MONSTER SUMMER kicks off October with a creepy tale. In a season of family un-friendly slasher and gore films it is nice to have a spooky story crafted for the younger movie goers. Though rated PG-13 it is pretty tame and – depending on the kid – fine for your older tweens as well.
Synopsis: 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.
The film is written by a group that has never had their hand in horror, yet they do know a bit about family films bringing us The Peanuts move a few years back. Bryan Schulz (yes of that Shulz family) and Cornelius Uliano do a decent job here creating a story that is both mysterious and campy. Set in 1997 the kids stay out late riding bikes, play a lot of baseball, and love their treehouse hangout.
On an island off of Martha’s Vineyard young kids are being attacked by an unknown force. Parents and law enforcement are convinced it is simply a series of unfortunate, random events. Noah (Mason Thames) is a young teen who feels like there is something much more sinister at play. Since no one will belive him he elicits the help of a reclusive, retired detective (Mel Gibson) to help solve the mystery. All that is missing is a big brown dog and a van.
Noah lost his dad a few years earlier and is struggling to hold on to a piece of his father. He wants nothing more than to be a journalist like his dad and this could be his big story; if anyone will believe him. Are there real witches about? Is it the work of a traveling child abductor? That is the core of this story.
Mel Gibson is fun to watch in this one. You almost feel like this could be Lethal Weapon the Later Years. Gibson plays Gene a man who also lost a lot and is struggling with his own demons. Not unlike Martin Riggs a character he made famous in the early 90s. Here he has the same gruff, cynical countenance. Gene doesn’t fully agree with Noah’s witch theory. But knows there is something afoot.
Gene and Noah have both lost a lot and it is sweet watching them bond in the film. This arc of the story brings a lot of heart. Though set in the late 1990’s the film feels timeless. It could be the 80s or even 70s. The only thing that would change is the music and wardrobe.
Monster Summer will keep you intrigued and curious from start to finish. Once it hits streaming and home viewing it should secure its place in those seasonal films your youngsters watch each Halloween. It has a made for TV vibe even with the famous faces. Along with Gibson the film also stars Kevin James and Lorraine Bracco. There is a fun little cameo that sadly is spoiled in the trailer and all the press clips and pics. Still, it is fun and nostalgic to see.
October is the best time for these tales, and for families Monster Summer could make for a monster fall as well.
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