‘Bad Monkey’ Review: Great Vibes and a Cheeky Simian Help Vince Vaughn’s Apple TV+ Comedy Breeze Past Its Flaws

As a seasoned gamer of life, having navigated through countless twists and turns in the game called existence, I must say that “Bad Monkey” is more like a leisurely stroll than an adrenaline-pumping quest. This series, based on Carl Hiaasen’s work, is a breezy, sunbaked journey through the Keys, with a monkey as the charming yet somewhat detached companion.

To lift a title from kids’ novelist Wilson Rawls, this has become the Summer of the Monkeys.

Before diving into HBO’s “Chimp Crazy” and Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans”, fans of primate-themed productions will first be offered Apple TV+’s “Bad Monkey”, a comedic adaptation from Carl Hiaasen penned by Bill Lawrence, who is known for his comedy work on shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking”.

Despite the title suggesting otherwise, the main character, or rather, the monkey in question, is not malicious as one might assume. Starring Crystal, a seasoned animal actor known for roles on shows like Community and Friends, she brings both dependable reactive cutaways and unpredictable, monkey-filled antics to the table. Although she doesn’t always seem deeply involved in the storyline of Bad Monkey, her presence adds a delightful charm and fun factor to the show. (In this context, it should be noted that the character is portrayed as male, but we won’t delve into the topic of monkey pronouns here.)

In essence, my take on “Bad Monkey” can be described as follows: As a mystery or semi-thriller, it falls short in many aspects; the plot twists feel awkwardly handled, the tension is minimal, and the resolution of storylines towards the end appears forced. However, it maintains a witty, laidback charm that matches Carl Hiaasen’s distinctive style. Featuring a stellar cast including Vince Vaughn, Natalie Martinez, Michelle Monaghan, and Jodie Turner-Smith, and boasting beautiful Florida location shots, this series offers an enjoyable 10-hour escape.

And did I mention the monkey?

In this scenario, Vaughan portrays Andrew Yancy, a previous Miami detective who was demoted to the role of food inspector in the Keys following a scandal. Despite being doggedly dedicated to uncovering the truth, Yancy displays an unusual disregard for his own safety. This quality both impresses and annoys his old partner Rogelio, who is also played by John Ortiz.

In terms of his career, Yancy’s facing some challenges, but he’s got a charming beachfront cottage and a spirited, somewhat mysterious girlfriend named Bonnie (Bonnie from Monaghan). All in all, he seems quite satisfied with life.

Disrupting his peace, a large McMansion constructed by developer Evan (Alex Moffatt) appears next to Yancy’s residence, while Yancy is assigned the task of transporting a severed arm, belonging to Eve’s husband, to Miami. Skeptical about her grief, Yancy and the sharp-tongued medical examiner Rosa (Martinez) decide to probe deeper into the matter.

It’s understandable that they feel suspicious, given Eve’s association with shady character Rob Delaney, another developer who’s buying property in a peaceful Bahamian town. There, we come across Neville (Ronald Peet), a fisherman yearning for simplicity, who is ready to go to great lengths – even involving the voodoo-practicing priestess known as the Dragon Queen (Turner-Smith) – to safeguard the island’s innocence.

Oh, and Neville has a monkey (Crystal) who loves grapes and funerals.

In this captivating tale, I, a seasoned sailor with a Jimmy Buffett-like charm, serve as the storyteller. The narrative unfolds around an array of peculiar characters. Charlotte Lawrence plays my flighty stepdaughter, Eve. Zach Braff takes on the role of the dubiously named doctor, Israel O’Peele, who oozes sleaze. David St. Louis brings Egg, a soulful thug, to life. Ashley Nicole Black adds a dash of sarcasm as a government agent. And in a twist that echoes the mystique of ‘Lost’, L. Scott Caldwell portrays Ya-Ya, the Dragon Queen’s grandmother.

In the initial stages of the show “Bad Monkey”, the narrator attempts to connect the storylines set in Florida and the Bahamas, suggesting they are part of a single narrative despite the transition feeling disjointed and not particularly seamless. The first ‘reveal’ at the end of episode one fails to deliver on its promise and leaves viewers puzzled, while the second at the end of episode three is even more perplexing than enlightening. There seems to be a clash between Director Marcos Siega’s preference for dramatic, glossy, and dark elements and the writing team’s penchant for lighter, looser storytelling. The directors seem to treat “Bad Monkey” as if it’s intended for edge-of-your-seat viewing, whereas it feels more suitable for a relaxed, pastel-colored Adirondack chair setting. However, when the characters engage in witty banter, the series can be quite enjoyable.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be drawn into the captivating dynamic between Vaughn, who carries an air of rugged charm that’s a bit past his prime, and Martinez, whose bubbly demeanor and flirtatious nature is a side we seldom see. To top it off, Monaghan makes her appearances with a mischievous sparkle in her eye, reminiscent of her performances in films like “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” This adds an electrifying spark to the somewhat complex love triangle that unfolds on screen.

Hagner, with a blend of sweetness and bitterness, is evoking the spirit of Goldie Hawn from days gone by, which becomes even more intriguing when you learn that her mother-in-law is none other than Goldie Hawn herself. Her vivacious demeanor provides an ideal contrast to Delaney, who stands tall and appears gloomy.

In a different phrase, the Bahamian perspective in “Bad Monkey” is more intense, with Peet’s understated sincerity and Turner-Smith’s fierce passion. These actors have scenes that delve into their characters beyond murder and plotting. However, the film does not offer any meaningful exploration of topics like touristic exploitation of the Bahamas or Obeah traditions.

The series struggles to capture Hiaasen’s sharp satirical tone and his unique insights into Florida’s swindlers and intruders, opting instead for gentle ridicule of corrupt systems and the newly wealthy. It might seem superficial, but with such a beautiful setting—white sand beaches, shimmering blue waters, and beads of condensation on a cold beer—you might find yourself quite content to stay a while.

2024-08-13 10:25

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