Movie Review: 'The Monkey': A Critical Look

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 22, 2025

4.1

Share

Movie Review: 'The Monkey King' – A Critical Look

A visually stunning but narratively uneven adaptation of the classic Chinese legend.

LOS ANGELES – Netflix's latest foray into animation, "The Monkey King," boasts breathtaking visuals and a charismatic lead performance, yet ultimately falters under the weight of a somewhat rushed and uneven narrative. While the film successfully captures the spirit of the classic Chinese epic, its attempts to condense centuries of lore into a single feature-length film leave certain plot points underdeveloped and some characters feeling underdeveloped.

The film follows the mischievous Monkey King (voiced by the excellent Steven Yeun) as he escapes from imprisonment under the tyrannical Dragon King. His journey leads him to discover his true destiny—a destiny that intertwines with the fate of a young girl, Lin (Josie Ho), and her quest to reunite with her estranged father. The animation style is a stunning blend of traditional Chinese art and modern CGI techniques. The vibrant colours, fluid animation, and imaginative creature designs are truly captivating, making "The Monkey King" a visual feast for the eyes. The fight sequences are particularly impressive, blending dynamic choreography with the fantastical elements of the source material.

Yeun delivers a captivating performance as the Monkey King, perfectly balancing the character's arrogant swagger with his underlying vulnerability and surprising capacity for selflessness. He imbues the iconic character with a modern sensibility while retaining the essence of the legendary figure. Ho, as Lin, provides a grounding element to the story, offering a relatable human perspective amidst the fantastical events unfolding around her. However, the supporting cast, while visually impressive, often feels somewhat underutilized, with several characters introduced and then quickly discarded without sufficient development.

While the film successfully incorporates elements of the classic tale, such as the Monkey King's acquisition of his legendary staff and his battles against various celestial beings, the narrative pacing often feels uneven. The film attempts to cram a significant amount of plot into its runtime, resulting in some plot points feeling rushed and underdeveloped. The relationship between the Monkey King and Lin, though central to the plot, could have benefited from more nuanced exploration to build a stronger emotional connection for the audience. Certain key events feel abruptly resolved, leaving the viewer wanting more depth and emotional impact.

Despite these narrative shortcomings, "The Monkey King" remains an entertaining and visually spectacular film. The animation is undeniably stunning, and Yeun's charismatic performance elevates the film above its narrative flaws. It’s a film that will undoubtedly captivate younger audiences and provide a visually stunning introduction to the classic tale for those unfamiliar with it. For those deeply familiar with the epic, however, the film’s condensed narrative might feel somewhat unsatisfying, leaving them wanting a more thorough exploration of the rich source material.

Verdict: A visually stunning animation with a charismatic lead performance, but hampered by a somewhat rushed and uneven narrative. Recommended for its visuals and introduction to the classic tale, but those seeking a more in-depth adaptation may find it somewhat lacking. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.