I love animated movies. Luv 'em luv 'em. So when I say this is a stinker, it's for good reason. Considering the overall rating of this movie (at this time) is about 5.6... I'd say this film has some serious conceptual problems.
Start with a conceited, self-centered, destructive, unlikable character and add in non-stop pointless action-adventure throughout, and you have the Monkey King. The only redeeming grace of this movie is the girl Lin, whose character, personality and role is enjoyable and at times heart-warming. She's really the main character of this film. She is the only one that has any degree of empathy and growth.
The Monkey King himself is really an irredeemable scoundrel. I've seen Disney Villains that were more likeable than this psychotic nutcase. Okay yes, the Monkey King is historically a chaotic character, but in this film they take that concept way too far. Monkey is definitely the anti-role-model of the year.
The movie doesn't really have an overall theme to speak of, doesn't really make a point, doesn't teach any value lessons to kids. The whole message of the film is: "Do what you want and hang the consequences." Lin points out that Monkey was born from an egg, didn't have a family and even the gods rejected him (as if they had no reason)... so that's supposed to be an excuse for him being a total sociopath?
Sorry, but some movies just don't pull it off, and this is one of them. In the whole movie the Monkey King learns absolutely nothing, experiences no personal growth, doesn't change at all. If you're needing an adrenaline rush this might do, but don't look for anything else in this poorly-conceived plot and presentation of an ageless character.
(Parental note: some parents may object to the film presenting Buddha as God of the universe. Some parents may be delighted at such. Let the viewer be aware.)
Start with a conceited, self-centered, destructive, unlikable character and add in non-stop pointless action-adventure throughout, and you have the Monkey King. The only redeeming grace of this movie is the girl Lin, whose character, personality and role is enjoyable and at times heart-warming. She's really the main character of this film. She is the only one that has any degree of empathy and growth.
The Monkey King himself is really an irredeemable scoundrel. I've seen Disney Villains that were more likeable than this psychotic nutcase. Okay yes, the Monkey King is historically a chaotic character, but in this film they take that concept way too far. Monkey is definitely the anti-role-model of the year.
The movie doesn't really have an overall theme to speak of, doesn't really make a point, doesn't teach any value lessons to kids. The whole message of the film is: "Do what you want and hang the consequences." Lin points out that Monkey was born from an egg, didn't have a family and even the gods rejected him (as if they had no reason)... so that's supposed to be an excuse for him being a total sociopath?
Sorry, but some movies just don't pull it off, and this is one of them. In the whole movie the Monkey King learns absolutely nothing, experiences no personal growth, doesn't change at all. If you're needing an adrenaline rush this might do, but don't look for anything else in this poorly-conceived plot and presentation of an ageless character.
(Parental note: some parents may object to the film presenting Buddha as God of the universe. Some parents may be delighted at such. Let the viewer be aware.)