The New Legends of Monkey

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.

Ignore the naysayers review, this is great, I'm 44 years old and loved the original so take that with a dose of salt. This reboot is classic and fun, binged the first 3 episodes and hanging out for the rest of the season

Thanks to Films NSW and Netflix for making this

Pay no mind to the 'serious' detractors of a whimsical fantasy-based tale. This is a family-friendly and lighthearted take on the legend. The acting may not be big-screen caliber, but it's decent enough and I am happy to support new and budding talent. If you go into it knowing what it is, a fantasy-comedy-action show (and not an accurate account of history or serious portrayal of an ancient legend), you wont be disappointed. Great fun for the whole family.

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.