Often the big moments early in our lives can shape us into adults. Sometimes it’s a good experience, other times it’s something traumatic. That’s certainly the case for the protagonist in the new film Monkey Man.

We begin with a young kid (Jatin Malik) and his mother (Adithi Kalkunte) as she tells him the story of a great warrior. You can see their bond and how they lean on each other. And it’s clear that something has happened.

Flash-forward years later, and that kid (Dev Patel) is now grown up. He’s adopted the monkey warrior persona in under-ground fights led by a dubious promoter (Sharlto Copley). But it’s a means to an end. He’s really focused on one target in particular—the corrupt police chief (Sikandar Kher) who rules by fear.

With a new position at an upscale but shady location that serves the local elite, he might just get his chance. But can he transform into the true monkey warrior, finding the inner strength needed to accomplish his mission and be a light to those who are suffering and oppressed?

This is clearly Patel’s passion project. He came up with the story, co-wrote the screenplay, directed the film, and is the primary star. And he gives his all in front of and behind the screen, creating a unique and wild ride.

Patel is great as a performer. The way the camera follows him in this film also builds the tension. You can see the boiling rage in him leading to a huge confrontation that changes the arc of the film. The use of hand-held moments and close ups adds to the intense feel of the film.

But what really stands out is the action, which is plentiful, severe, and beautifully choreographed. From the sequences in an actual fighting ring to the efforts of the kid to avenge his mother, we see several varied and exciting sequences. All of them are well-shot and intensely done to draw you in and never let you go.

I appreciate the story here, though we don’t know much about our central hero beyond his tortured and tragic backstory, which plays out in flashbacks throughout the film. In fact, we don’t know much about any of the characters that populate this world aside from their base personality and motivations. That shallow approach to the details and characters is the lone drawback for me, but it doesn’t detract much from the fun ride of this film.

I loved the action, and I loved Patel’s work here. This is a wild ride that’s enhanced even more seeing it on the big screen.

Monkey Man is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.