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I don't know who you would market this movie to. It's not a kid's movie, tho it tries very hard to look like one. It's not an adult movie (a boy and a talking tree), tho its themes certainly are mature. Both child and adult will squirm under the relentless emotional requirement with only a faint wisp of humor to lighten things up. Melancholy overload anyone? No?

But if you make it to the end, you'll have received an unexpected cathartic cleansing and a life lesson in your pocket that is hard, but beautiful in its truth.

Once you stop blubbering, that is.

As someone who had read the book and really liked it, I found the movie as compelling and it excels at additions that are not in the novel such as the last scene which happened after the ending of the book. However, they also removed some good parts from the book, but were offset by visuals and score and the spot on performances of the characters especially Lewis MacDougall (Conor) who nailed his role in the movie. He sure knows how to cry. And that needs pointing out as a lot of kids in movies are sometimes annoying and difficult to watch. Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) and Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) who were both Academy Award Best Actress nominees were as good as anyone would expect them to be. And Liam Neeson's voice was the perfect choice for the monster's. Haunting, cold, deep, and soothing. Also, the other thing I found striking was how the book played out as a movie. Aside from a few differences (the adds and minuses), almost everything else is as what the book is. Impactful scenes as how they were narrated and readers imagine them to be and dialogue and life lessons as how they were said in the book were same as in the movie. If you have read and liked the book, then watch this. If you have not, watch it still, as long as you have a heart and know what you're getting into, chances are you'll like this gem of a movie.

Stirring and tragical story based on a notorious novel and competently directed by Juan Antonio Bayona . Including an engaging screenplay by Patrick Ness , based upon the novel written by himself from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd . A devastating event happens in the life of a little boy , twelve-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) , as he seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mother's (Felicity Jones) terminal . Meanwhile , he must face his stiff-upper-lip grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) , his estranged father (Toby Kobbel) and the school bully . This is one family's moving story of sadness and love . As Conor is caught in a chaotic self-destruction , when he then is visited by the tree-like Monster (Lian Neeson) , who tells Conor it has to come to tell him three true stories . However , nothing is more powerful than the human spirit . Stories are wild creatures. Courage conquers all . Will he survive ?

It's a grade A picture , a gem , absorbing , riveting , highly moving , incredibly tense .This is a very touching story about a boy who feels very damaged , unsettling , guilty and mostly angry , as well as his relationship with a benevolent and wise tree-like monster that has points in common with Treebeard the Ent from Lord of the Rings . This is a psychological/exciting/thrilling drama in which a boy becomes involved into a terrible tragedy . It is a smart and sensitive flick filled with intense drama , thrills , emotion , tear-jerker , state-of-art special effects , and pretty entertaining , though overlong . The complex plot deals with a tree-monster who tells three tales and after which Conor must tell the Monster his own story: the truth behind his nightmare, which Conor refuses to do. Interesting and thought-provoking screenplay based on a novel that was originally started by Siobhan Dowd who left it unfinished, at her death. Patrick Ness finished the book with credits to her idea. This stirring pic is a tightly-knit drama centered on the relentless personal fight , as it follows an affected boy suffering extreme bullying , and a seriously wounded mother , as she struggles to survive . The picture makes up for it with an evolving atmosphere of anxiety and fear . Everything in Juan Antonio Bayona 's impressive film looks so real that you might think it's a highly fantastic movie full of imagination and color , thanks to the sensational animated images and cartoon resolution . And a great main and support cast , such as Lewis MacDougall , Sigourney Weaver , Felicity Jones , Toby Kebbell . And Liam Neeson, who provides the voice of the Monster , appears as Conor's grandfather in the photo of Conor's mother as a little girl being carried by her father .

