Reel Monsters

I'm so glad I came across this hidden gem of an indie movie. The acting was great, the plot was tightly paced full of twists and turns....an intriguing mystery with some real high stakes encounters with some gnarly bullies and villains. In an age where Hollywood just regurgitates old ideas for cheap profit, this is a breath of fresh air.

I honestly haven't seen a worse film in my entire life. Whoever wrote this is incapable of writing even a basic conversation. I'm guessing this is some sort of college project that somehow got a distributer by accident. The fact grown human's are capable of producing such horrific awfulness is more disturbing than a real Bigfoot with rabies and massive dangleberries.

Reel Monsters stood out to me because I had an immediate connection with the main character. We both want to make movies. If you're a teen like me, and you have a love for acting, writing and movies, then you will also relate with the characters.

The story's lead characters are Cory (Dawson Hilfinger), Boone (Nicholas Olson) and Sandra (Sophia Guss). The title Reel Monsters is a funny play on words because the movie is about teens taking a directing class and directors make film "reels," and the teens end up filming a "real" monster, Big Foot. The main action starts after Cory shows a film his dad made before his mysterious disappearance. The teens decide to find Cory's dad and, in doing so, they go on a journey that both brings them closer together and changes their lives.

The story is one that has been told before (finding Big Foot in the woods), but this one is different because it is from the perspective of teens. This helps keep the attention of younger audiences. All the kids want to be directors, so it's not like other movies where only one person has a skill or dream. So it is a nice plot twist to have all the main characters share so much in common. Also, the film manages to be suspenseful and funny. For example, the creative ways Cory, Boone and Sophia deal with the two bullies. Also, the actors are believable as teens dealing with regular teen problems like bullies and major family issues-like the missing dad.

The message of the film is that if you have a goal then stick to it and be prepared for any opportunity. Another message is that it is okay to be nervous and afraid, and to get others to help you accomplish your goal.

I give Reel Monsters 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to ages 11 to 18, plus adults who will enjoy it, too. Reel Monsters releases digitally February 15, 2022.

By Ayden P., KIDS FIRST!

If I could say anything positive about this train wreck I would but there just isn't anything good about this appalling mess.

It give of the vibes of a high school assignment that started out with enthusiasm and quickly spiraled out of control to ultimately get an 'F' from a teacher that took pity on them.

It's a pity because there is the germ of a storyline there but here's the thing... if you don't have a budget to afford a decent creature suit and you can't get anyone who can act then don't make the film to begin with. You're only going to end up with a disappointing load of rubbish that people are going pan after having wasted their time watching it.

Doesn't even deserve 1 star.

There is a lot to like in this film and clearly a huge amount of work has gone into the production.

The sound, music and lots of the shots are spot on and it held my attention a lot longer than some high budget movies.

Yes it has flaws and it won't be to everyone's taste ( I think it would work for a younger crowd. ) but it has real heart.

'A' for effort from me and I look forward to your next movie.