suffer from budget constraints and a creative direction that prioritizes tears over blood.
This episode has made me question whether the Targaryen saga, which made for an intriguing 2-hour summary on YouTube filled with Easter eggs for "Game of Thrones" fans, can sustain a 4-5 season show. The current execution suggests it might not have the legs for a long-running series.
The Boys: Beware the Jabberwock, My Son (2024)
A Return To Form
A show is only as good as its villains. "The Boys" demonstrated this perfectly in Season 3, which was arguably the best season so far. This success was largely due to the development of several characters into stronger and darker versions of themselves, alongside the introduction of the formidable Soldier Boy. Multiple well-developed villains added depth and intensity to the storyline, enhancing the overall quality of the season.
The makers of "The Boys" seem to have remembered and applied this formula in the latest episode of Season 4. Characters are being rapidly developed, becoming stronger and more complex. This has injected new life into the series, making it feel more action-packed and well-rounded. The eventual payoff this season promises to be epic.
This episode was filled with gore and manic action, staying true to the original brand of "The Boys." It's a delight to watch after a period of slower development. Homelander and Butcher, the opposite sides of a coin, have found their groove, reclaiming control of the narrative. Their interactions and the use of their shadow-selves make for compelling viewing.
The supporting characters have their intriguing side quests, but the show has skillfully ensured that the main plot remains at the forefront. Subplots involving A-Train, Ashley, Hughie, and Stan Edgar are the most compelling, hinting at exciting developments ahead. However, Kimiko and Frenchie's storyline seems to falter due to its over-reliance on past trauma. The show would benefit from adopting the 'show, not tell' approach for these characters.
The addition of returning characters is a cherry on top, though the Godolkin graduates could have been used more effectively. Nevertheless, the episode's high-energy action and humor make it a standout. The song choice at the end was top-notch, deserving full credit to the director.
Overall, this episode of "The Boys" is a return to form, delivering the intense, darkly humorous content that fans love. It's a promising indicator of an epic season ahead.
House of the Dragon: Rhaenyra the Cruel (2024)
Glorious Twin Showdown, masking a deathly slow pace
"House of the Dragon" continues its slow-burn storytelling, carefully crafting viewer allegiances while ensuring the other side isn't completely dehumanized.
The twin vs. Twin showdown is among the best scenes in "HOTD" so far. It showcases why the show excels when it focuses on actual conflict intertwined with the exposition of inner turmoil, rather than delaying action for emotional buildup.
A unique aspect of this episode is the portrayal of women in positions of power, with men like Daemon, Cole, and Otto wanting to wield authority through them. These men act as the enforcers for proxy rulers, highlighting a fascinating power dynamic.
Aemond's scenes are particularly poignant, revealing him as a boy out of his depth with deep-seated issues. His "mommy issues" are likely to be explored further, given the show's deliberate pacing.
One of the biggest merits and demerits of "HOTD" is its ability to make viewers pick sides, despite both factions being equally flawed and vain. This creates a sense of community among viewers and characters, making it easier to justify the worst acts committed by each side. This might explain the show's decision to cut down on gore, especially in the Blood and Cheese sequence, to prevent burying one side in irredeemability.
This approach contrasts sharply with "Game of Thrones," where the lack of a clear bilateral conflict meant fewer sides to pick. While viewers rooted for the Starks, the show offered much more than just their struggles. "HOTD" compels viewers to engage deeply with the characters and their complex, often dark, motivations.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
Bland and Formulaic
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" feels like a 2014 movie released in 2024. It boasts one of the most stacked (and jacked) casts in recent years but fails to deliver the promised fun.
Inspired by the glorious "Inglourious Basterds," one would expect this Guy Ritchie film to be fast-paced and action-packed from the get-go, with a generous sprinkling of cockney humor. However, the jokes are few and far between, the characters are cookie-cutter, and the plot is simplistic at best.
The cast tries to lift the movie with their charisma and screen presence, but they are bogged down by a weak plot and boring dialogue. The protagonists have all the fun, while the villain feels like an afterthought, making the film bland and uninteresting.
The Boys: Wisdom of the Ages (2024)
A return to form with diabolical delights
This is the quintessential "The Boys" episode that was missing in Season 4 so far. Every character is at their worst, in the best way possible.
Anthony Starr perfectly captures Homelander's trademark diabolical smile throughout the episode. He is rapidly moving towards transcending his human emotions and achieving his goal of total domination.
