Monster

Production: Good script. Okay editing. Some of the scenes were a little jarring to the narrative. Good casting. Sets look realistic. 6/10.

On screen: Good to decent acting. Most of the actors are believable, but sometimes their actions seemed unnatural. Good cinematography. The artsy esthetic works for this film. 7/10.

Content/Impact: The telling of this story is necessary to combat the racism that black people, especially young black men, face today. The humanity that is shown throughout the film of black youth and how racism can write their own narrative is profound. Not only did it illustrate this through the main character Steve Harmon but the fact that it was shown through one of the "antagonists" William King shows us the complexity of black people meaning that black people are people too just like everyone else breaking the stereotype that black people are a monolith. 10/10.

Overall: Solid book to film adaptation needed in the world we live in today. 7.6/10.

This is one of those movies where it's all about the execution. The story is something that we've seen before, but it's the way they execute this story that makes it an original watch. Because our main character is a future movie director, he guides us through the story with a very interesting point of view. The way he narrates the story might be a little on the nose at times, but it does give a very fresh perspective on a familiar story. Something that also made a good impression were the performances. Especially Kelvin Harris Jr. Gives a very good performance that shows the heartwarming, but also the darker moments of his teenage life. The direction is something that was a bit questionable at times. The way it uses the flashbacks and forward where easy to follow, but a bit out of place at times. There were also some side stories that didn't really go anywhere and little errors that kept me out of the story, but it did bring it home in the end. I became very invested in the story and that made the ending very nerve racking. All in all, a familiar story with a very interesting point of view.

Despite the star-studded cast of vastly talented, and most times undervalued artists, what I love most about Monster is that the film paid its true creator all the praises. Based on Dean Myers' book, the screenwriter allowed the author to speak for and through the film, and to the point where watching it, at times, felt as if I was in a small book store with my eyes closed, listening to one of the greatest writers in American history paint an image of a simple life in Harlem that could easily have been my own.

3 out of 5 stars.

Strong plot about a guy who gets accused of robbing and murdering a store clerk. Great performances. But dull and tedious direction that gets boring after a while.

It seems quite obvious where the movie leads at first. It does take a few turns and twists along the way. The main thing is how certain people are viewed though - based on the color of their skin as one example that is being explored here. You may feel that this is being a bit one dimensional, but as I already stated there is more to it than at first sight (no pun intended) and also unfortunately as cliche as it may sound, it is bitter reality ... still to this day.

Having said all that, the movie has some very actors in it ... and some very dramatic moments to say the least. Many times if a colored kid is being singled out and made responsible for a crime, they plead for a bargain ... which is anything but that, especially if they are innocent. This goes to the court ... which can turn out to be even worse than taking a plea deal ... what will happen here? Well I am not going to tell you, you have to watch if you want to know ... but be prepared for everything ...