The Monkey King movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Monkey King

This family-friendly animation releases exclusively on Netflix on August 18, 2023.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 32 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

This adorable animation was inspired by an epic Chinese tale, translated into an action-packed comedy. A special monkey uses his magical fighting stick to battle demons, dragons, gods, and the greatest adversary of all: his own ego.

The film was directed by Anthony Stacchi. Writing credits go to Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’ve been to China many times and can tell you the legend of the Monkey King is very much alive and well over there today! You can walk through a park and find a random guy dressed like the Monkey King in order to get money from people. Ha ha
I love all of the little Chinese details in the film that will introduce kids and their parents to Chinese culture.
Voice talents include BD Wong (Buddha), Jimmy O. Yang (The Monkey King), Stephanie Hsu, Hoon Lee, Bowen Yang (I have a son named Bowen!), Jo Koy, and many more. They all do a fantastic job.
The movie is extremely colorful and creative.
The sound effects are often hilarious.
There’s an action sequence that looks like it came straight out of the Spider-verse movie with quick 2D movements. Cute and fun.
The color palette is rich and detailed.
Lots of visual and spoken humor.
There’s mention of Chinese egg tarts. YUM! They’re originally from Portugal, but SUPER popular in the Canton region of China.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The Monkey King’s personality is overly confident and cocky.
There are some random musical numbers.
Some of the musical numbers sound like heavy metal, which didn’t quite fit the movie. How about something with a Chinese vibe, eh?
I can imagine that some parents will tire of all the loud, chaotic fight scenes.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

You’ll need to talk to your kids about who Buddha was.
Lots of fighting sequences and animated violence.
Lots of destruction.
No profanity. Instead, words like “heck” are used. “What the heck?”

THEMES:

Belonging
Acceptance
Even the smallest pebble can have a big effect on the world.
Making a difference in the world
Getting a chance to show who you are and what you can do
Big goals and dreams
Family
Finding your path

FUNNY LINES:

“I, uh, thought that would play out differently.” – The Monkey King (Jimmy O. Yang)
‘Hey, Red Girl, leave these poor and unattractive people alone.” – The Monkey King (Jimmy O. Yang)
“Who even wears brass with gold?” – Dragon King (Bowen Yang)

INTERESTING LINES:

“We live in a world of rules and order.” – Elder Monkey (James Sie)
“He doesn’t love you; he just wants you to love him.” – Elder Monkey (James Sie)
“Let’s bring down the sass to a 4.” – Dragon King (Bowen Yang)
“There are fates far worse than death.” – Wangmu (Jodi Long)
“Maybe defeating everyone isn’t always the answer. Maybe, you’d find happiness by…I don’t know…helping other people?” – Lin (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport)