Monkey Man Movie Review - Dev Patel 2024

[@mcharlton67]

I disagree, I loved this film. "Monkey Man" is a frenetically chaotic film, rooted in a classic revenge plot set against an oppressive regime. The action is fantastic-it's Bruce Lee meets John Wick meets "The Karate Kid," surprisingly enough-and the camerawork left me overstimulated by the time the credits rolled. What sets "Monkey Man" above other films of this type is the narrative, and Patel can take this style of film and integrate it into the context of the political culture and climate of India. I love the integration of the caste system into the story and, more importantly, the way the film humanizes the Dalit class. The protagonist's motive is a byproduct of real-world issues, which gives this action film much more depth than most.

[@Aman-kq7lx]

I think caste system is just over potrayed in Hollywood It is not much seen in India now

[@pokytheturtle1757]

EXACTLY. Totally agree with EVERYTHING you just said. It’s a shame more people can’t see that.

[@sarathmanoj04mytube]

Caste system is long gone from India and extreme poverty is leas than 10-15%. I don't know why western media only emphasizes these things when portraying India.

[@JaipurDelhi1]

​@@sarathmanoj04mytube bro cast system bhut hi gatiya chiz hai India me or usse sath reservation 😭

[@the1nonlyani]

As an Indian this does not take away from representation at all!! I’m so proud of dev & for the Indians fighting for more equality through different avenues art, politics etc

[@rishavrai99999]

According to hollywood- Poor people just don't laugh😅

[@evanalvarez27]

Imma have to disagree grace, I felt that the emotional arc made the final fight scenes so much more satisfying. Very decent movie for a first time director.

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

WOM hasn’t been great for this movie. I’m on the fence if I see it in cinemas or wait for streaming 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@miguelitoreyes5514]

​@JezzaBondiBeach huh? The film is reviewing very well and the conversation about it on Twitter is skewing positive. WOM is 100% favorable

[@Zahmed73]

Yea it’s a mix response, probably wait for streaming

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

@@Zahmed73 that’s what I’m going to do. Cheers mate

[@sarathmanoj04mytube]

​@@JezzaBondiBeachyou ignore all comments correcting you and agree with the comment that supports your view. You were not in the fence, you had already made the decision.

[@tylerdurden5555555]

“Is there an audience for a thinking man’s action movie?”- yes there is a big audience for it.. I found this an unbelievable statement!!

[@HisNameWasCrazy]

I've watched a lot of Indian movies since RRR and have noticed many of them focus on how much political and systemic corruption takes place there - one of Shah Rukh Khan's (one of India's biggest stars) most recent films Jawan for example seems like just an over the top action heist movie but turns into a secret Rock The Vote movie, straight up admonishing the public for continuously voting the wrong people into office and allowing the terrible conditions most Indians have to face to continue - worth a watch on Netflix. Indian movies feel like pure escapism, but Indian audiences aren't as afraid to deal with the harsh realities of where they live as you might think.

[@drg598]

India is the fastest growing economy in the world rt now Modi is doing great for his country I hv heard from my Indian friends here in UK that his approval ratings r at all time high And modi though right wing has done good job on infrastructure,education and security of his country!

[@HisNameWasCrazy]

@@drg598 oh I'm very much an outsider, just going based what I've seen in the films.

[@vivekchoudhary9301]

Srk is pathetic actor

[@K-qq3ku]

​@@vivekchoudhary9301do anyone know about your existence? Srk is world famous, now who looks more pathetic the one who is world famous or the one who is sitting around the corner, have nothing to do with this world and commenting against the world famous superstar? I guess you already know the answer

[@y9gq37]

Small size? Are you kidding, Grace? Dev Patel is 6 foot 2.

[@thats_suber]

I think she means skinny

[@y9gq37]

@@thats_suber then why not say that? She has the vocabulary.

[@sophiag612]

@@y9gq37dude you knew what she meant 😂 stop nitpicking. Also if he’s fighting 6’2+ guys then he would be smaller than them despite him being taller than average.

