‘Monkey Man’ and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ mix action and emotion

Monkey Man (in theaters) 

Shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t make it, you’ll end up someplace interesting. 

Dev Patel clearly had that attitude in mind when making “Monkey Man,” which combines fierce, visceral action with sweeping Indian social and political commentary and a solid emotional journey. The result is a powerful, immersive experience that will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the screen, punctuated by some of the most exciting fight scenes American cinemas have seen in years. Though it sometimes has trouble juggling everything it’s trying to do, it succeeds often enough to be an unforgettable experience. 

Patel plays the Kid, a young man who makes is survives by constantly losing in an underground fight ring. He has plans to avenge the long-ago death of his mother, however, and he works his way up through the criminal underground to get to the people responsible. After getting the necessary training and some unexpected help from others ostracized by traditional society, he also causes a lot of creative violence. 

Though the social and political implications have universal resonance – corrupt law enforcement and religious leaders are an issue everywhere – it’s the action scenes that will stay with you longest. The comparisons to John Wick are obvious, but the fight scenes also show the fingerprints of classics such as “The Raid,” “Old Boy,” and “Enter the Dragon.” They’re the best kind of chaos, making you feel the weight of every punch and kick until you feel like you’re in the middle of the fight yourself. 

Yes, there are too many flashbacks and not enough time with supporting characters. But if this is Dev Patel just starting out as a director, I can’t wait to see what he does next. 

Grade: Three and a half stars

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (in theaters) 

Finally, it seems as though the people at Legendary have accepted the truth – when people go see a Godzilla or King Kong movie, they don’t want to spend most of their time with humans. 

In “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the humans finally share roughly equal screen time with the big monsters. While that only means a few more, better-lit fights for Godzilla, Kong gets a whole subplot where he wrestles with his own loneliness and gains the trust of an abused monkey kid. The human subplot is also more engaging, without unnecessary plot complications, and with Dan Stevens to provide a welcome burst of lightness and charm. Combined with the returning welcome comic delivery of Brian Tyree Henry, it leads to the most monstrous fun we’ve had in a while.

The movie is set a few years after “Godzilla vs. Kong,” and starts with Kong well-settled into a comfortable but lonely life in Hollow Earth. When rumbles suggest a bigger threat is on its way, however, Kong and the humans have to investigate. While they search, Godzilla gets ready for a fight that could have world-shaking implications. 

The movie continues with the somewhat complicated MonsterVerse mythology, though they explain enough that you don’t have to see any previous movies. Even if you choose to ignore it, that’s just fine – we’re all here for the monsters, and they say everything they have to without any words at all. 

Grade: Three stars