Lavishly produced by Enrique López Lavigne , Belen Atienza , Patrick Ness , Bill Pohlad , Jeff Skoll , Patrick Wachsberger , among others.There is the urgent hand-held camera-work, a trademark refined and perfected by cameraman Oscar Faura , which lends an air of pseudo-authenticity to carefully staged reconstructions, putting us right there in the huddle of the action . Shot in various locations as Castlefield, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, Cabrils, Barcelona, Catalonia, Delph, Greater Manchester, England, UK , the school scenes were shot at Colne Valley High School in Linthwaite, Huddersfield, England. Furthermore , an emotive as well as enjoyable musical score by Fernando Velazquez .The motion picture was compellingly directed by Juan Antonio Bayona who proved his usual aesthetics and nail-biting filmmaking as well as he formerly made in ¨the orphanage¨and ¨The imposible¨or ¨Lo imposible¨ . Bayona has directed 1 actress to an Academy Award-nominated performance: Naomi Watts (Best Actress, Lo imposible or the impossible (2012) and Sigourney Weaver in this ¨A monster call¨. Rating : This excellent film results to be above average , a really magnificent movie . Essential and indispensable seeing . The picture will appeal to J.A. Bayona fans .

When I first walk into theater, I was not expecting much of this. Yeah, the first moments were so cliché I thought this would just be a mediocre movie at best. But after the movie, everything changed, and this became one of the best movies I've seen in years The director use beautifully rendered CGI to deliver the emotions of a struggling young boy coping with reality. It was already a hard concept that few movie successfully delivered, and yet he make so many people I know broke down in tears. Moreover, he also make use of the visual to express the incredibly complicated yet meaningful plot of the movie, constantly changing between fantasy and reality, truth and lies, acceptance and the growing of a boy into adulthood. The main actor while only a young man has already show signs of greatness, you can only wonder if he had already gone through all of this. He also actually took the time to developed each character, making the audiences attach to each and everyone of them. Which is why the ending was even more dramatic and sad for many of us And the soundtrack, oh man, the soundtrack just hit me where it really feels, this is probably the best part of this movie. Whether it's total silence for contemplation of characters or full- on orchestral work for the climax or the sad violin, man, they totally nailed it.

I do not know the novel of Patrick Ness. So, to define it as a good or bad adaptation is impossible. I know only than it is a simple amazing film. For so many reasons.

• I know, very well, the taste of angry. The film gives its nuances in almost cruel manner;

• I know the profound fear of loss. The film gives the fair nuances of it.

• Lewis McDougall is great as Connor. And , just great.

• It is a nice gift to discover the work of Sigourney Weaver and Felicity Jones. Or the short appearence of lovely Geraldine Chaplin.

• It is a film to remind and to feel it . A sort of confirmation of truths deep inside you.

• At the end, you know- it is a film about yourself . The connection with th family members, the selfishness, the so useful imaginary friend, the stories passing generation by generation.

So, more than a good film with spectacular special effects. A film about ...true truth.

A Monster Calls is the rare movie geared toward a younger demographic which refuses to pull an emotional punch. The movie explicitly states that the protagonist, Connor O'Malley, is "too old to be a kid and too young to be a man". The introductory tagline is the perfect way to relay the film's tone to the audience. From the brutally honest acting to the gorgeously animated "stories", A Monster Calls allows raw emotion to emanate from the experience. Magic on the screen happens due to the unique specificity of our hurt hero. The fantastical elements found in a typical family movie organically merge with the painful reality of adulthood. For example, a fight will begin building up in Connor and the anger will call out the monster. The monster is never a simple vicarious outlet for the young adult. Instead, the monster is a well-executed manifestation of perceived guilt towards a deeper truth. Liam Neeson's monster revels in the humanity of the moment while also holding a magnifying glass up to it. Life continues to get worse for Connor and each appearance leads to a gradual slip of harsh reality. Refreshingly, A Monster Calls never hides that uncovering important personal insight is a painful process. The climax makes up for one of the most touching revelatory moments in modern cinema. The value of the film is revealed in how both children and adults in the audience gain a better understanding of the inherently personal nature of grief. The way we deal with a loss can come across as something else entirely for ourselves. A wide release of the film will hopefully begin to kindle in an audience a desire for introspective cinema. In a sense, specific scenarios are able to paradoxically tap into a universally human truth. Movies like A Monster Calls show a better alternative to the next soulless generic blockbuster movie.

