There Is a Monster

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, a creation of director Michael Taylor. Subtle and well done. The storyline surprises. Part mystery and a suspense thriller. The ending caught me off guard. Michael Taylor demonstrates that one can create a quality film without spending a fortune. I think this work will especially inspire new filmmakers. I later learned that unfortunate personal experience informed Michael Taylor's script which ends up being a tribute to a family member. Fans of films set in the Washington, DC area and Arlington, Virginia will take note of this rich, independent, low budget production. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this movie. The main character is a successful photographer who finds finds himself the target of a creepy, mysterious dark figure who taunts and torments him. The setting is good, we meet the character in his workspace, see his clients and employees. All seems good. But we see cracks in his perfect world -- a near-affair. The story becomes an exercise in building paranoia, reminiscent at times of "Rosemary's Baby" or "The Shining." It features solid performances from lead actors Joey Collins and Ena O'Rourke. Marcellus Shepard is also v. Good as the bestie the lead character pours his heart out to. But he continues to be pursued by this presence. "There is a Monster" is a psychological horror movie that unfolds at a decent pace and has a good twist at the end.

I'll be honest. I want as many people to see this movie as possible, but I can't help but feel I would be cheating in telling people this was a very well made movie. It is not.

The thriller / horror genre is considered the entry point for many directors (and actors) who want to show their chops but have very little budget, leapfrogging the system and getting the attention of producers and wider audiences, etc. I wish I could say this was such an example.

It took patience to get to the end. There were so many editing mistakes and missed opportunities, however...

With that said, for me, the journey was worth it. There is some solid character development and storytelling here and I hope that people will watch this. If movies are to reach out to people and get them to think, this is a great example.

I don't understand people who give this film a "1". Don't they understand this is obviously a very low budget film with limited resources. It's really hard to make a movie. It's beyond hard when you don't have millions of dollars. Also at 82 minutes in length it doesn't take up too much of your time. And, surprisingly, it has a message.

The lead actors are excellent. The music grabs you. And it has a horror wrapper around an important topic. The movie has meaning.

Yes, you have to look past a few things. The VFX is weak at times. But have you ever really looked at Bruce the Shark?

For me the story is the thing. And this film delivers.

I was completely blown away after witnessing a single man take on the role of not only writer but director of a masterpiece of flim.... that movie was Monkey Man. This movie generated within me a feeling that is the complete antithesis of the former.

BLACK SPANDEX REALLY?

I cannot even recommend this movie as fodder for lampooning, it takes itself far too seriously for comedic purposes.

I am very glad that the directors friends and family are so generous with their ratings. It's great to have a support system... But I will not be clamoring for future installments in Mike Taylor's directorial career.