It's also smart what they've done with Butcher's character and health arc. Having him just resign and accept his fate didn't feel like the Butcher the show has built up. This episode changes the trajectory his character has taken since the seventh episode of Season 3, and I am all for it. Only Butcher, at his devious best, can be a true counterweight to Homelander, which the showmakers seemed to have forgotten in the previous few episodes.
Starlight and Firecracker are yin and yang. It would be interesting if the show gave Starlight more grey undertones to add depth and substance to their feud.
Hughie and Mother's Milk have been done a disservice by this new emphasis on past trauma, as their characters are unlikely to receive any substantial growth or screentime this season. However, what they do with Hughie's father will be very interesting to watch.
Overall, this is a fun episode through and through, with some despicable eye gore moments. This is what I expected the first episode of the season to be, but I guess better late than never.
The Boys: Life Among the Septics (2024)
Dark, Entertaining Dive into Trauma and Satire
The first three episodes of Season 4 pack a punch: the references are edgier, the writing is crisper, and the action is better choreographed and more gory than ever.
The music is exceptional, surpassing all previous seasons. Amazon has clearly pulled out all the stops to make this a blockbuster.
These episodes are parody at its finest, exploring the dark side of several social structures and playing it excellently for gags. The actors are all in their groove.
However, I have two minor nitpicks. Mother's Milk and Annie seem to have aged noticeably, whereas the others look as they did in Season 3. The first 10-15 minutes of the season are slightly disorienting because, while we are asked to jump right into the world of "The Boys," it has changed a lot.
Apart from these small issues, the show is smooth sailing and fun viewing.
Initially, I thought "The Boys" was about anti-fascism and the perils of hyper-capitalism. Then I saw it as a commentary on the current American political landscape, mixed with loads of parodies (which I personally loved).
But watching the three episodes today, I realized that this is a show about coming of age and childhood trauma, with the other layers added for cinematic appeal.
The show's core focus is on the past of all characters, with the underlying message that our past completely determines who we are. This is made clear in the interaction between Annie and Firecracker.
I expect this season and the subsequent ones to delve into the past trauma of all the main characters, with the groundwork already laid in these episodes. However, focusing on everyone's past may not be very exciting after a few episodes and could slow down the development of the main story.
There can only be so much exposition before it hampers the narrative.
Hit Man (2023)
A Fun, Forgettable Flick
"Hit Man" is a decent watch, much like a Domino's pizza-enjoyable but but nothing to write home about.
The plot is straightforward and one-dimensional. While the premise is fun, the jokes are too sparse. I didn't laugh out loud at any point, just had the occasional smile.
The classroom scenes felt like they existed solely for exposition and to drive home the movie's message. The overall screenplay would have been tighter with just the initial exposition, cutting the other classroom scenes, bringing the runtime to a crisp 90 minutes.
Overall, this is a decent one-time watch that will soon be forgotten in the sea of Netflix flicks.
On a side note, Adria Arjona is stunning! I couldn't take my eyes off her throughout the movie. It's secretly the reason I'm rating this 7 instead of 6.
The Fall Guy (2024)
Silly Fun!
Fun movie with a fantastic soundtrack and great stunts.
The premise is fairly simple, with slight undertones of meta reflection on the movie industry. While the reflection isn't particularly deep or novel, it adds just enough to keep the movie entertaining while paying homage to stuntmen and stuntwomen.
The film is well-cast and well-paced, with plenty of moments that will make everyone chuckle. Ryan Reynolds and Emily Blunt essentially play themselves, but it works perfectly for this movie. This approach allows the film to focus on the fun elements rather than character development.
Despite a couple of major plot holes, this is a fun family entertainer that can be enjoyed on both the big screen and at home. Just remember to turn up the volume.
The soundtrack is reminiscent of many classics. The studio clearly invested a lot in securing top-notch music, which greatly elevates the film and constantly reminds the audience to just have fun.
On a side note, Australia has become a go-to location for many big-budget Hollywood movies these days. However, it feels underutilized as most films only shoot around the Sydney Opera House. There's so much more to the continent, and I eagerly await a movie that captures its beauty more comprehensively.
Crew (2024)
Does what it sets out to do!
I would give it 6.5 stars if that option were available.
The trailers of "Crew" clearly indicate that the movie is a light-hearted, low-stakes film perfect for streaming. It fully delivers on that promise and is refreshing as a female-led multi-starrer produced in India.
