140 reviews
Missed potential
I am a Monk fan and Tony Shalhoub didn't disappoint. He was, as always, a delight to watch. But most of the other actors were mediocre, especially McGee, whose grief was not at all convincing. Even Ted Levine was unconvincing in his conflict of interests. The story had such a great potential if each actor had tackled into it and had taken their role as seriously as Shalhoub. Except for Monk's wife, everyone seemed to be there just to create a background for Monk.
I earnestly hope this is not Monk's last case, not only because I will gladly watch more of Monk any time but also because he deserves a better "last case," if there has to be one.
I earnestly hope this is not Monk's last case, not only because I will gladly watch more of Monk any time but also because he deserves a better "last case," if there has to be one.
- simonetta_cc
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
Will always love Monk but...
I'm a die-hard Monk fan and eagerly awaited this movie. However, I was disappointed to see the depressive turn the writers took with Monk's character. As another reviewer wrote, I too would have loved to see Monk embracing how the world dealt with germs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Monk gleefully witnessing the world wearing masks, using sanitizers amd wipes would have been hilarious. It seemed as if the writers weren't aware of the subtle nuances that make Monk "Monk". All in all, It was an enjoyable hour and a half. I loved seeing the old crew back together but it definitely missed its mark.
- carlasprattling
- Dec 17, 2023
- Permalink
If you love and miss Monk you will love this movie
For those saying Monk acts like a cartoonish two year old- you are missing the point of the show. I am a therapist who also suffers from OCD so I have personal and professional knowledge in mental health diagnosis. Usually I hate portrayal of mental health diagnosis in television and movies because it's portrayed inaccurately and mostly does more harm than good in stigma. However, Monk is one of the only exceptions. Monk walks the line of making fun of a disease that takes the joy out of most things without mocking it. Besides some exaggerations (which is to be expected in a TV show); Monk is mostly accurate in its representation. OCD is multifaceted- there's 4 types that present differently for each person (Monk displays all 4 types). I couldn't be more different than Monk yet somehow, felt understood. It made conversations about OCD easier to have with my family and friends. I was able to show them things I felt that I found hard to explain myself. Sometimes the intrusive and repetitive thoughts can be so loud it is hard to concentrate on anything else. This explains why Monk displays erratic, selfish and sometimes, annoying behavior (much like a 2 year old).
If you understand this show, if you love, miss and wish it was on for more seasons- this movie is for you. If not, skip it.
P. S- while Psych and Monk have some overlapping features, they are different shows and should be treated as such. If you like the Psych movies/ show that doesn't mean you'll like Monk and vice versa. To compare them is a disservice to both shows.
If you understand this show, if you love, miss and wish it was on for more seasons- this movie is for you. If not, skip it.
P. S- while Psych and Monk have some overlapping features, they are different shows and should be treated as such. If you like the Psych movies/ show that doesn't mean you'll like Monk and vice versa. To compare them is a disservice to both shows.
- laurasmithx-41081
- Dec 16, 2023
- Permalink
Great treat for fans of 'Monk' the old TV series.
Tony Shalhoub is now 70 years old, I most recently enjoyed him in 'Mrs Maisel' where he plays a character with similar issues. But not nearly as OCD as Adrian Monk. This movie really offers not much new, it even includes most of the old TV series cast members.
But that is not a bad thing, in fact it is a good thing. It is familiar, we don't need to get used to a whole host of new characters. This movie, at just over 90 minutes, is as good and entertaining as the typical 'Monk' TV show.
There is a death, made to look accidental, but some things just don't add up. It is a bungee jump gone wrong, the cord is six feet too long, but the experienced jumper is very meticulous in constructing his cord. "Measure twice and cut once" is his approach. (As it turns out I figured out pretty quickly how the crime was likely committed and it turned out I was right.)
So most of the second half of the movie is seeing how Monk will gather and piece together clues. His interaction with other characters is as much fun to watch.
No, this isn't a great or innovative movie but it is entertaining if you like 'Monk.' My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Peacock.
But that is not a bad thing, in fact it is a good thing. It is familiar, we don't need to get used to a whole host of new characters. This movie, at just over 90 minutes, is as good and entertaining as the typical 'Monk' TV show.
There is a death, made to look accidental, but some things just don't add up. It is a bungee jump gone wrong, the cord is six feet too long, but the experienced jumper is very meticulous in constructing his cord. "Measure twice and cut once" is his approach. (As it turns out I figured out pretty quickly how the crime was likely committed and it turned out I was right.)