[@Sheed96]

she probably one of those people that doesn't want to offend ppl with certain words like it matters

[@justinsanchez8918]

In every Jackie Chan movie he starts from the bottom he's the underdog and never wins every fight until the end

[@vedsave2654]

as an indian, we do have a big problem with wealth disparity. honestly, if the movie's true to the issue, we shouldn't have any problem with it. still really looking forward to the film though!

[@drg598]

Wealth disparity doesn't mean that it is stolen by a chunk

[@juxtrambo]

Wealth disparity happens in every country

[@chakkra69]

Grace has a weird obsession with "positive representation" as if there aren't awful people and awful places in every country of the world.

[@aryaman98]

@@chakkra69 Exactly! and from personal experience - There are a lot of bad people in India

[@kyleb8655]

I LOVED this movie.

[@KevinAccetta]

Idk anything about the movie, but Grace, emotions aren't inherently bad for anything lol Just cuz it's an action movie doesn't mean it can't have an emotional protagonist

[@pokytheturtle1757]

Grace has an aversion to emotion. I love her and have been following her for years, but the “emotions = bad” mentality she has when it comes to film is weird and something that has always irked me.

[@rpreciado331]

Completely disagree!! This movie was awesome. Will definitely rewatch it soon

[@prometheuse6318]

Lol. I have to disagree. 😂😂😂 I loved the film.

[@fraac]

oldboy is the thinking man's action movie

[@yrs6086]

I'm from India and I'm there with you Grace. This movie won't fly well here. It seems to take the common route that Hollywood makes when depicting India. People won't connect with this.

[@treblelatrice926]

Went to see it yesterday and I enjoyed it! I did walk out thinking others may not appreciate this movie the way it was put together...sadly. I loved the emotionally driven fighter. The scene when he was triggered and had a panic attack and had to leave for the alley where he met the dog, and the dog made him feel better? I LOVED THAT!! I hope he gets More Work!!!

[@BeyondTheTrailer]

Actually, he was nice to the dog to train it to smuggle the gun into the club. But I'm glad you enjoyed the movie!

[@treblelatrice926]

I agree, Grace, maybe later, but not initially. When the girl said if you keep.feeding the dog he'll keep coming back... that might have given him the idea. But he was just giving the dog food at first

[@writemishal]

saewha if it is banned in India how can it be hated by the audience?

[@eloybeugelink]

"Mediocre movie?" 😮 The day has arrived; Grace and I didn't share the same opinion about a movie 😂 Cheers to that. Because that's the magic of movies!

[@jonathanrios3214]

It shouldn’t matter if you have different opinions about movies but about listening to eachothers different opinions about movies. Movies are subjective

[@HassanHamid]

I don't understand what you mean when you say its a problem when the character work and their emotional journey is the focus of the movie. Like isn't the point of film and art in general to make you care and feel things for characters? An action movie prioritising character work whilst still having action sounds great???

[@TheToucanSAM]

Saw the movie last night in dolby and let me say I had a blast and respect Dave Patel as an upcoming director. I enjoyed the journey Dave’s character had to go through to become the monkey man. I believe, this is one of the better action movies that have come out since the start of the action movie revival that John Wick started. 👍

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

WOM hasn’t been great for this movie. I’m on the fence if I see it in cinemas or wait for streaming 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheToucanSAM]

@@JezzaBondiBeach I’d suggest seeing it in theaters, the big screen makes a difference. Maybe go on discount Tuesday if you’re still hesitant.

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

@@TheToucanSAM cheers mate

[@WinedandDined27]

His name is Dev, not Dave, lol.

[@kenlawson3336]

I absolutely loved the movie! It was well done and dynamic. I plan to see it again. One of the best movies I have ever seen and I love movies!

[@VickyPrakash931]

I saw it in dolby cinema last night and it was a 7/10 for me. Movie was made for 10mi and dev delivers and it shows on screen it was made with love and passion. Its a lot better than big budgets Hollywood movies nowadays.

[@kimmarose]

Respectfully Grace, Monkey Man was phenomenal.

[@Mr.N0.0ne]

I think you might find it helpful to look up the difference between a subjective opinion and an objective fact, just to make sure you understand.

[@pokytheturtle1757]

@@Mr.N0.0neYou might need to do the same. Funny how Grace can give her subjective opinion but commenters apparently can’t give theirs, in your view.

