Movie info via Rotten Tomatoes:
Monk returns to solve one last, very personal case involving his beloved step-daughter Molly, a journalist preparing for her wedding.
Review:
Mr Monks Last Case is a movie I could watch without feeling cringey and enjoy the feels I get from it. I’ve been a big Monk fan for its entire run and this is a proper send off. You have to love it when Monk gets a much wished for Trudy (his long passed wife) healing and an internal acknowledgement of his value as a human being that has made an impact on others. The ending is a Monk version of heaven, a group hug that he doesn’t need hand sanitizer to contend with.
The last case is a pretty ordinary one that makes fun. of the Richard Branson and Elon Musk space adventures. It’s just an excuse to bring Tony Shaloub and the old gang back together again. And they slip seamlessly into their old roles.
The Monk here is in a dark place. The COVID-19 pandemic brought out the most debilitating symptoms of his mental illnesses. He’s been spending a great deal of time with Molly (Caitlin McGee), the daughter of his late wife who was introduced late in the series. It’s Molly’s wedding that brings Monk’s former assistant Natalie (Traylor Howard) and police colleagues Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) and Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) together in sunny San Francisco once again. But when Molly’s fiancé dies mysteriously, a day before their wedding, Adrian is forced to get over his latest breakdown and hunt for a killer. He brings his own hand sanitizer.
Shaloub, as always, is perfect in the role. He knows. how to make Monk’s OCD quirks funny and heartfelt. If you’re a fan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel you’ll find echoes of Monk in his father character, Abe Weissman, the obsessive with the quick mind. Shaloub acting wise has never really abandoned Monk, just adapted him. It’s no surprise that he’s immediately up to speed.
The cast also is quick to get back into their roles. it seems they’re having fun. Ted Levine always chewed scenery to his heart’s content under police journeyman Stottlemeyer’s bushy mustache, and he wastes no time chomping down on his new material. A particular treat is the return of Hector Elizondo, who has mostly retired from acting but makes a comeback for a few short scenes as Monk’s therapist. An emotional moment that finds both veteran actors in tears is sure to pull on the heartstrings of even the most stoic viewer.
Mr. Monk’s Last Case gets a B+. It’s streaming on Peacock.
Credits:
- Rating: TVPG (L|V)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & thriller, Comedy
- Original Language: English
- Director: Randy Zisk
- Writer: Andy Breckman
- Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Distributor: Peacock
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