The New Legends of Monkey

I started watching the first episode, and thought it was pretty terrible. Hollywood type brash nonsense (even though it's Australian-made), cliches, takes itself too seriously, one-dimensional etc.. For some reason, I kept watching. It gets much better. It's funny and camp, slightly pantomime, and is knowingly so.

The characters also develop and become more real and sympathetic. They develop relationships with one another. I suppose this is partly actors growing into their roles and also the director/writers seeing nuances.

Some of the story lines are also quite interesting and it touches on some dark themes, as well as ideas of friendship and love. The last episode I actually found very moving, and also convincing based on how the characters had grown together up to that point.

Watch past the first two episodes.

I can't help that I really enjoyed this. It's not the kind of show that is going to appeal to critics or win awards.It's just silly and fun. I especially like that it doesn't take itself too seriously.

IF you are/were expecting Jet Li's Monkey King - then this is not for you.

On the other hand, if you might like to sit down with the kids and watch some good old PG Rated fun, then this modern twist on an old tale may be one for the family to watch together.

The usual Monkey King story is loosely followed with many of the usual characters and as has been mentioned here, this made in Australia series is very much akin to the old Hercules and Xena offerings of decades ago.

Put your brain on hold - kick back and let it flow. No deep thinking required. I'm giving this new Monkey 7/10.

I thought it was wrong not to cast Chinese actors but it's a new re-telling of an ancient legend, and isn't that what always happens with old tales, they change with the re-telling. In today's cultural diversity, the mix of different actors from different countries, the accents and the humour is quite good. Don't compare it to the old series, which I loved, it's a new idea and I quite liked it.

Good memories of old times watching Xena. They should have a cameo by Lucy Lawless or Renee O'Connor (but I think she is in the US).