[@MaxxRemKing1]

Chappie is an underrated movie I still think about it sometimes today. So glad I watched it in a theater

[@xBLiiDz]

Chappie always stuck with me too

[@michaelantonyaustin]

District 9 was so good any film afterwards was always going to be compared and criticised. Chappie is actually a decent enough 3/5* movie. Although Die Antwoord were a mistake…

[@mk6rfc1]

Everyone keeps going it’s Indian John Wick but even though it’s referenced in the movie, I don’t think it’s going for that vibe, so if you go into the movie expecting that I think you’re gonna be disappointed. Dev even said he was more influenced by Korean revenge films and this movie has more sociopolitical issues than the standard action movie so I don’t think it’s even a “John Wick clone”. Also just cos it’s not a home run, doesn’t mean he should just give up on directing, he can easily improve on further entries

[@CoffeeMonk-f6p]

It doesn't. It's not 'Indian' John Wick at all.

[@codyprice2616]

Dev did the best with what he had to work with his circumstances he had to go through. His equipment kept breaking and was getting close to the deadline so they had to finish the rest of filming from their phones, and had to adjust and adapt the film and the script entirely from the equipment that was available that they had to use. If they would not have had all the technical issues, probably would’ve been better and a deeper film.

[@jaidoncrawford1163]

Gonna have to disagree I think the film is straight 🔥

[@Josh-js5ho]

Saw this last night. I was quite impressed.

[@matthewschutter6832]

I look forward to this film. I read an interview with Patel about the making of this and the challenges he had making it due to it being filmed during the pandemic. He had to get crafty with switching countries to film in. The extras and small roles you see in the film are the actual crew for the film. He's a first time director but these factors he talked about may have impacted the final product and its budget. I still want to watch this. Btw, go see The Green Knight that Patel starred in if you have not. What are you waiting for. Its fantastic.

[@justinrunge]

Grace! I just want to thank you for your reviews, which truly feel unaffected by other critics or by the general discourse. I haven't seen this movie, but I'm excited to and still plan to catch it in theaters - it just feels like a movie worth supporting. But your points about actors directing themselves, particularly in their first directorial outing, are smart and informed by examples - not just some gut-level opinion. And your lack of hesitation to bemoan the emphasis on emotionality seems authentic to you, but in a way, confirms some of the aspects of the movie I'm interested in. You're also always willing to admit where your knowledge or awareness stops instead of ignorantly charging ahead with an uninformed take. Anyway! Just an appreciation from a long-time viewer.

[@Theinfamouskiki411]

I love bleak! Bring the bleak😂 dev patel is so handsome!!❤ and all the wonderful actresses

[@treblelatrice926]

I'm saying... I love that he was emotionally driven and triggered throughout the film and had to work his way through all of that.

[@Navin4061]

Don't even compare the Trans community in India to the Trans community/LGBTQ in the West. It's entirely different.

[@deoro9259]

I think Monkey Man is way overhyped. I’m seeing 10/10’s, phenomenal, masterpiece, and what not. Those are huge words. Although it’s not a horrible film, the style wasn’t for me.

[@glent7853]

It was great, but there was a 10 minute action scene that was unwatchable because of the hand cam, and the closeup action

[@moondevell]

People don't need to agree on everything. She doesn't need to love a movie just because everyone does.

[@AftermathSpectre]

I disagree with Grace. Npt every movie is going to be genre breaking. It had a hero's journey. Thats why he becomes more badass as it goes on. He's not trying to solve all India's problems just highlighting them.

[@joelvillasalas4052]

Usually agree with Grace but I’m going to say I strongly disagree here! This is a great film with actually a really unique take! For the 2 reasons she listed I feel like those two things empowered the movie and I felt like alluded to a lot of historical and cultural thing about India! Love your videos Grace

[@wilmerjimenez120]

I loved that movie, felt artistic, felt real, felt expensive.

[@charlesgrimes6245]

Completely disagree this film was awesome and had so many layers. And i love that this film didn’t shy away from exploring corruption. It was so unapologetic and gritty.

[@yesiare3057]

I was looking forward to this review until I saw Grace reaction face in the thumbnail 😭 but I’ll still give this film a chance and watch it!