So most of the second half of the movie is seeing how Monk will gather and piece together clues. His interaction with other characters is as much fun to watch.
No, this isn't a great or innovative movie but it is entertaining if you like 'Monk.' My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Peacock.
decent, extended episode of the series
While one review here says that nostalgia is causing people to overrate this TV movie, I'm inclined to think that it's making people underrating it, because they're forgetting that, as funny and brilliant as the show could be, and as great as Tony Shalhoub was, the series always flawed and towards the end could be genuinely bad.
In the movie, Monk, an brilliant ex-detective with diagnostically fuzzy OCD is at the end of his always short rope. But when murder happens close to home (I really hate "this time it's personal" plot lines, but what can you do?) Monk comes out of retirement for what he's determined to be one last time.
As always, Monk unsteadily treads the line between character-driven comedy and cartoonish laughs. Monk sometimes responds as someone trapped in a world of obsessions, and sometimes just acts like a weird two-year-old having a freak-out.
In short, the movie, like the series is sometimes smart, and sometimes irretrievably dumb.
The mystery itself is decent though unexception - I figured it out way before Monk. The returning characters are decent although underutilized (except Randy, who is overutilized). The new characters are bland and add nothing, which is unfortunate.
Shalhoub, though, is still great, and his dry, anguished weirdness is still funny, even if it is the same shtick he's always done.
If you're expecting more than an overlong episode of the series then you'll be disappointed, but if you just want to see one more episode of Monk, this is worthwhile.
In the movie, Monk, an brilliant ex-detective with diagnostically fuzzy OCD is at the end of his always short rope. But when murder happens close to home (I really hate "this time it's personal" plot lines, but what can you do?) Monk comes out of retirement for what he's determined to be one last time.
As always, Monk unsteadily treads the line between character-driven comedy and cartoonish laughs. Monk sometimes responds as someone trapped in a world of obsessions, and sometimes just acts like a weird two-year-old having a freak-out.
In short, the movie, like the series is sometimes smart, and sometimes irretrievably dumb.
The mystery itself is decent though unexception - I figured it out way before Monk. The returning characters are decent although underutilized (except Randy, who is overutilized). The new characters are bland and add nothing, which is unfortunate.
Shalhoub, though, is still great, and his dry, anguished weirdness is still funny, even if it is the same shtick he's always done.
If you're expecting more than an overlong episode of the series then you'll be disappointed, but if you just want to see one more episode of Monk, this is worthwhile.
Love me some monk
Some TV reboots -- or movie-length one-offs based on long-cancelled shows -- turn out to be major disappointments. Not so with "Mr. Monk's Last Case," in which the Defective Detective is called upon to investigate a horrifying accident involving his daughter's fiance. Once again, he drives everyone crazy with his obsessive/compulsive behavior -- the scene in which he pretends to be a bartender goes on for too long (which, frankly, the series' most memorable comedy bits often did, anyway) -- but watching him try to play master mixologist under the judgmental eye of a horde of customers was still laugh-out-loud funny. Balancing out the chuckles: Monk's suicidal tendencies, borne of the fact that he hasn't solved a murder in ten years (and hasn't even been asked to), the memoir he has written has elicited a polite but firm "No!" from his publisher, and he's beginning to feel not just unhappy, but useless. (Never has Shalhoub looked more hangdog, more emotionally drained; every crease on his aging face tells a sad tale all its own.) Most of the old gang is on hand to help him, the villain is as evil as any he's ever encountered, the ending is a tear-jerker, and if the Big Reveal -- that inevitable moment when he explains exactly how the crime was committed -- seems a bit predictable, so what? The movie is a fine addition to the Adrian Monk mythos, and -- even better -- it looks like this won't be his swan song, after all. Maybe he'll follow in Columbo's footsteps and keep coming back. We can only hope.
Good to have Monk back...
Well, I hope this won't be the last case for Adrian Monk. It's been so long since the series ended and it was a sheer joy to see the whole gang back together again.
Tony Shalhoub is such an underrated actor. He pitches everything just right and it's as if he has never been away for so long. He retains the quirkyness, the awkwardness and some great humour.
The plot is good, James Purefoy makes a good baddie and the supporting gang all do a great job. Jason Gray-Stanford (Disher) chips in with some hilarious attempts to solve the case, too.
