‘Adventures of the Super Monkey -Journey to the West’ Netflix Series Review - Overacting at Its Peak

From the very first scene, I found myself overwhelmingly annoyed by this show. Spanning 11 episodes, Adventures of the Super Monkey – Journey to the West feels less like an epic retelling of a beloved classic and more like an exhausting endurance test. While it draws inspiration from Journey to the West, the legendary 16th-century Chinese novel, its execution is so poorly handled that it strips away much of the depth and nuance of the original tale.

The story follows Sanzo Hoshi, as he embarks on a perilous journey to India in search of sacred scriptures aka sutras that promise enlightenment and peace to the world.  Accompanying him are his three unique disciples: the rebellious and powerful Monkey King, Son Goku, who possesses exceptional combat skills and an uncontrollable mischievous streak; Cho Hakkai, a pig-like creature whose gluttonous and flirtatious nature often lands the group in trouble; and Sa Goju, whose stoic presence is overshadowed by the chaos around him. Along their journey, they battle demons, celestial beings, and internal struggles that test their faith, strength, and unity.

While the plot itself is decent, the show’s biggest downfall is its execution. The Monkey King, Son Goku, is meant to be an endearing, playful character, but his exaggerated, childlike behavior quickly becomes intolerable. His hyperactive energy and forced humor seem designed to amuse younger audiences, but for anyone beyond that demographic, it’s an irritating ordeal. Rather than being witty or charming, his antics are repetitive and predictable, draining any excitement from the show.

The humor is another major flaw. Instead of relying on clever writing or character-driven comedy, the show leans heavily on slapstick and over-the-top silliness. While this might keep children entertained, it fails to engage an older audience who might be hoping for a more layered or thoughtful adaptation. The original Journey to the West is a story rich in philosophical themes, spiritual growth, and moral dilemmas, yet this adaptation barely scratches the surface of these deeper aspects. Instead, it prioritizes fast-paced action and exaggerated comedic moments, reducing what could have been an enriching experience into a loud, chaotic spectacle.

Visually, the animation is passable but nothing extraordinary. The character designs are exaggerated, aligning with the show’s overly cartoonish tone. While some battle sequences are visually engaging, the constant, frantic energy makes them more exhausting than exhilarating.

Overall, Adventures of the Super Monkey – Journey to the West is a disappointing adaptation that sacrifices depth for exaggerated humor and relentless chaos. While young children might enjoy its fast-paced action and goofy characters, older viewers will likely find it repetitive, frustrating, and a far cry from the timeless legend it seeks to retell. If you’re looking for an adaptation that does justice to the classic tale, you’d be better off skipping this one.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times