It's clear early on in "The Monkey King," debuting Friday on Netflix, that the title character is going to be hard to like.
The Chinese warrior, who wields an Excalibur-like stick as a weapon, shoots lasers from his eyes when he's upset. He treats his doting sidekick with contempt. He's more interested in being promoted to god status than saving any villages.
The film, directed by Anthony Stacchi ("Open Season"), has its lighter moments, including a Cab Calloway-inspired number that could have fit in "The Little Mermaid." The action scenes owe as much to Bugs Bunny as they do to Bruce Lee.
But our "hero," voiced by comedian Jimmy O. Yang, is no wascally wabbit. Every time you think he's going to redeem himself, he commits an even more selfish act. He may be the most annoying monkey since Marcel overstayed his welcome on "Friends." There's a message here about the perils of an inflated ego. But that lesson may get lost on children expecting something a little more cuddly.
Also this week
'Heart of Stone'
Gal Gadot doesn't need the tiara and magic lasso to be an action star. The "Wonder Woman" star is more than formidable as a secret agent in this high-octane thriller, leaping off cliffs and navigating treacherous roads like a star pupil from the Tom Cruise School of Ridiculous Stunts. Her character, Rachel Stone, is just as good with a quip as she is with a high kick. If the hero's antics aren't enough to keep you enthralled, tune in for the unexpected twist and an unbilled cameo from a beloved actor. If director Tom Harper can keep this up in future installments, don't be surprised if Stone sticks around long after Diana Prince has retired to the Amazon Isles. Netflix
'Puppy Love'
