Monster Summer

The Plot: When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.

I didnt know what to expect when I streamed this movie. Turns out it's pretty good. It sort of has a Goonies/Disney vibe about it. With Mel Gibson thrown in for measure.

The story is actually interesting and the kids in the movie (except for the annoying girl) are effective. Plot keeps moving and it was great to see Mel. He's really underutilized these days, but at age 68 I think he can still pull off a leading role or an action movie. And that's saying something.

I for one thought this movie was great. Per the review title, my opinion may be biased. This movie is in the same vein as Goonies, Little Monsters, Monster Squad, The Witches (the original), etc. Heck I'll even toss in the Sandlot for obvious reasons, you'll understand if you watch it. Unlike those movies though, which are pg, this is pg13 and as such, a little darker. Sure the storyline might be cliche, but who cares if it works and brings you back to a simpler time. If you're a new viewer, well then this is a perfect starting point for horror. Mel Gibson puts on an excellent performance as always, I thought all the kid actors did excellent, the pacing on point, since it's only a bit over 80 minutes. I feel like a lot of people are looking at this movie the wrong way, if youre an adult, you need to look at it from the point of view as a kid, or when you were a kid. As an adult, movies like this aren't meant to scare you, they're meant to bring you back, as a youngster, they're meant to introduce you to horror. So let youre inner child and imagination fly free and enjoy this movie.

The set up is a bit like Stand By Me, but gradually builds up like a classic horror throwback. You might get vibes of a psychedelic cross between Lost Boys and Stranger Things. You might even feel hints of some popular anime or manga mixing in. Most interesting though is that it might just resemble an even more twisted complex version of the classic story, Hansel and Gretal. Though I may have simplified the description, the atmosphere and plot are starkingly similar to those movies. However it isn't all about horror as plenty of mystery elements and bits of angst, understanding others, and growing up even out the overall experience. It's certainly worth watching and if you like this type of movie, then it's also worth buying.

As much as I'm a fan of good witches like Sabrina or the sisters from Charmed, sometimes it's nice to have a witch just be evil. I also like that this movie takes itself seriously. There is some light jokes but it doesn't take away from the danger they are facing.

While the pacing could be better, the story was well written and acted, particularly Mason Thames, who plays the main guy, and Mel Gibson. The characters feel believable and they get some development and a few heartfelt moments. One might compare it to Are You Afraid Of The Dark? In that way. The ending was fun and wrapped things up nicely.

If you have seen The Goonies and The Sandlot you will feel the vibes on this one especially from the beginning even with or without the Umpire played by Patrick Renna from The Sandlot . This was a good watch on a rainy late afternoon here in Great Britain whilst having supper. This is definitely a watch for the family but not sure on kids under a certain age as has one or two wee parts that might scare a minor or three.

A mysterious force disrupts Noah and his friends' summer fun. They team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.

Worth a watch i say.