This movie was a drama film about a boy who had to face so many life challenges at a young age. As described by the Monster, Connor was too old to be called a child but to young to be called a man. It was a heartbreaking and touching movie with most of the scenes especially in the end were very sad. But the moral & message of the story was actually quite deep.

The monster in this movie was not a scary monster and it was not supposed to be a film where people are being hunted by the monster or vice versa. However the special effect & the sound effect of the monster was very good. Liam Neeson's voice also added the element of warmth, strength and power.

Meanwhile, the story itself was actually adapted from the novel by the same title written by Patrick Ness. The movie was supposed to play in US theaters this month but it was delayed till early 2017. So Indonesians are quite fortunate to have the opportunity to see this one before the US. Just take note that it is only playing in 21 Cineplex cinema chain.

For me personally, the most memorable part of the movie was the 1st of the 3 stories told by the Monster. I think the similar feeling that Connor had in the end, had greater impact on my wife. Anyway, for those who love to see touching heart breaking drama with some fantasy & good but brief special effects, then this movie would be suitable for you. However for those who are looking for fantasy action movie, then you would not like to watch this.

for my complete review, pls have a look at michaelnontonmulu.blogspot.co.id

A scary looking tree in the middle of a graveyard haunts the dreams of a little boy, Conor, who already has enough troubles while awake. A mother (Felicity Jones) with terminal cancer, bullies, absent father, dictatorial grandma (Sigourney Weaver) and now a threatening monster (Liam Neeson) to visit him at night; poor Conor does not have a lot going for him. On the plus side, the monster has only three stories to tell, yet when finished he insists that Conor tell a story of his own that reveals the truths in his heart. The monster's stories touch upon themes gnawing at Conor; the good and bad in every person, the consequences of actions and an invisible man who becomes more invisible by being seen. Still Conor refuses to acknowledge the truths. "You don't know me," he shouts "these stories are not real!" The monster then lays down the law, "I know everything about you, now speak the truth or die!"

A Monster Calls includes some amazing visual effects, fantastic scenes and brilliant dialogue. The film explores in compelling and thrilling ways how fantasy combines with reality, how people deal with their fears (for better and worse) and the tremendous power of stories. The actors are convincing and captivating and Neeson's voice is mesmerizing. You'd rob a bank if his voice told you to. Animation is used to illustrate the monster's stories. A Monster Calls is based on a novel by Patrick Ness. Seen at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

A Monster Calls is a beautifully crafted emotional tale that blends fantasy with very real, human feelings. It's a good film-poetic, profound, and quietly powerful. Though it moves at a careful, introspective pace, it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, especially those who connect with stories about grief, courage, and imagination.

The acting is truly heartfelt. The young lead delivers a remarkably mature performance, grounding the film with vulnerability and authenticity. Liam Neeson's voice performance brings the monster to life with a gravitas that's both commanding and strangely comforting. Felicity Jones and Sigourney Weaver round out the cast with strong, emotionally layered roles.

Visually, the cinematography is gorgeous, capturing both the grey melancholy of the real world and the vivid artistry of the animated story sequences. The blend of live-action and stylized visual storytelling adds depth and originality. The music, soft and melancholic, supports the emotional weight of the story without overpowering it.

While it may not be a blockbuster or a crowd-pleaser for everyone, A Monster Calls is a thoughtful, artistic experience. It's a good film-quiet but moving-and one that resonates deeply if you let it.

'A Monster Calls (2017)' is the kind of 'fantasy as allegory' that's so often made all the less ambiguous, one way or the other, precisely because of its format. Film isn't quite able to achieve the kind of unspoken uncertainty that novels often inherently carry, considering the all-encompassing perspective of written first-person narratives, but not every story is meant to work both literally and figuratively - though many often do and I can't speak to the intentions of the source-material (which I haven't read). My point is that some material perhaps has more impact if it makes itself as definitive as possible. Such is the case with this feature, which never really has any pretences about its more outlandish elements and always frames them as the coping mechanisms of a child - though the occasionally more tangible moment does break this illusion somewhat. While the stranger elements perhaps don't work as well as they would have in a piece totally told from the perspective of our unreliable narrator of a protagonist, the film comes together to tell a tale as old as time in a distinct way that actually allows it to be widely accessible and incredibly emotionally resonant, to boot. 7/10.