The three leads, Tabu, Kareena, and Kriti, all play their parts well and complement each other beautifully. The characters are well-defined, and their motivations are clearly established.
While the climax is overly simplistic, it aligns with the film's light-hearted nature and short run-time. Overall, it's an entertaining one-time watch and stands out as one of the better offerings on Netflix India.
My only gripe with the movie is the costumes. It feels as if the leads have been intentionally hyper-sexualized, at least from the perspective of the Indian moviegoer. However, the costumes and dialogues never become crass or vulgar. The actresses exude class and charm, with just the right amount of oomph (which is always a plus).
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Decent movie, completely ruined by an awful 2nd half
"Furiosa" could have been an entirely watchable, action-packed movie if not for its last 30 minutes.
The film quickly grabs your attention by transporting you into the world of Mad Max, seen through the eyes of a young Furiosa. It peaks in the middle with her coming-of-age story but sharply declines in quality toward the climax.
Chris Hemsworth's presence is jarring throughout. His character's motivations are poorly explained, and he often seems to act merely to serve the plot.
Anya Taylor-Joy impresses with the limited screen time she has, but Alyla Browne and Charlee Fraser set a very high bar that the other actors struggle to reach.
The mention of the 40-day war feels like a throwaway detail, adding nothing to the plot. Major character deaths are glossed over, diminishing their impact.
The ending, which attempts to tie the movie to "Fury Road," feels disjointed and out of sync with the rest of the plot. This movie is best avoided. It's baffling how it received an 8 rating on IMDb.
The First Slam Dunk (2022)
Perfect foray into the world of manga!
This is the first manga movie I've watched as an adult, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction.
The emotional core of the story is tight and impactful, capturing the essence of a classic underdog tale. Ryo-chan's relationship with his elder brother is poignant and beautifully established.
While the movie is filled with the usual clichés of underdog sports stories, they don't detract from its quality. In fact, the film honors these clichés through its stunning art and powerful score.
My biggest issue with the movie, however, is that many character arcs are left unexplained. As a first-time viewer of the series, I felt like I missed out on various sub-plots and emotional beats.
Another minor gripe is the tendency of basketball movies to model their "maverick" characters after Dennis Rodman. Although this makes the character and his playstyle easier to understand, the feeling of it being a rip-off never quite fades away.
Sideways (2004)
Like the Pinot of Movies
Just like fine wine, this movie has hints of zest and aroma in an otherwise bitter liquid. I'm confident it will take on a life of its own, reaching its peak when the viewer reaches theirs.
The actors play their roles to perfection, and the score adds levity and flavor to the sorrow of Miles. The characters and sets feel authentic and lived-in.
My takeaway from the film is to be like Jack-full of levity and optimism. However, this comes at the cost of others, making him a lot like America: everyone wants to be America, despite its flaws.
The balance between the camaraderie and envy between the two friends is refreshing. Just because we are unhappy with ourselves doesn't mean we should resent our friends who seem to have it all together. However, as we see through the lens of Miles, this is easier said than done.
Match Point (2005)
Gripping Character Study
Make no mistake, Chris is the villain through and through, but in understanding and rooting for him, we realize that there's a Chris in all of us. This movie explores how much a person can embrace their inner Chris when the situation demands it.
It also delves into how most of us inevitably prioritize self-interest over our stated morals and how we rationalize those choices.
The movie is very well written and shot, offering a breath of fresh air in an often over-explored genre. The characters feel authentic and lived-in throughout. Few clichés are used, and the film avoids unnecessary sympathy.
Minor details are meticulously considered, and the foreshadowing is executed perfectly.
I watched this movie after reading reviews comparing it to "Challengers" (2024). Safe to say, those reviewers missed the mark. There are no real similarities, and this film is vastly superior overall.
Challengers (2024)
Flat and Confusing!
This movie is all over the place. In its attempt to be meta, it fails to deliver even a half-decent sports/love triangle story.
I'm all for films that require a re-watch (or multiple ones) to fully understand, but this one is just confusing. It's a gay love story that forgets it's supposed to be a gay love story.
The metaphors of tennis and Zendaya's character had potential to offer a fresh perspective, but the director opted for an over-complicated and muddled plot. If this is what appeals to "young audiences," then I'm certainly not among them.
For a movie that tries to exude sensuality, they should have cast more attractive actors. None of the main cast stands out in the looks department, in my opinion.