So while i understand that Shalhoub might not want to get involved with another Monk series, I do hope he'll agree to do the occasional movie.
Tony Shalhoub is such an underrated actor. He pitches everything just right and it's as if he has never been away for so long. He retains the quirkyness, the awkwardness and some great humour.
The plot is good, James Purefoy makes a good baddie and the supporting gang all do a great job. Jason Gray-Stanford (Disher) chips in with some hilarious attempts to solve the case, too.
So while i understand that Shalhoub might not want to get involved with another Monk series, I do hope he'll agree to do the occasional movie.
Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie
- Prismark10
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
Needs A New Series after this
When watching this all I was thinking was; why does this have to be his last case?
It ends on a good positive note and his relationship with his daughter was handled perfectly and she almost set herself up to be a perfect Sharona/Natalie style sidekick for a new series run if this happened.
Tony Shalhoub seems to fit the role like a glove and it doesn't feel like its been 13 years since his last episide. It just feels like it was a year or so ago he was last playing the role
If they could offer a new series of Dexter many years later they can easily do it with Monk.
All you need is to find a way to get Stottlemeyer into the fold.and you have perfect TV.
It ends on a good positive note and his relationship with his daughter was handled perfectly and she almost set herself up to be a perfect Sharona/Natalie style sidekick for a new series run if this happened.
Tony Shalhoub seems to fit the role like a glove and it doesn't feel like its been 13 years since his last episide. It just feels like it was a year or so ago he was last playing the role
If they could offer a new series of Dexter many years later they can easily do it with Monk.
All you need is to find a way to get Stottlemeyer into the fold.and you have perfect TV.
Why did they bother?
- unclemc-95710
- Dec 8, 2023
- Permalink
I wish they hadn't made this.
- joshuavogel79
- Dec 8, 2023
- Permalink
Delighted to have Mr Monk back!
If you love Adrian Monk you're going to love his last case! The original cast, minus Sharona, are back again to help Mr. Monk solve what is expected to be his last case. Full of all of his quirks, phobias and catchphrases, this film does not fail to delight true Monk fans and those who love Tony Shalhoub! Trudy's daughter is set to be married & everyone has gathered for the joyous event! But, of course, wherever Mr Monk is murder seems to follow and this is no exception.
The only drawback I can find with this movie is that it's only just over an hour and a half long. Personally, I could've gone for 2 1/2 hours and still wanted more.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
The only drawback I can find with this movie is that it's only just over an hour and a half long. Personally, I could've gone for 2 1/2 hours and still wanted more.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
A proper continuation
- stephentibbles-71735
- Dec 8, 2023
- Permalink
really wanted to like it more, but...
- david_w_gibson
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
I really missed Monk
I soo wanted to like this movie. I was a huge fan of Mr. Monk, and I used to enjoy the show immensely. The fact that we can have a quirky hero with OCD was intriguing and I was rooting for another season.
But, if we can't have the show returning, a TV movie is great, right?
Well, it could have been, but this has got to be the most lazy writing ever done for a movie.
Mr. Monk isn't quirky, he's just awkward.
He's not allowed to be clever and use his intelligence, because the case is so clumsy presented, that we all know who done it and how immediately.
That means, the entire movie we're just waiting for Monk to catch up on what we already know, because no one made the effort of making an interesting case.
Great to see all the belowed characters again, but man - I'm rage-writing this review because it's probably the only time the cast gets back together, and then they get a script written by a 10 year old.
But, if we can't have the show returning, a TV movie is great, right?
Well, it could have been, but this has got to be the most lazy writing ever done for a movie.
Mr. Monk isn't quirky, he's just awkward.
He's not allowed to be clever and use his intelligence, because the case is so clumsy presented, that we all know who done it and how immediately.
That means, the entire movie we're just waiting for Monk to catch up on what we already know, because no one made the effort of making an interesting case.
Great to see all the belowed characters again, but man - I'm rage-writing this review because it's probably the only time the cast gets back together, and then they get a script written by a 10 year old.
Funnier than expected
I never saw the show 'Monk' but I always had a sneaking suspicion I would like it. When I saw there was a movie I thought that would be an ideal way to see whether the show would good for me to go back and watch one day. The good news: I think I would like the show. The bad news: the movie had a number of spoilers for the show unfortunately (not the movies fault, I should've factored that in before watching).