I just went through a massive grief episode about a week before I watched this movie, so I was a little nervous it would make me cry and feel it all over again. And yup, it definitely made me cry, but in a healing way. The message in this movie is beautiful and healing and incredibly real for those who have gone through grief. It helped me heal while listening to the stories and message in this movie, and at the end I felt calm and relief. This movie was a physical description of everything I've felt bottled inside, and it was cathartic to see it play out so perfectly on screen. Incredible.

Can't remember the last time I cried in a movie theater, but man A Monster Calls perfectly sums up my biggest anxieties of growing up: the fear of loss, fear of change, that moment when you feel like you are never entitled to express your frustration that you become violent. The existence of this movie is more than enough for me. It's not quite subtle, though, but I didn't mind. Either way, I needed this. So it's like... Inside Out... and ParaNorman... and Bridge to Terabithia... except it's better... way better... Did I mention that it's also incredibly stunning? The acting is great: Lewis MacDougall is one of the most impressive kid actors I've seen this year, he amazingly carries this film that it would be a shame if he doesn't get nominated along with probably Felicity Jones.

Overall, it's powerful. It also gets a little too devastating. Even with all the pretty colors, it just straight-up acknowledges the pain and complexities of life and humanity. Reality stinks, but life's a journey. And dealing with it has always been a part of it.

(Saw this movie last month, but again, better late than never.)

Lewis MacDougall leads a raw and authentic performance, it's nice to see Sigourney Weaver but her accent is a little jarring. The VFX, concept designs, and the authentic photography and locations of England are all pretty solid. There's very little pandering in this movie and very little of the generic American faff that usually accompanies these films. It's quite talky and the four tales conceit doesn't translate easily to the screen, but I can imagine it being a very important film to young children or anyone struggling with this kind of grief, it's a meaty, heartfelt and complex look at this from a child's perspective. Sensitively and artfully told. It's nice to see a picture of the Grandad as Liam Neeson who provides the monsters voice, a small secret to show how grief affects all generations in different but also the same ways.

This movie will give words to your grief. It will open you up, lay you bare, and take out that little pack of grief inside you, hold it up against light and show you how it looks from up close. What its made of. What is its texture. It will give a name to your feelings, a face to your emotions. Give yourselves this movie's insight.

What NOT to assume about the movie: Do not take this movie by its name. Or its trailer. This is not a kids' movie. Its a child's story. Do not take it as an attempt at a tear jerker. Do not take it as a run-of-the-mill art movie. Do not take it as anything you have seen before. It WILL shake you. Your insides. Your core.

Your hands will not move to fast forward once, even when there is no action and no flashy fight scenes. Beware, in the era of more visuals than substance, your ears will surprisingly listen. Your eyes will watch. You will want to know what happens, and how, even when you know it.

The emotions are the most red form of raw. They have been wrenched apart from real life and placed in front of the camera as they were. The actors, for this brilliance, deserve a thank you beyond the scope of my expression.

This movie holds a different meaning for everyone. If you have never felt personal grief, it will shock you by what its like when the stakes are high. If you have personally suffered, you will find yourself saying 'oh this is so true….this is how it was….'

Thats how it was for me, who has lost dear ones personally, and my husband, who hasn't. When Conor's truth was revealed, my husband gasped 'how could he…?' while I smiled painfully, understanding exactly what Conor meant. These reactions were simultaneous and worlds apart, while we were watching the same movie at the same time.

Watch it. In a world of fantastic beasts and assassin's creeds, give your soul a chance. Do not deny yourself this child's story.