[@steve17630]

It definitely has a few moments, but it was 80% a good movie!

[@IndoManiac90]

You should still go and watch the movie, most reviews are highly positive and I completely disagree with Grace here

[@Melancthon7332]

Grace's taste has always been suspect, you shouldn't take her word as law

[@OcularAMVs]

You completely missed the point of so much of this movie. Probably the biggest disagreement I’ve had with you on a movie.

[@SinSationNation]

I always appreciate the objectivity in your reviews regardless if you are a fan or not of the show or movie you are reviewing 😊

[@DigontoZahid-lc7kt]

Lmao😂😂😂😂

[@bitter_piano]

Dev Patel is not even Indian, Represented India as a stereotypical Westerner.

[@bralynstokes9193]

I like the fight sequences! I don't think he was supposed to come off as a highly trained fighter. I like the underdog style and energy of the fights.

[@remixisthis]

I saw the movie last night and liked it. It could be tighter, but it was a really fun and loose film that had no hesitation trying out a bunch of different ideas, reminding me of kinetic 90s and early 2000s indie films like Run Lola Run, Oldboy, etc. It doesn't go to those heights, but it's much better than the glut of overly sanitized and play-it-safe films out nowadays.

[@vikrd]

saw it yesterday. still feeling the adrenaline rush. thank yourself you dont review films for a living or clicks and go to the theatre.

[@MatthewDay-le8ph]

I'm more than disagree I just know she is a perfect example of why we love this movie so much

[@Thebearmre7]

I would listen to interview of dev and understand how insane the production horror show. Maybe might change your view

[@lanalan4157]

It's banned in India lol

[@YearRoundHibernater]

Of course they have, why is that a 'lol' statement? banning art because it criticises the ruling classes is fascism at work, it's not really a laughing matter

[@drg598]

Not banned...it will release on April 19th

[@AS-ri1mb]

@@YearRoundHibernaterchill out. There’s nothing lanalan4157 can do about it…

[@the1nonlyani]

Says everything about the extremists parading about as politicians

[@govinddas7876]

@@YearRoundHibernater even worse is the misinformation you people gobble up like gospel. Its not banned, it releases late April.

[@clsrocks007]

the production had major issues during covid....so that led to lot of major challenges....

[@GeekLegionofDoom]

Miss. If you count straight to VOD their are so many movies like this

[@catenystrom6506]

CLEARLY you didn't understand all the various threads weaved through this movie. It was EPIC, original, thrilling and I can't wait to see it again. You failed BIG TIME on this one.

[@sonicsnake44]

I enjoyed the Money Man but there was a surprising amount of shaky cam going on.

[@ronniedeezy4831]

MAN GRACE HAIR ON FIRE SHES BEEN KILLING IT

[@randomthoughtreviews3101]

😂😂😂

[@treblelatrice926]

Yesss!!!

[@MarEXksz]

Nah fr, I think she's going to a new salon or something her makeup and hair have been SOOPERRB

[@ronniedeezy4831]

@@MarEXksz whatever it is she's been killing it

[@Sanj1n]

I was waiting for this review since I watched the trailer with you. I love your honest reviews. That’s why your reviews are always the first ones I check. Thank you Grace.

[@TechWeLove]

I'm seeing Monkey Man on Sunday. So excited.

[@megav5722]

I am from India and I must clear the misconceptions about caste system in India. Yes there is in rural areas but we have come a long way towards equality through policies and society in general moving on. Also caste system does not only belong to Hindu community, you can be a Muslim, Christian or Sikh and still have the same caste system. But this movie says caste system is everywhere in India is like saying every white American is Racist today . That's obviously not true, the last embers of racism or castism left shouldn't be inflamed in my opinion. Majority of us are good people striving for equality and a better life. And not having one single representation of them in this movie is malicious or plain ignorant.

[@drg598]

So true

[@bigodeproduction]

I felt this dealt more with the holy wars that occur in India more so than caste systems though still a theme.

