Monsters
3/4
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able
Rated R for Language
Made for a slim 800 g's, Gareth Brooks proves one thing: it is entirely possible to make a good science-fiction movie for almost nothing. "Monsters" is an effective little movie with some decent scares, likable characters and an affecting and low-key romance.
Six years ago, a satellite picked up on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. A probe that was sent to collect samples crash landed in Mexico, leading to about half of that country to be quarantined. Photographer Andrew Kaulder (McNairy) is on his way to getting a big break when he is tasked by his boss to bring back his daughter, Sam (Able). Things go wrong, and they end up taking a dangerous route to the US border.
The performances are effective. I swear I've seen Scoot McNairy somewhere, although according to his iMDb profile, I haven't. I'm sure I'll remember the actor that he reminds me of at some point and then kick myself for it. In any event, the actor is very good in his low-key style. He has chemistry with his co-star, Whitney Able, which helps things a lot. Able is also good, being vulnerable without being a wimp.
The effects are as good as any modestly budgeted endeavor. In fact, it's entirely possible to believe that it was made for the same amount as "District 9," a film that it shares a lot of similarities with. Although there are a few special effects, the film mainly relies on set design (i.e. decrepit signs, bones and corpses). But the special effects are well-integrated and mostly convincing.
Much of the success must be laid at the feet of Gareth Brooks, who wrote and directed the movie. He was also the cinematographer and the the production designer. Four big hats for one small movie. That alone is worth congratulations, but the fact that the film is good is all the better.
There are a few flaws in the film. One, the social commentary about immigration isn't particularly well conveyed. It is there, but the idea isn't fully formed. The film also takes a while to get going. For a while, the premise and the plot are the same thing, and there needs to be a turn to involve us deeper into the story. Also, while there is chemistry between the leads, it's a little too understated.
I liked the movie. I'll probably watch it again sometime, mainly because I like the characters.
Note: the film is rated R for Language. This is a curious thing, because I can't remember any use of profanity during the entire movie. This should be rated PG-13 for some disturbing images.
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able
Rated R for Language
Made for a slim 800 g's, Gareth Brooks proves one thing: it is entirely possible to make a good science-fiction movie for almost nothing. "Monsters" is an effective little movie with some decent scares, likable characters and an affecting and low-key romance.
Six years ago, a satellite picked up on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. A probe that was sent to collect samples crash landed in Mexico, leading to about half of that country to be quarantined. Photographer Andrew Kaulder (McNairy) is on his way to getting a big break when he is tasked by his boss to bring back his daughter, Sam (Able). Things go wrong, and they end up taking a dangerous route to the US border.
The performances are effective. I swear I've seen Scoot McNairy somewhere, although according to his iMDb profile, I haven't. I'm sure I'll remember the actor that he reminds me of at some point and then kick myself for it. In any event, the actor is very good in his low-key style. He has chemistry with his co-star, Whitney Able, which helps things a lot. Able is also good, being vulnerable without being a wimp.
The effects are as good as any modestly budgeted endeavor. In fact, it's entirely possible to believe that it was made for the same amount as "District 9," a film that it shares a lot of similarities with. Although there are a few special effects, the film mainly relies on set design (i.e. decrepit signs, bones and corpses). But the special effects are well-integrated and mostly convincing.
Much of the success must be laid at the feet of Gareth Brooks, who wrote and directed the movie. He was also the cinematographer and the the production designer. Four big hats for one small movie. That alone is worth congratulations, but the fact that the film is good is all the better.
There are a few flaws in the film. One, the social commentary about immigration isn't particularly well conveyed. It is there, but the idea isn't fully formed. The film also takes a while to get going. For a while, the premise and the plot are the same thing, and there needs to be a turn to involve us deeper into the story. Also, while there is chemistry between the leads, it's a little too understated.
I liked the movie. I'll probably watch it again sometime, mainly because I like the characters.
Note: the film is rated R for Language. This is a curious thing, because I can't remember any use of profanity during the entire movie. This should be rated PG-13 for some disturbing images.
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