On the plus side, the wardrobe is spot on. The number of brand sponsors is impressive, as seen in the costumes and design. But why they chose to sponsor this messy film is anyone's guess.
The only aspect I enjoyed was the electronic background score. It added some much-needed energy to the otherwise dull scenes.
Election (1999)
Fun movie, subverts genre expectations!
Having watched countless American high school movies, I've always been intrigued by the lives of the stereotypical characters portrayed. This film offers a fresh perspective on these familiar archetypes - the overachiever, the jock, and the frustrated teacher.
It delves beneath the surface of these characters, revealing their motivations through cleverly crafted inner monologues. The result is a funny and charming film that keeps you engaged throughout.
However, the focus on the genitalia of museum artifacts in the ending scenes felt unnecessary and detracted from an otherwise enjoyable experience. It's a shame because it makes it hard to recommend the movie to family audiences.
Despite this, the film remains a light, breezy watch with low stakes, perfect for any time viewing.
Madgaon Express (2024)
India's "Hangover" - Fast, Fun, and Funny
"Madgaon Express" is a rollercoaster of fun from start to finish!
This film brings a breath of fresh air with its solid cast, clever dialogue, and crisp editing. It stands out from the crowd of formulaic Hindi movies we've seen lately.
The boys lead the charge with their infectious energy and spot-on comedic timing. The supporting cast nails their roles, adding to the movie's charm. While some aspects of Goan culture may be stereotypical, they're portrayed with humor and authenticity.
From start to end, there's never a dull moment, thanks to the lively background score and sharp editing.
Kunal Khemu proves he's not just a talented actor but also a promising director. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
Bollywood has been lacking in good comedies lately, and "Madgaon Express" fills that gap perfectly. However, its underwhelming performance at the box office reflects the audience-created divide between content-driven and commercial cinema. Hopefully, this trend changes soon.
Arthur the King (2024)
Full of heart, yet nothing new!
I usually avoid trailers and spoilers before watching a movie, but with this one, even the poster hinted at a heart-wrenching story. Discovering it was based on real events hit me even harder.
Dogs are just too precious, and movies like this always tug at the heartstrings. While it may not reach the emotional depth of classics like "A Dog's Journey" and "Hachiko," it still manages to make you care about the characters.
Considering it's based on true events, there might not have been much room for story changes. However, I felt the human characters could've been more developed. For instance, the hiker girl revealing her father's cancer right before the race felt like a cheap way to evoke sympathy.
Even Mark Wahlberg's character felt a bit underdeveloped. It's a classic case of "show, don't tell." Simply mentioning his emotional drivers through exposition didn't quite cut it and lessened the impact of his character growth.
I think the movie could have benefited from being slightly longer to establish the stakes more firmly and give the dog more screen time in the first half.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
This is how you do a Godzilla movie!
I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Gojira -1.0 for months, and it lived up to my expectations. This movie truly captures the essence of Godzilla's lore and reflects the deep scars left on post-war Japan's psyche.
Before watching it, I used to see Godzilla as a symbol of human helplessness against nature's unstoppable forces. But after watching it, I know that it is a story of undying human spirit despite insurmountable odds. It is a tale of human grit and the inherent value of life. Truly heartwarming and reinvigorating!
Despite having a fairly straightforward plotline, the movie is excellently shot and crafted. The director's understanding and appreciation of the source material shine through, bringing out the nuances of the lore.
The cast, background score, and emotional underpinnings all elevate the final product. I only wish I could have experienced it in theaters.
Comparing it to Godzilla vs. Kong highlights the importance of grounded, impactful human stories in cinema. This movie serves as a reminder that mainstream cinema should move beyond mere entertainment and embrace more meaningful narratives.
Monkey Man (2024)
This monkey has no new tricks up its sleeves.
"Monkey Man" feels like a mash-up of familiar elements from various movies and documentaries. Its action scenes seem borrowed from classic Thai films like "Ong Bak," while its cinematography echoes the style of John Wick and Nobody. The storyline resembles those cheesy 80s Hollywood or 90s Bollywood movies led by a single hero, and its messaging reminds one of documentaries that paint India in a negative light.
The use of Zakir Hussain's tabla music in the training montage adds a touch of interest, but the overall background score feels disjointed and inconsistent, especially during action scenes set in the red light area.
The villains are stereotypical, the hero lacks depth, and the narrative structure is overly simplistic.
It's disappointing that Dev Patel's directorial debut didn't bring anything fresh to the table.