The
Monster (2016/Lionsgate Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B Extras: C+ Film: C+
The
Monster (2016) is the new film from writer/director Bryan Bertino
(The Strangers) and is another isolation piece for the filmmaker that
blurs the lines between drama and horror. The film stars relative
newcomers Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, and Scott Speedman.
As
for the Monster itself, it's actually a guy in a suit for a change
and not a digital creature, which is refreshing. Some parts of the
film reminded me of Jurassic Park (in a good way) in some
sequences that feature heavy offscreen monster growling, buckets of
rain, and two people trapped in a car. The technique of 'not showing
the monster until halfway through the second act' adds to the
imagination, as well and is pretty effective. At times gory and not
without some great tension, The Monster is a great film to
watch at night in a darkened room.
A
young mother (Kazan) and her daughter (Ballentine), hit an animal,
and get stranded on a rainy night on the side of the road. When help
comes, they soon realize that they aren't alone, when a hideous
monster lurks outside of their car devours everything in sight.
Simultaneously, the mother and daughter deal with their complicated
relationship which is full of both love and hate for one another.
The
problems with the film lie in the flashbacks that tell the story of
the mother and daughter that are long and overly dramatic. Though
decently acted in these sequences, the writing seems a little lazy.
What does work is the tension that builds in the scenes with the
Monster - even though how it came to be and what it is are never
really explained. I found the ending a bit lackluster too after such
a great buildup. All in all, the film's a bit above average and
better than most films of its kind from last year.
Presented
in sharp 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of
2.39:1 and a great sounding DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1
track that is standard for the format and leaves little to complain
about. Much of the film takes place at night and the contrast and
detail is pretty spot on. The Monster itself is black and has a very
wet look that comes across great in HD and the score by TomandAndy
(Resident Evil) is intense and nerve racking. A solid
presentation all around.
A
digital UV copy is also included.
Special
Features...
"Eyes
in the Darkness" featurette
Trailer
While
not perfect, The Monster is a step in the right direction.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
