The Monkey King Review

The Monkey King Review

The legends of the Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, have a cherished space in Mandarin Chinese culture. With countless adaptations ranging from manga to movies, these tales hold a timeless appeal. The 2013 adaptation, “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” by the eminent Stephen Chow, serves as a touchstone for Netflix’s latest offering, “The Monkey King.”

Mediocrity Overshadows Potential

Directed by Anthony Stacchi, who previously helmed successes like “Open Season” and “The Boxtrolls,” the movie had a promising backdrop. However, it disappointingly offers a rather generic take on the classic legend. Running for 96 minutes, the narrative feels stretched, offering little to engage an audience beyond young children.

The Plot Lacks Depth and Authenticity

The storyline captures snippets from the first part of the epic, “Journey to the West.” Jimmy O. Yang lends his voice to the titular character, though the performance comes off as rather inconsistent. The character dynamics between the Monkey King and a new character, Lin (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport), attempt to introduce structure, but often feel forced and lack depth.

It’s commendable that they tried blending cultural elements. Still, the execution falls short of capturing the rich essence of the original tale. The overall vibe appears too Americanized, missing the specific nuances that would give it a genuine feel.

Brief Moments of Brilliance

Among the few shining moments is the character of the Dragon King. Voiced impressively by Bowen Yang from “Saturday Night Live,” this character brings some much-needed flair to the narrative. The fight scenes choreographed by Siwei Zou are another highlight, offering glimpses of the film’s potential. However, these moments are too sporadic, leaving the audience yearning for more consistency.

Valuable Lessons, but Poorly Conveyed

The film touches upon some moral lessons, especially when the Buddha comes into play. This could have been an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss deeper concepts with their children. Yet, it feels more like a nod to the tale rather than a profound exploration, reducing the chance for meaningful conversations.

Comparison to Netflix’s Animation Legacy

Over the past years, Netflix has been a front-runner in delivering quality animated content. Be it “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” or lesser-known gems like “Klaus” and “The Willoughbys,” the streaming giant has set a high benchmark. Regrettably, “The Monkey King” doesn’t come close to joining this illustrious list.

Conclusion

“The Monkey King” is an attempt to bring a treasured Chinese legend to the Netflix audience. Yet, it feels like a missed opportunity, failing to delve deep into the story’s cultural richness. While it may serve as a temporary distraction for young viewers, those familiar with the legend or seeking depth will likely be left wanting. Given the story’s potential and Netflix’s track record, “The Monkey King” sadly remains aggressively mediocre.

To check out more such cinema content, Follow Cinemamade Reviews