In 1997, on an island, Noah (Mason Thames) is a young teenager with big dreams for the upcoming summer season. While he hopes to spend time with his close friends and play baseball, he also aspires to become a journalist, just like his father once was. Working in a treehouse with a typewriter, Noah aims to write a piece that will eventually be published and read by the public. However, all the stories he has submitted so far to the local newspaper have been declined.
When one of Noah’s friends experiences a strange and unexplainable encounter with a monster-like being, they are left in an almost coma-like state. This incident prompts Noah to investigate, but he quickly realises he can’t solve the case alone. He teams up with Gene, a highly skilled retired police detective played by Mel Gibson, who is also intrigued by the strange events occurring within the community. Together, Noah and Gene work to uncover which community member is responsible for affecting the lives of many young teenagers in such a troubling way.
Monster Summer is best described as a teen horror adventure film featuring an intriguing mystery that unfolds throughout most of the movie. If you enjoy TV shows like Goosebumps or Stranger Things, then Monster Summer will likely be a film you’ll love. The film is directed by David Henrie, known for his work on This is the Year (2020) and for acting in various films such as Grown Ups 2 (2013), Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015), and Reagan (2024).
The film is quite playful with its mysteries, and to my surprise, it also contains many heartfelt moments. Monster Summer offers strong homage to all things from the 90s and includes several references to well-known films such as The Sandlot and Signs, which also starred Mel Gibson. Performance-wise, it’s no surprise that Mel Gibson stands out with a natural and exceptional performance. Unfortunately, some of the younger actors’ line deliveries, expressions, and performances are inconsistent.
The mystery in the film is relatively easy to unravel, as it involves a limited number of prime suspects. The story frequently tries to mislead the audience while the characters investigate the obvious suspects. Additionally, I noticed that some scenes felt too prolonged or unnecessary, contributing to an overall runtime that seemed longer than necessary.
Overall, Monster Summer is a charming film for fans of popular TV shows like Goosebumps and Stranger Things! It blends playfulness and mystery while offering surprising, heartfelt moments, largely thanks to Mel Gibson’s standout performance, which is the best in the cast. The film pays tribute to the 90s and cinema by referencing movies like The Sandlot and Signs (which also starred Gibson). However, the film has its drawbacks, including some extended scenes and moments of clunky dialogue and acting that aren’t always effective. Nevertheless, it provides enjoyable entertainment with some fun elements.
Monster Summer (2024) will be available in Australian Cinemas starting January 9th!
FILM SCORE: 5.8/10
Published: 9th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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