(courtesy IMP Awards)
SNAPSHOT
The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a rebellious and charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all — his own ego! Along the way, a young village girl challenges his self-centered attitude and shows him that even the smallest pebble can have a great effect on the world. The Monkey King is directed by experienced animation filmmaker Anthony Stacchi, director of Laika’s The Boxtrolls, and co-director of Open Season previously, plus work on the animated Dallas & Robo series. The screenplay is written by Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman. Produced by Peilin Chou (Over the Moon, Abominable). And it’s executive produced by Stephen Chow (of Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer). Featuring animation and imagery by ReelFX. (courtesy First Showing)
We are used to our superheroes being humble in a kind of “Sure I’m gifted with extraordinary powers, and I look damn good in a cape and lycra but gosh I am just here to serve the people as their, um, servant” way.
It’s impressive what they can do but also sweetly self-effacing, a PR campaign in gloriously well-equipped humility.
Unless you’re The Monkey King and then, well, rather hilariously, all bets are off.
The upcoming animated feature from Netflix looks like a ton of fun, a film that manages to go all out in the comedy stakes and yet have a meaningful lesson tucked away for the ages too.
The Monkey King premieres on 18 August on Netflix.