The boy Conor O'Malley (Lewis MacDougall) has frequent nightmares and is facing several problems. His beloved mother Lizzie (Felicity Jones) has a terminal illness and he might have to live with his strict grandmother Mrs. Clayton (Sigourney Weaver). His estranged father (Toby Kebbell) lives in the United States of America. He is bullied at school by Harry (James Melville). One night, Conor is visited by a tree-like Monster (Liam Neeson) at 12:07 AM that tells that he will tell three true stories to Conor; in return, the boy will tell his own story to the Monster about the truth behind his nightmare.

"A Monster Calls" is a drama with a too gloomy and unpleasant story. The cast has magnificent performances highlighting the boy Lewis MacDougall. The special effects are excellent and the voice of Liam Neeson is creepy. But the sad slow-paced story is too dark and viewers may be misled by the trailer with the tree-like monster believing it is a fantasy. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Sete Minutos Depois da Meia-Noite" ("Seven Minutes After Midnight")

(RATING: ☆☆☆☆ out of 5)

THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.

IN BRIEF: A visually stunner caught up in the undergrowth of its own conventional storytelling.

GRADE: B

SYNOPSIS: A child suffers the harsh realities of life and retreats to another world.

JIM'S REVIEW: J. A. Bayona's A Monster Calls is a visually imaginative downer of a tale about a young boy who must learn to cope with grief. Based on the award-winning children's book by Patrick Ness and adapted by the author himself, the film uses animation and live action to tell its tale of woe. The results of this dark tale are enlightened by stylish direction and a highly effective performance by newcomer. Lewis MacDougall.

Mr. MacDougall plays Conor O'Malley whose life is filled with too many harsh realities: a mother suffering from terminal cancer (Felicity Jones), a distant grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) and a more distant father (Toby Kebbell), a cruel bully (James Melville). Real life offers no solitude, so Conor retreats to an imaginary world which brings with it a giant yew monster (Liam Neeson). During his visits, the tree creature provides some respite for Conor. He gives him sage advice by telling some stories to help this child through the darkness to find some solace in the real world.

A Monster Calls is more of an allegory and the film's narrative structure uses the format of interspersing animated vignettes as parables to the parallel story of Conor and his terminally-ill mother. Yes, the film is manipulative from the start, with its undeniable melodramatic set-up and ultimately tragic conclusion. The real world story is dull and so relentless in its brooding melancholia compared to the free-spirited other worldly realm and, at times, this reviewer wanted to stay in the latter. But the filmmakers treat their serious subject with such dignity and honesty, avoiding the maudlin and sentimental for the most part. There is so much to admire about Mr. Bayona's film. (The subject is not an easy task to sell to the general public. Not surprisingly, the movie is doing lackluster business in the States, although globally it is doing well. Nowadays, American moviegoers are looking to escape reality, such like the main character.)

Technically, the film soars. From Oscar Fuura's stunning photography to Fernando Velazquez's haunting music score, the film looks death squarely in the face and celebrates life. Seamlessly edited by Benat Vilplana and Jaume Marti, A Monster Calls uses its sumptuous visuals to its advantage. With swirls of bright watercolor washes adding a vibrancy to the film's story-within- a story format, the film efficiently contrasts the real from the unreal. Kudos to director Bayona and his team of artisans on their handling of this delicate theme.

The lead performances are all first-rate, Mr. Neeson voices the Monster perfectly and his motion capture performance is wonderful and so heartfelt. Ms. Jones brings superb understatement to her role as Conor's sickly parent. Her chemistry with Mr. MacDougall seems genuine and authentic. This young actor, in his film debut, is remarkable and runs the full gamut of emotions without one false note. Providing supporting work in their rather stock roles are Ms. Weaver and Mr. Kebbell who are merely serviceable, possibly due to the writing and characters.

A Monster Calls is indeed a Grimm tale, but one that deserves your attention. And be forewarned, bring a hankie with you.

If you have ever lost someone to a terminal illness, do yourself a favor and skip this dark, gut-wrenching movie. It was the most depressing piece I have ever watched. The monster was the only redeeming quality in it. Sorry but I don't find reliving painful memories entertaining.