As a film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that I found “Monster Summer” to be a delightful throwback to simpler times. Director David Henrie has managed to strike an impressive balance between spookiness and adventurous fun, creating a chilling yet endearing tale that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
In October, there’s an influx of horror movies, but many aren’t suitable for the entire family. However, the movie titled “Monster Summer” fills this gap perfectly. Boasting a strong cast, it offers a light-hearted throwback to the days of Steven Spielberg and his Amblin Entertainment, reminiscent of films like “Hocus Pocus.“. This isn’t the film for horror enthusiasts yearning for genuine jump scares and gore (for that, there’s “Terrifier 3” and “Smile 2“); instead, it’s a perfect choice for anyone or families who want to embrace the Halloween vibe this month without encountering any nightmares.
Mason Thames (remarkable in “The Black Phone”) is charismatic and gives off a more mysterious vibe reminiscent of Finn Wolfhard in “Monster Summer.” As Noah, a teenager, he takes center stage in the movie. During his summer break, Noah spends time playing baseball, cycling with friends, and working on articles in his treehouse. Noah aspires to be a detective reporter like his late father, so when peculiar incidents start happening in town, he’s quick to dive into the mystery to uncover the truth behind it.
Balancing Spooks and Summer in a Throwback Adventure
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Monster Summer
Rating
6.0 out of 10
As an enigmatic power threatens to spoil their exciting summer vacation, Noah and his companions join forces with a former law enforcement officer to embark on a terrifying quest to protect their island.
As an enigmatic power threatens to spoil their exciting summer escapades, Noah and his companions join forces with a former detective from the police force for a terrifying journey aimed at safeguarding their very own island.
Specifications
- A good balance of small scares and a coming-of-age adventure.
- Mel Gibson and Mason Thames work well together here.
- Feels like a nice, simple throwback to an older kind of movie innocence.
- The supporting characters feel like an afterthought.
- It’s a little cheesy.
Events take an unexpected turn for Noah’s companion, Ben (Noah Cottrell), following a fateful night swim with his girlfriend. As they basked under the moonlight in the water, they noticed a woman standing on the pier watching them. Before they could react, she leapt into the water and vanished. Reminiscent of ‘Jaws’ and Spielberg’s work, one of the two youths was dragged underwater shortly after. However, this menace isn’t a shark; it’s a mysterious creature that seems to drain souls. When they were eventually found, Ben was left in a near-catatonic state. A terrifying soul-stealing beast is on the loose.
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In this underwater sequence, the mood is eerie and unsettling, reaching peak horror only towards the last 20 minutes. It serves as an effective means to establish the fear-inducing atmosphere of the location. Director David Henrie, known for his roles in Wizards of Waverly Place and That’s So Raven, skillfully blends kid-friendly elements with a touch of suspense, adventure, melancholy, and growing-up charm.
The main character is Gene, a former police officer portrayed by Mel Gibson, who has gained a reputation among children as something of a local bogeyman due to their speculations about his past actions, such as potential murders and buried bodies. Solitary by nature, Gene’s reasons for isolation are understandable. When Noah realizes he needs an adult ally to rescue his friend and others, a unique friendship develops between the young man and the older one. Both characters have experienced loss – Gene lost his child, while Noah lost his father. In each other, they find pieces of themselves that were missing, and their connection feels authentic and rejuvenating on-screen.
Mel Gibson & Mason Thames Bond Well
In essence, the story of “Monster Summer” primarily revolves around the shared journey of Gene and Noah, as they inch closer to uncovering the town’s mystery and the monster itself. Gibson, in this instance, delves deeper into character development on a smaller scale, following a trend of such productions. It’s plausible that he’s saving funds for future ambitious projects like a sequel to “The Passion of the Christ” or a limited series on “The Siege of Malta.” Given his recent work, some films have not been as successful as direct-to-video releases. However, in “Monster Summer” and his latest film “Desperation Road,” Gibson displays a profound wisdom and rugged handsomeness, offering more subdued, compassionate performances.
Thames shows great dedication to his role, which is impressive given how enthusiastic Noah’s character is. Despite appearing too old for such a role, Thames remains enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately, the movie “Monster Summer” overlooks most of its characters. Noah has two additional young companions who are easily forgettable; his mother, portrayed by the underappreciated Norah Zehetner, appears infrequently, as does Norah Zehetner herself. Kevin James makes an unexpected entrance and delivers a straightforward performance in just two brief scenes. The world is subtly created, but only in fragmented pieces.
As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say, it’s a delightful nod to have Patrick Renna, star of my childhood favorite, “The Sandlot,” appear as the umpire in “Monster Summer.” This clever reference harks back to a simpler era of movie-making, infusing the film with a nostalgic charm that’s hard to resist. So if you’re a cynic, better steer clear, because this one’s for those who cherish the timeless magic of classic films. Now playing in cinemas, “Monster Summer,” brought to you by Pastime Pictures!
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2024-10-05 03:33