Monster Summer
October 1st, 2024
MOVIE: MONSTER SUMMER
STARRING: MASON THAMES, KEVIN JAMES, LORRAINE BRACCO, MEL GIBSON
DIRECTED BY: DAVID HENRIE
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 2 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 97 MINUTES
David Henrie’s Monster Summer has good intentions, channeling the spirit of classic “kids on bikes” stories reminiscent of Stephen King. The film follows a trio of friends in a small town who suspect a witch may be responsible for the mysterious disappearances of local children. As an avid Goosebumps reader and fan of gateway horror, I was excited for this adventure. Unfortunately, Monster Summer fails to deliver anything remotely engaging, making it a less-than-ideal summer viewing.
Set in a small town on Martha’s Vineyard, the story revolves around 12- to 13-year-olds Noah (Mason Thames), Eugene (Julian Lerner), and Ellie (Lilah Pate), who are teammates on a local baseball squad. When another friend, Ben, is abducted and ends up in the hospital in a catatonic state, Noah and the gang, with the help of a mysterious old man named Gene (a subdued performance by Mel Gibson), set out to uncover the truth behind the sinister events disrupting their summer.
One of the film’s major flaws lies in its title; much of the action takes place in what looks like fall, marked by constant gray and gloomy weather. Furthermore, the story centers more on a witch than a monster. While a witch can certainly be considered a monster, it feels as if Henrie misinterpreted the assignment. The screenplay by Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano leans heavily on clichés, resulting in a plot that is both predictable and tedious. The characters lack cohesion, as the kids often disagree on how to confront the witch, undermining the idea of their supposed bond.
Finding positives in Monster Summer was challenging. The pacing is sluggish, the scares would barely keep an 8-year-old awake, and the storyline is painfully predictable. While supporting performances from Kevin James and Lorraine Bracco add some star power, they do little to enhance the plot, as the focus remains squarely on the kids—who, despite their potential, lack the charisma to carry the film. It feels like a diluted version of Doctor Sleep, a weak echo of Stand by Me, and even less captivating than Hocus Pocus 2.
Though Monster Summer may have started with good intentions, it ultimately fails to capture the essence of summer adventure. Perhaps it’s best to enjoy the fall and leave this summer movie behind.
2 STARS
MONSTER SUMMER IS NOW PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS AND MORE THEATERS FRIDAY OCTOBER 11TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
