Monkey Man

For what it is, it's quite effective and Patel is a credible action hero.

Over-the-top violence is rarely this much fun. First time directors are rarely this skillful.

Brutal, bone-crunching, neck-gouging set pieces, some great musical choices...

This is a tense, engaging thriller where people are stabbed, shot, dismembered, and killed in a variety of graphic and unspeakable fashions. Monkey Man may be a silly-sounding title but the story it tells is anything but silly.

Dev Patel tries too hard, and for too much, in his directorial debut, but he's compelling enough to make you believe almost anything.

Monkey Man is not perfect, but it does not have to be. The film feels alive, with all the rush of Drive or Uncut Gems. This is not Bollywood — nobody sings — but rhythm is key.

... The humor and constant search for novelty and style in registering violence are captivating and offer moments of pure cinema. [Full review in Spanish]

Patel debuts as a director with this film, and he knows what he is doing: making a virulent, aggressive, intense action film... [Full review in Spanish]

Remember the boy from Slumdog Millionaire willing to do anything to make his childhood friend fall in love with him? Well, here, he shows his wildest side. It is most welcome. [Full review in Spanish]

Monkey Man has all the vital elements to make it a relevant and attractive action film of the 21st century that's ultraviolent with a lot of style. [Full review in Spanish]