[@MuhammadNasir-gq7vp]

Nice joke it's the Era of social media it's crystal clear for very one they can see what's going on in India from one continent another you guys are narrowing down land to non Hindu communities

[@pokytheturtle1757]

The main character was literally a representation of fighting for equality and a better life for the people that have been oppressed…

[@megav5722]

​@@pokytheturtle1757Sure but the society he is around has not one level headed man? Are you joking

[@writemishal]

4:44 Completely Disagree. Action with Emotion is everything. I think the reason John Wick was amazing was because there was an emotional of loss and rage in the movies. Just my opinion tho

[@Maruchiru]

They should have put it straight into the streaming.

[@maxerinjames]

Mostly the same? What about the sense of community? How many action movies have that. of course the trans community and being unapologetically Indian. There is nothing new under the sun, it's about innovation and this movie gives that. The revenge trope is the same in revenge movies. It's everything else that will make one movie stand out over the other...and the action.

[@rustinweiner2568]

the title for the first time stamp was bad enough but it kept getting worse, respectfully Grace I don't think you know what makes for a good action movie ❤

[@SoloAdventureDiva]

I am still going 😂 thanks for the warning though 😊🎉

[@TheMovieTeaser]

Lol she was hyping this movie up for weeks before she saw it

[@vibhormahajan7360]

This movie is set in India with mostly Indian cast but it's not for majority of Indians because they just cannot connect with the main protagonist who despite living in poverty can speak English in a British accent and doesn't choose to speak his the native Indian languages like hindi or Marathi ( native language spoken in Mumbai) I mean last year Past lives came and the characters spoke their respective languages according to the situation And for the representation part I think Dev Patel doesn't get out of the Slumdog Millionaire Zone and thought I'd take the dirtiest and the most filthy place to shoot the film Again not the other audiences will find this flaw also good for him for much pain he endured to get this movie made but I think this must be addressed too But for us it is a fatal flaw

[@DankwaBrooks]

10:17 I absolutely loved ASHWINI KALSEKAR as “Queenie”. The other actors you mentioned were really good too.

[@eshep2943]

honestly, i had a hard time even watching this review. basically everything she said was fairly off point.

[@izzyg7922]

sorry but not sorry, this is one of the worst takes i’ve seen about this movie. how dare you call this movie mediocre.

[@ivansantander9177]

If Grace doesn't like this movie, I'm sure I'll love it!!!

[@Sanj1n]

I love your honest reviews. I’ll still give a try to this movie, however I do appreciate your thoughts and recommendations.

[@chakkra69]

Grace has a weird obsession with "positive representation" as if there aren't awful people and awful places in every country of the world.

[@govinddas7876]

this is the only representation of India in Hollywood, so yes there needs to be more of a nuetral approach. If Hollywood made every other movie in India, ofcourse awful representation is fine, but thats not the case

[@sebsandford]

I loved this movie so much, I saw an early screening of it 3 days before the actual release! I thought it nearly looked like Bollywood’s version of John wick!!!

[@kasim7509]

You might be right on the money about it being too bleak. Because so many Indians hate Slumdog Millionaire because that film caused so many westerners to see that as their only reference to what India is like. And Dev Patel being in both of them isn't going to help this film's case either.

[@mk6rfc1]

He was also in that Aussie film Lion which was quite bleak

[@kasim7509]

@@mk6rfc1 never heard of that one, yeah he might have the indian audiences turn on him (if they haven't already)

[@mk6rfc1]

Think it’s came out around 2016/17, himself and the film got nominated for a bunch of awards

[@trembly8789]

Grace was not convinced about Patel's fighting abilities because of his size. Maybe now she can understand why some people are turned off by female superhero movies where a 5'2 woman beats up a 6'5 man.

[@shreyvaghela3963]

hahaha

[@_TRON_]

The movie is great you mentioned Roadhouse that movie was a let down with over acting over the top unrealistic action. Monkey Man has so many gems.

[@randpherigo9724]

Saw it last night.. Id give it a 4 out of 5

[@SoSzaj]

My biggest problem with Grace is she always trying to prove things are all wonderful, and positive. Girl, it’s a proper jungle here. There ain’t nothing good in the world when you’re poor. Hard reality checks for you? Much needed.

[@inigomontoya4032]

It's a great movie. Far more entertaining than any of your videos.

[@youlknowmyname]

Matrix is probably the thinking man's action movie.