'Monk' is the kind of character I could easily see myself spending a lot of time with and not getting annoyed by. He's quirky and unassuming and his condition leads to some great humour. The movie was funny, not spit out your drink funny, but clever and I found myself chuckling more often than i expected to.
The case they based the movie around was so-so. Probably more worthy of an episode than a 90 minute movie, but it had just enough to carry things through and keep it interesting. I also might've enjoyed it a little more if the film had held its cards a little closer to its chest. For the most part though I had a good time with this one. 7/10.
'Monk' is the kind of character I could easily see myself spending a lot of time with and not getting annoyed by. He's quirky and unassuming and his condition leads to some great humour. The movie was funny, not spit out your drink funny, but clever and I found myself chuckling more often than i expected to.
The case they based the movie around was so-so. Probably more worthy of an episode than a 90 minute movie, but it had just enough to carry things through and keep it interesting. I also might've enjoyed it a little more if the film had held its cards a little closer to its chest. For the most part though I had a good time with this one. 7/10.
- jtindahouse
- Jul 10, 2024
- Permalink
Good Enough
'' Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie '' is the first movie after the popular and quite succesful television series and it was something that the fans can appreciate. Though kind of dark, it revisits a lot of the well loved characters, so there is a lot of love and heartwarming moments. The case as well is interesting, though Mr. Monk and his story take the spotlight more often than not. And it was nice to see how Monk fits in the COVID era when everyone has started acting like him! Also, it was a beautiful way to leave Monk, as he resolves his issues and finds hope and maybe happiness. There were also a lot of funny scenes as well.
- PennyReviews
- Jan 7, 2024
- Permalink
I was ready for this to be good... and it was GREAT!
When I saw Randy Zisk was directing, Andy Breckman was writing, and everyone was coming back, the pit in my stomach kept churning: "Please don't let this be a TV movie reunion cash-grab." It wasn't. In fact, "Mr. Monk's Last Case" makes me sincerely hope it's not his last case.
Everyone is back and it simultaneously feels like just yesterday when the last episode aired, and yet a whole era has passed. They don't shy away from COVID and how it affected Mr. Monk- in fact, they go deep. I wasn't expecting so much trauma to be revealed, and the even-deeper humanity it was treated with. The call to action at the end felt earned. Tony Shalhoub is hopefully in for another Emmy for bringing Mr. Monk back. And Hector Elizondo as Dr. Bell brought an unexpected
The mystery (and the "Here's what happened...") will NOT disappoint. This was written and directed by people who love Monk, and it shows. Andy Breckman is TV mystery royalty, and let's everyone know it.
Jeff Beal's score was one of my favorite parts of this- the "Monk" cues are there, but it's a new score now and not just a rehash of the original show soundtrack. His use of string instruments not only well up tears effectively, but he even brings in some Hitchcockian ethers that just hit the spot.
I hope "Mr. Monk's Last Case" gets the recognition it deserves. It's a Monk mystery that ends up having so much more to say about Mr. Monk himself and our world today. Emphasizing just how emotional and realistic this movie got for me any further would include spoilers, so just make sure to keep some wipes handy.
Everyone is back and it simultaneously feels like just yesterday when the last episode aired, and yet a whole era has passed. They don't shy away from COVID and how it affected Mr. Monk- in fact, they go deep. I wasn't expecting so much trauma to be revealed, and the even-deeper humanity it was treated with. The call to action at the end felt earned. Tony Shalhoub is hopefully in for another Emmy for bringing Mr. Monk back. And Hector Elizondo as Dr. Bell brought an unexpected
The mystery (and the "Here's what happened...") will NOT disappoint. This was written and directed by people who love Monk, and it shows. Andy Breckman is TV mystery royalty, and let's everyone know it.
Jeff Beal's score was one of my favorite parts of this- the "Monk" cues are there, but it's a new score now and not just a rehash of the original show soundtrack. His use of string instruments not only well up tears effectively, but he even brings in some Hitchcockian ethers that just hit the spot.
I hope "Mr. Monk's Last Case" gets the recognition it deserves. It's a Monk mystery that ends up having so much more to say about Mr. Monk himself and our world today. Emphasizing just how emotional and realistic this movie got for me any further would include spoilers, so just make sure to keep some wipes handy.
Above average
I love Monk. I remember binge watching all of the episodes many years ago. It was just such a captivating, interesting concept. Especially for people who love mysteries and police procedurals.
