Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie Review –
Air Date: Friday, December 8, 2023 on Peacock
Reviewer Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
“When Covid hit, I was in bad shape.” – Monk
Legendary Detective Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) comes out of retirement to investigate one last case after his stepdaughter Molly’s (Caitlin McGee) fiancé dies bungee jumping. Was it an accident, or was something more sinister at play?
Aside from a hilarious seven-minute COVID-19 short in 2020, the last time we saw Monk was in the series finale in 2009. So, after 14 years, is there an audience available for the obsessive-compulsive detective, or have fans moved on?
Thankfully, the film represents a long overdue and welcome return as Shalhoub effortlessly slips back into Monk’s sharply pressed suit and doesn’t miss a beat. Minus a few gray hairs, Monk hasn’t aged since the finale.
It’s fun to see the principal cast return, including Traylor Howard as Natalie Teeger, Jason Gray-Stanford as Randy Disher, and Ted Levine as Leland Stottlemeyer, to name a few. The most significant change to the original cast is Alona Tal, who originally played Molly, whom McGee has replaced.
Whenever a show comes out with a movie incarnation, it invokes a sense of grander. Things like bigger budgets, larger sets, A-list celebrity appearances, and big stunts. But let’s be honest: Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie is less of a film and more of a one-off special edition extended episode.
At its core, it’s a reunion episode that allows everyone from the cast and crew to reunite and have fun. Even the writers took it easy, as the mystery unfolding in “Monk’s Last Case” is perhaps the easiest to solve out of the series. At times, it felt like things were done so simplistically to allow more time for everyone on set to catch up. And, for as negative as that may sound, I didn’t mind it one bit; because after 14 years, Monk was back.
The writers do an excellent job of having the characters reminisce about old times to help bring the audience back up to speed. Despite airing for eight seasons, the premise of Monk is basic enough that new viewers can enjoy the movie without having seen the series. I wouldn’t be surprised if the film’s release coincides with a boost in the series streaming numbers.
Watching Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie is like sitting by a fire on a cold wintery night sipping hot cocoa. Given the show’s success, why make drastic changes to the formula?
My only gripe about the film is one joke plays out very poorly. While it fits the character, it rubbed me wrong, and I wish someone had made an executive decision to cut the scene. I won’t impose my grievance on you, but let me know if you figure out which scene it is, and share your thoughts.
Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie isn’t all laughs and quirky behavior. Shalhoub and the writers do a fantastic job addressing what it’s been like for Monk to be, well, Monk, all these years. It sets up for an uplifting ending where tissues are required.
I really enjoyed having Monk back. With heartwarming shows like Ted Lasso recently concluding, Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie is a perfect answer for family holiday viewing. I hope we don’t have to wait another 14 years for the beloved detective to return.
Photos: ©2023 NBC/Peacock. All Rights Reserved.
Greg Staffa
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