In her Monkey Man review, Lisa Johnson Mandell writes that although it’s a well-made flick for the genre, the violence and mayhem are so disturbing she can’t recommend it.

You can’t argue with Monkey Man‘s pedigree. It’s produced by Jordan Peele, while Slum Dog Millionaire’s Dev Patel writes, produces, and stars makes his directorial debut.

Because of this, I was hoping for something a little more nuanced, a little more soulful, rather than this blatant and bloody rampage.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s a well made film and an admirable first time directing effort for Patel. It’s a standout in the action crime thriller genre. Monkey Man will doubtless have a sequel.

It’s just that I don’t find much entertainment value in brutal violence, rape, murder, abject poverty, corruption, unending profanity and child abuse. And believe me, the film absolutely pummels you with all this, non-stop. Many of the worst crimes against humanity are committed in the first five minutes, and gets worse from there.

Monkey Man review — a Promising Plot

The film is a modern take on the legend of Hanuman, a courageous monkey god-type creature who protects the innocent. Patel plays a young man in Mumbai, who makes a meager living as the guy who always loses in an underground fight club. He seems to revel in the humiliation and torture.

It doesn’t take long to realize he’s also seeking revenge for a grotesquely brutal crime committed when he was a child. We find much symbolism and many allusions here. Unfortunately, in his amateurish, unenlightened state. His revenge efforts are painfully inept.

But once circumstances lead to a spiritual awakening of sorts, he becomes an adroitly vengeful killing machine, along the lines of John Wick. John Wick, in fact, is slyly mentioned in the film. You can’t get around the comparisons.

The outrageous and literally sickening violence is justified because he is fighting against crime lords, as well as social, political and spiritual injustice. The Monkey Man is attempting to bring about a brighter future for the poor and defenseless, as well as avenge their unconscionable past.

Regardless of the noble ends, you simply can’t get around the bloody and visceral means. Perhaps I’m overly sensitive, but there were several times I felt literally ill, and thought I might have to leave the theater.

As well-crafted as Monkey Man may be, I just don’t need those kinds of images in my head.

Rated R

1 Hour 53 minutes

If, after reading this Monkey Man review, you’re still up for seeing the film, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

In her Monkey Man review, Lisa Johnson Mandell says that although it’s a well-made flick for the genre, the violence and mayhem are so disturbing she can’t recommend it.