I did enjoy this movie. It was not ground breaking and probably could have been a little more interesting but it is a good way to spend 1.5 hours if you are bored.
I think I enjoyed the ending the most. The symbolism of how many people he impacted was really very touching.
It would be nice to have a reboot if not for just one season (as someone said if Dexter can do it). Everyone still looks great.
Fingers crossed that a re-boot will happen....
I did enjoy this movie. It was not ground breaking and probably could have been a little more interesting but it is a good way to spend 1.5 hours if you are bored.
I think I enjoyed the ending the most. The symbolism of how many people he impacted was really very touching.
It would be nice to have a reboot if not for just one season (as someone said if Dexter can do it). Everyone still looks great.
Fingers crossed that a re-boot will happen....
- hazangel-89910
- Aug 26, 2024
- Permalink
Wonderful!
- marimiller-82075
- Dec 7, 2023
- Permalink
A Great Throwback
Just like original Monk cases this movie had the same feel. Like something you didn't know you needed. Feeling like old times it was great. You find yourself loving the characters all over again. At the beginning of the show you are told who the killer and you find yourself turning deceive to help Mr. Monk prove he's right. What I missed was the feeling that this was difficult. I needed to feel the intrigue and the mystery. What you get is the love we have always felt for Mr. Monk and just a classic extended Monk episode. I did miss Sharona. I also hope there is another. So if you're looking for a throwback to classic Monk this will fill that need.
Disservice to the original series
The series finale left Monk in a good place with a reassurance he had found closure and a better life with Molly being involved in his life. This movie finds Monk at his darkest and is a pale imitation of the original series. This is Monk without Sharona, Natalie, or his consulting job. If this was the best idea they could come up with, they'd have been better off leaving it alone and letting the series finale be the end. Predictable and mostly fan service with little sign of the character growth we'd seen over the course of the series. Not even as funny as the short they did during covid a few years ago.
- folklegend
- Dec 10, 2023
- Permalink
We want Monk back!
We want Monk back!
These characters are classic and wonderful and amazing and beautiful! I cried a few times watching it because it's touching and sweet and it's simple. Please bring this back! Can you? I really loved it!
Tony Shaloub is still sexy!
It was great to see Sharona and Julie! I have not figured out how monks wife's daughter is in the show and how she had a daughter that I don't remember hearing about before even though I've watched every episode repeatedly. I really hope that this show will come back and be a regular at least quarterly although I would watch a daily! Vasquez 25 this is a great show. It's an intelligent show! I don't know if you were a fan of the original monk then you're gonna love this! Please bring it back!
What I gotta beg here?
These characters are classic and wonderful and amazing and beautiful! I cried a few times watching it because it's touching and sweet and it's simple. Please bring this back! Can you? I really loved it!
Tony Shaloub is still sexy!
It was great to see Sharona and Julie! I have not figured out how monks wife's daughter is in the show and how she had a daughter that I don't remember hearing about before even though I've watched every episode repeatedly. I really hope that this show will come back and be a regular at least quarterly although I would watch a daily! Vasquez 25 this is a great show. It's an intelligent show! I don't know if you were a fan of the original monk then you're gonna love this! Please bring it back!
What I gotta beg here?
- jtomlinson-48204
- Dec 16, 2023
- Permalink
A little late but so damn enjoyable as a fan
I love the classic vibes from the series I'm fairly quirky and similar to Monk that nitpicks often. So great that Randy says here's what happened just like Monk would that moment was awesome! I definitely would've watched sooner if it wasn't for sleep issues plus was really into the anime One Piece, glad I can get around to watching other greatness overtime. Some of the movie is ridiculous yet so damn enjoyable for fans at the same time I love the song "It's a jungle out there" from the series the movie lacked a little wonderful joyful atmospheres and wow I didn't expect how funny this would be so satisfying!
- UniqueParticle
- Feb 24, 2024
- Permalink
Good ol' days
Tales of Adrian Monk brings back memories of good old days and it's like nothing has changed ever since. It's same old funny little things monk does with the supporting cast returning to the scene as well. Considering this movie one would think why wasn't this done before but the timing was perfect to light up Monk for at least once more with his unique character. Great work by the cast, especially by Shalhoub never missing a beat of Monk's persona. Visual effects were a reminiscent of the tv series. Great background music. Despite the title many viewers might want to see Monk working on those cold cases for sure.
- avindugunasinghe
- Oct 1, 2024
- Permalink