Philips and the Monkey Pen

Philips and the Monkey Pen is a sweet and inspiring Malayalam family movie that beautifully mixes fun, fantasy, and values. As the story moves forward, actor realizes that real success comes not from shortcuts but from honesty, effort, and learning from mistakes. The film is filled with humor, touching emotions, and strong messages about parenting, childhood, and education.

Philips and the Monkey Pen" is a heartwarming Malayalam film that combines elements of fantasy, drama, and coming-of-age storytelling. The movie revolves around the adventures of Ryan Philip (Master Sanoop) and his magical pen, which brings his drawings to life. As Ryan navigates the challenges of childhood, including school bullies and family dynamics, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of imagination. The film is notable for its imaginative premise and endearing characters, portrayed by a talented cast including Jayasurya and Remya Nambeesan. The visual effects and animation add charm to the storytelling, creating a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. Moreover, "Philips and the Monkey Pen" effectively explores themes of creativity, self-expression, and the importance of following one's dreams.

It is not everyday that you see a children's film enthrall both kids and adults alike. But here is one such gem from first timers Rojin Thomas and Shanil Muhammed who have beyond doubt written something special in the history of Malayalam cinema with their monkey pen. A very innocent take on school and life there, PATMP is a film with a heart.

The movie opens with a few school boys planting posters on a school wall and quickly spirals into the history of a magical pen which one of the boys possesses, the Monkey Pen. We are taken back to British ruled Kochi (who in turn are ruled by a very monkey-faced and lanky Mr.Moorthi).

Ryan Philip played by Master Sanoop, like any other 5th grade boy is as naughty as naughty gets. Jayasurya, a once-naughty-boy, plays Ryan's dad and Remya Nambeesan, a once-eloped-lover, plays his mom. A non-homework doer and late-comer Ryan is not new to being beaten black and blue by his Maths Teacher (Vijay Babu). His naughty tantrums form the first half of the movie.

It spirals you back into your school days where war meant butt-stabbing with sharpened pencils and and launching Duster missiles.

Ryan with his naughty antics teaches his school principal (Mukesh), Maths teacher and grandpa (Joy Mathew) how to love and forgive. It is often quoted that smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight and Ryan proves how true that is.

The movie does remind of you the classic Taare Zameen Par here and there, but the directors quickly rule out such comparisons with their own creativeness.

Master Sanoop's cute smile is infectious and diffuses out of the screen to spread one across your face. Vijay Babu as the Caning Maths Teacher, Mukesh as the apple loving principal and Joy Mathew as Captain Grand-dad are simply perfect and they all etch a place in your heart. Special mentions must go to Ryan's gang members, especially Mr.Toothless- ruthless.

The speck-less cinematography that captures the innocent smile and the Sea's wide mile alike, is an absolute delight. The music is soothing and refreshing. The BGM is so moving that it can bring tiny droplets of tears even on the driest of eyes.

This is a movie that revokes that child inside you and redeems the adult that you are. It teaches you how simple deeds can have gargantuan impacts in making our world a happy place. The creators have infused wit and wisdom in balanced proportions laying out an interesting, thought provoking and introspective piece of cinema that can have a cathartic effects on the shady part of your brain.

Like the Chalk Board red 'One positive thought can make your day Happy'.

It's a classic movie that everyone loves. It was the highlight of my childhood. Watching it again brought back the excitement of a magical world that I always wish existed. I watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

It seemed logical at the time not to start from the first of the series - that would be a moment where I question my logic, however it was still as enjoyable as the first. I instantly remembered why this one out of the seven was specifically my favourite. I loved the amount of activities going on in the movie; it also progressed into this magical world we knew little about, so we find out more than we previously may not have even thought about... Unless you read the books like I did. That moment of excitement to actually be able to visualise the Goblet of Fire is something that can only be described by true Harry Potter fans.

I realised whilst watching the movie that it never occurred to me that there would be other magic schools other than Hogwarts. The moment of awe was something I enjoy experiencing repetitively each time I come across the Harry Potter series.

The movie starts with classic reunion of Harry, Hermione and the comedian of the series, Ron. However unlike the others it progresses their relationship as they have clearly grown. It was enjoyable to watch how their relationships shook when other characters were added into the equation. When the plot moved on from the bright and light toned scenes I then questioned how I managed to watch the scenes with the entrance of Voldermort. I wonder how I managed to watch the first Harry Potter movie without being freaked out as a child. Nevertheless it's a movie that I wouldn't mind re-watching countless times.

I was expecting a copy of some blown-off children's film with clichéd story-line and commonplace jokes. I was wrong, to an extent.

It starts off with a fantasy story of how a pen with a monkey head works wonders for a British. Characters grow into the screen as the beautiful narration advances and exposes plot points. Centered in a school, where a bunch of mischief machines find trouble doing their Math homework, the story revolves around Ryna Philips and his transition from bad boy to good boy. The aura is brilliantly captured, supported by a very good cast. The lead actor really pulls off his role well. Also, other kids keep us entertained with potshots to teachers, jokes and funny actions.

Jayasurya & Remya Nambeeshan do good as parents and they play pivotal roles towards the end. Chiefly, the story gives many life values throughout as to what is right, there is only one God, help others, say the truth always, etc.. As a result, it becomes a very good manual kinda film for kids who can learn stuffs.

What was supposed to be a fantasy flick goes serious towards the end and the climax just was the apt thing for the film. I loved Vijay Babu and his portrayal. Never a dull moment. Although, as an adult, the screenplay seemed to detach me with the whole experience. Not complaining of the 2 hours, but still, too much childish elements made me numb.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended! Still, better than lots of other Mallu movies.