[@claire786]

I have to disagree Grace! I loved this movie! The symbolism, story and such gritty action were so impressive for a budget of less than 10 million dollars! Only thing I would change is the song in the big ensemvle fight near the end.

[@JScottGaribay]

Brilliant breakdown of the issues of this film. I saw it and wanted to support Dev Patel - but you nailed the problems here. Crushing it, Grace! Thank you for the excellent review.

[@aryaman98]

So what?? Generic movies can still be great!

[@rl8259]

No they cant kinda defeats the generic point a generic movie is the definition of mid.

[@Theinfamouskiki411]

Sure can. Gorilla vs Kong was generic to me

[@pika2031]

Most Marvel movies are generic, and she loved it. Maybe this movie has some issues based on reviews from others.

[@daethomas716]

I'll avoid the criticisms & mention how GOOD YOUR HAIR LOOKS LATELY! someone figured out how to do a blowout all by themselves & I LOVE it 😍 it looks stun here

[@ghanimaatreides5889]

You're looking great with your new HD camera, Grace! And your hair is slaaaaaaaaying me! :)

[@hrithikdluffy1310]

I'm from India & I've no interest in watching this movie. And it probably won't get a theatrical release here.

[@writemishal]

good job?

[@stevecatanio8532]

I like the red font.

[@PedroPedro-yx4vp]

I bet Clint Eastwood may say otherwise 😅😅

[@smilingwisdom]

Sadly I have to wait for it to come out on DVD or on streaming. My local theater is not showing it in English... and I ain't gonna watch it in German. So I have to wait. But this movie is a must-watch to me.

[@MatthewDay-le8ph]

LOL LOL LOL and oh yeah LOL if you didn't know this means I am laughing thank you for the entertainment much appreciated

[@eddiep118]

Another bad take from Grace. What else is new? 😂😂

[@PathOfRage]

I was wondering...is this movie gonna be released in India...there's a... consensus about certain lifestyles in that part of the world. The India release is in a limbo state...they'll often force an edit...curious how that's gonna play out...

[@SumanjitMoshat]

Indian audience doesn't have any issues. You are the one who had issues with good underdog movies.

[@uncola6028]

I liked Monkey Man more than Grace, but I too was disappointed. It's good but not great. They could have made the fight scenes a lot bigger and more inventive. Maybe having a proven director would have allowed them to get the budget for those bigger fight scenes

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

I’m hearing this movie isn’t that great. I’ll wait for streaming !

[@brianj436]

You can never believe the hype from any of these film festivals everybody there is either drunk or high.

[@iamRJ_1997]

This movie is going to expose the caste system among hindus and corruption in politics . In india, the Poor stays poor and politicians using 'religion' as a tool ( instead of a better lifestyle/development for the country ) to gather votes. As an Indian, i demand equal importance to everyone whether you're a low class or wealthy person . But we know that it's not going to change sooner 🤦🏻‍♂️.

[@shreyvaghela3963]

Isn't that true about most countries. Lol.

[@drg598]

Caste system is in every rlgn in India Do u know abt syeds in India?

[@drg598]

Get a l.i.f.e

[@govinddas7876]

among Hindus? You do realize that caste is an Indian thing and not a Hindu thing right?

[@iamRJ_1997]

@@govinddas7876 I'm Indian and i don't care about this caste BS. I only care about equal importance to every citizen whether you're Rich or poor.

[@lestatli]

I just wacht it. I love it ❤️. Sometimes I don't get Grace at all.

[@TheElixir007]

Grace will note the intense disagreement in the towel section down here.

[@MonteBurns1234]

I'm surprised Grace doesn't like it. I watch alot of movie critic channels and it's getting rave reviews.

[@isaaclopez-eb6yg]

I just love that Dev Patel said Trans Rights in this case Tran's Fights!

[@thanethane-c8j]

I dont like that uncensored scenes in this film.

[@daniellee2037]

no, it's great on a 10 mil budget and all the hard work and blood and broken bones, Jordan Peele liked it so much he got the rights to release to theater!

[@Thajoshiboy]

Grace you hair loooks amazing 😍

[@PathOfRage]

The pressure campaign doesnt always work 😂...but it did this time, for those wanting a Monkey Man review. BUT it probably didnt get the result that was expected 😂😂