In Hollywood’s latest bid to reignite the silver screen’s magic, “Monkey Man” swung onto the scene with hopes as high as skyscrapers. Yet, the reality crashed down harder than a ton of bricks, leaving industry insiders scratching their heads at the dismal turnout.
The flick, pitched as the adrenaline-pumping successor to the John Wick saga, stumbled out of the gate, failing to even tiptoe towards the anticipated numbers. Projections pegged it to rake in anywhere between $15 to $20 million, but alas, it barely scraped together a measly $10 million over its opening weekend.
Experts had hinted at turbulence ahead, citing lackluster marketing and a crowded market dominated by testosterone-fueled releases. But perhaps the biggest roadblock wasn’t just the lack of buzz—it was the film’s unmistakable “woke” agenda that left many cold.
Peek beneath the glitzy surface, and you’ll find a narrative teeming with the kind of political correctness Hollywood seems all too eager to shove down our throats. The Los Angeles Times highlighted the film’s fixation on gender politics, applauding its portrayal of transgender characters coaching the protagonist on turning pain into power. Variety chimed in, noting the inclusion of a band of trans and gender-nonconforming characters joining the fray against India’s elite.
Even the star and director, Dev Patel, couldn’t resist waxing poetic about the film’s social message. “Monkey Man” wasn’t just about thrills—it was a battle cry for the marginalized, a valiant crusade against the status quo. Patel’s passionate defense of the film’s “sexuality” underscores its overt agenda, a narrative that seems more interested in preaching than entertaining.
While Hollywood may have been banking on “Monkey Man” to captivate audiences, it seems the masses weren’t biting. But amidst the disappointment, there’s a silver lining—those who did show up seemed to lap up the film’s progressive message with gusto.
Vipin Sharma, who portrays a trans woman in the movie, was moved to tears by the warm reception from the transgender community. Their praise, he declared to Variety, was a testament to the film’s impact—a reminder that representation matters.
In the end, “Monkey Man” may have swung and missed at the box office, but its legacy might just be etched in the hearts of those who saw themselves reflected on the silver screen. Hollywood’s latest attempt at woke storytelling may have fallen flat, but its resonance with a niche audience proves that sometimes, the smallest victories pack the mightiest punch.
