PIC of the Week – Love and Monsters
Article Series by Ray Schillaci
Refreshing! That is the first word that comes to mind after seeing Paramount’s Love And Monsters, an apocalyptic, coming-of-age story with monsters. Sounds ridiculous? Director Michael Matthews and his talented pair of writers Brian Duffield (The Babysitter, The Babysitter: Killer Queen) and Matthew Robinson (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) return to the type of entertainment that was prevalent in the early heyday of Spielberg, Zemeckis and Dante. A feel good movie with plenty of laughs and a few chills now and then.
In a very inventive opening depicting the end of the world as we know it, our narrator, Joel, a timid young man now lives in a bunker with eight other people all coupled up, pines for the girlfriend, Aimee, he was separated from in the beginning of the end and only communicates with on a ham radio. The only thing coming between Joel and Aimee are the treacherous 85 miles between them occupied by monsters.
Giant mutated insects and reptiles were the result of some kind of fall out from missiles we fired at a meteorite heading for the earth. Joel also yearns to be of more help to his bunker family, but happens to freeze in fear at the thought of these monsters. This may all sound silly, but Joel’s eventual journey to find the love of his life and grow in the process is touching, funny, suspenseful and a pure entertainment joy.
Dylan O’Brien as Joel is a wonderful wide-eyed innocent. He conveys fear and frustration convincingly and yet he’s also able to offer a funny quip now and then that caught me off guard. I had genuine concern for him and couldn’t help but to cheer him on.
While on his journey, he runs into two survivalists, the gruff and wise Clyde and the appropriately named Minnow, an adorable ragamuffin of a little girl. Michael Rooker as Clyde, known for his villainous roles in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Walking Dead and recently displaying a slightly softer side in the two Guardians of the Galaxy films, is perfectly charming and once again displays a great knack for humor. Young star Ariana Greenblatt, as Minnow, looks like she just stepped out of a Mad Max movie and avoids any annoying cuteness. Instead, she plays a savvy, sweet survivor with a great sense of comedy timing.
There is a slight improvement over picture when comparing the 4K to the Blu. Close-up shots appear to be the most distinguishable along with the detail of the monsters. For purists and lovers of nostalgia, the practical effects really standout with this 4K. Also, dark scenes fare far better with the 4K accentuating the foreboding shadows. This is not a reference quality disc, but still well worth investing in for the apocalyptic visuals and freakish monsters.
The 4K and Blu utilize the DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix that delivers ample surround sound effects that brings the monsters creeping into your living room. Dialogue is never hampered which is nice with a film like this. Soundtrack is also impressive and elicits the rousing joy for Joel’s awakening as a young man. Once again, sound as well as picture are not a huge difference on 4K and Blu disc.
Sadly disappointed with Paramount’s lackluster supplementals that add up to less than a half-hour. This disc screams for much more. If it was not for the pandemic, this film would have been a huge hit. But, because the studio shoved it to VOD and physical medium in such a rush they have skimped on what could have been a great deal of added fun. What we get…
• Deleted Scenes: Hopeless Romantic, Without Love, What’s the Point?, Car Critter, Good Luck Charm, You Guys Are Safe Now, and Back at the Bunker
• Bottom of the Food Chain: The Cast of Love and Monsters
• It’s a Monster’s World: Creating a Post-Apocalyptic Landscape
Love and Monsters is a total treat for the whole family. Yes, there are some scary scenes, but the fun far outweighs any real frights. Those that have a love for monster movies, you can chalk this right up with Zombieland as one of the most fun thrill rides in a long time.
Lowest Price – $27.96 – Amazon and Walmart
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
