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Monkey Man Review
Not only does Dev Patel star in Monkey Man but it is his directorial debut and also boasts a co-writing credit!
Dev Patel plays a downtrodden young man living in the slums of a fictional Indian city named Yatana. Known only as ‘Kid’ he scrapes together a meager living being beaten by more popular fighters in a rigged underground fighting club. Kid fights under the moniker of ‘Monkey Man’ whilst wearing a gorilla mask. Using his finely honed street smarts Kid infiltrates an elite private club populated by the city’s most powerful people.
We follow Kid as he climbs up the levels of corruption; to face not only the evil government syndicate but his own traumatic past.
Having only seen Patel in comedic roles such as; SKINS, David Copperfield, and Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender (unintentionally comedic perhaps?) it was a revelation to see him in a serious role. Since Monkey Man uses dialogue so sparsely, it was impressive how Patel portrayed an individual with severe trauma and rage simmering just below the surface. Not to mention the extreme physical prowess and transformation Patel displays throughout the movie. The numerous fight scenes (although extremely gory) are beautifully choreographed to an amazing soundtrack by Jed Kurzel. Worth mentioning is the film’s strategic use of mirrors. Kid and his trauma are reflected back at him letting the audience know he can’t hide from who he is, or who he is to become.
It’s not just the fight scenes, the entire movie is beautifully stylized with the use of color and movement. Juxtaposition is used artfully throughout. With the gritty realness and griminess of the intricate fight scenes. Much like the deprivation of the city slums juxtaposed with the luminous skyscrapers.
There are so many running themes throughout the narrative. The opening scene tells the story of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god who grasps the sun believing it to be a juicy mango. Subsequently, Hanuman is punished by the gods. Kid’s story mirrors that of Hanuman’s. Even the monkey grasping the sun could be seen as foreshadowing the reason for the severe scarring on Kid’s hands.
Patel himself (who grew up in London, UK) recalled spending his childhood “ashamed” (Aryan P, 2024) of his “Indianness”(Aryan P, 2024). Using Monkey Man he, like his protagonist Kid, reclaims a part of himself. Before creating the film Patel said he was going to “double down and triple down on the culture in every single way” (Aryan P, 2024). The movie is drenched in South Asian influences from the Bollywood-inspired score to the sociopolitical commentary. These influences are magnified in my personal favorite scene in the movie. Kid is rebuilding his strength by punching a basmati rice punchbag. Patel doubled down on the cultural influence with the use of a Bhangra call and response, a style of music and dance from South Asia. The kid punches the basmati bag while another character serenades his movements on the tabla (Indian hand drums). There is no other way to describe this scene but ‘cool’. Patel definitely fulfilled his promise of making Indian culture cool and exciting.
It’s hard to believe this is Patel’s first time in the director’s chair. The movie is expertly directed with its visceral power. When Kid emerges from the river, his hero’s journey truly begins. The frame immediately clears as the audience rises from the river with Kid. The neon haziness and grime from the previous scenes are gone. The audience feels like it can finally take a deep breath as we are treated to beautiful shots of the overarching Indian forest. Kid has returned to his roots.
Being a white western person I can’t quite appreciate all of the cultural nuance and social commentary. Patel remarked he made the movie for people who look like him and people who don’t (Aryan P, 2024) Monkey Man has many universal truths weaving through the narrative that makes it a satisfying watch for everyone.
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Movie Review: Devara Part 1 (Streaming on Netflix)
Devara Part 1 dives deep into the heart of coastal India, merging high-stakes action with rich, emotional storytelling. Directed by Koratala Siva, this movie delivers both visually arresting cinematography and a gritty, dramatic narrative that examines the impact of power, loyalty, and revenge. The film stars Jr. NTR as Devara, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both in pivotal roles. With its mix of action, suspense, and drama, Devara has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.
The film is set in a fictional coastal region, where Devara, played by Jr. NTR, emerges as a man caught in the crossfire of a world rife with ambition and betrayal. The narrative pivots around land issues and the power struggles within the community, which expose Devara’s journey from a common man to a feared figure within his circle. Saif Ali Khan’s antagonist is a complex and calculated character whose machinations add depth to the storyline, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict with Devara.
The film uses classic Bollywood tropes of revenge and honor but explores them through a modern lens. Devara’s journey is marked by his raw emotional drive and relentless courage, and the character’s depth makes him a gripping protagonist. Janhvi Kapoor adds a softer, more vulnerable counterbalance as Devara’s love interest, providing relief amid the film’s intensity.
Jr. NTR shines in the title role, embodying Devara with both intensity and vulnerability. His transformation into this hardened figure is subtle and believable, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles. Saif Ali Khan, as the antagonist, is charismatic yet menacing, bringing layers to his role that make him much more than a standard villain. Janhvi Kapoor, while not the primary focus, delivers a grounded performance, effectively conveying the emotional depth needed in a film as intense as this.
One of the strongest elements of Devara Part 1 is its cinematography. Siva and his team bring the coastal setting to life, with expansive shots that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the landscape’s natural colors and textures, lending authenticity to the story. The high-quality production value, along with the tight pacing and impressive action sequences, ensures that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Korotala Siva’s direction keeps the narrative’s emotional core intact while focusing on action and drama. The way he layers tension and reveals character motives adds a degree of realism rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
At its core, Devara is about the moral complexities that arise when survival and loyalty collide. It tackles themes of power, corruption, and revenge, all within a tightly woven plot that never strays too far from the human element. The film also dives into social issues, shedding light on the systemic corruption affecting the lives of ordinary people in coastal India. Devara’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal norms, and this depth keeps the film compelling beyond its action sequences.
The film also sets up exciting possibilities for Devara Part 2, hinting at an even deeper exploration of these themes, as the stakes rise and alliances shift.
Devara Part 1 combines strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping storyline. While it does lean on some familiar tropes, the story’s authenticity and Siva’s nuanced direction make it a worthwhile watch. The movie’s pacing, engaging plot twists, and character-driven drama make it hard to turn away.
Rating: 4.3/5 Devara Part 1 is a compelling drama that balances action and emotion, making it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a powerful storyline mixed with well-executed action. Highly recommended for fans of Bollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates stories with moral complexity.
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The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.
The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.
Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.
The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.
Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.
While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.
The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.