“The Monkey King” is a comedy-horror film directed by Oz Perkins and starring Theo James. The plot follows twin brothers, Hall and Bill, who discover their father’s mysterious and creepy wind-up toy monkey. A series of bizarre deaths occur, tearing their family apart. Twenty-five years later, the monkey begins another killing spree, forcing the brothers to confront it.
Throughout the film, the comedic timing and planning of certain death scenes stand out, as they are often unexpected or happen at the worst possible moments. This element adds to the movie’s entertainment value. The CGI, particularly in the gory scenes, is well-executed and avoids looking unrealistic or excessively over the top.
The acting is also commendable, especially with one actor portraying both twins. I genuinely believed they were played by two separate actors, which is a testament to the performance. However, I wished the film delved deeper into the characters’ pasts and provided more context instead of quickly jumping to the time skip.
The movie explores the theme of life’s unpredictability and lack of control over death. This is reflected in the toy monkey’s packaging, which reads “Like life.” At first, the twins do not understand the meaning, but by the end of the film, they come to grasp its significance.
“The Monkey King” is a film that fans of comedy and gore will likely enjoy. While I found it more comedic and gory than scary, the amount of gore may be unsettling for some viewers. It is not overly gruesome, but it could be shocking or unsettling. As someone who scares easily, I think this movie is a great introduction for beginners looking to get into the horror genre. Overall, it is a fantastic blend of horror and comedy that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you’re looking for a fun scare, I highly recommend it!