In 2024, the family adventure genre welcomes a new entrant, Monster Summer, directed by David Henrie, best known for his work on Wizards of Waverly Place. This film, which taps into ’90s nostalgia, brings together elements of mystery, supernatural horror, and youthful friendship in a way that seems reminiscent of beloved classics like The Goonies and Stranger Things. But does Monster Summer manage to capture that same magic, or does it falter in its ambitious attempt to blend old-school adventure with modern filmmaking?
Plot Overview: A Monstrous Adventure
The story is set in Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 1997, where young Noah (Mason Thames) and his group of friends are ready for a carefree vacation. However, the disappearance of children in their town turns their sunny days into an eerie mystery. Kids are found in a catatonic state after vanishing for days, sparking fear and confusion. Noah, aspiring to become a journalist like his deceased father, believes there’s something supernatural at play.
He suspects that the new guest at his mother’s bed and breakfast, Miss Halverson (Lorraine Bracco), is behind the sinister events. With little support from the adults, Noah turns to Gene Carruthers (Mel Gibson), a reclusive former detective with a dark past, for help. Together, they embark on an investigation that uncovers deep secrets about their island and the monstrous force threatening its residents.
Characters: A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia
Mason Thames, who previously garnered praise for his role in The Black Phone, delivers a solid performance as Noah. He captures the spirit of a determined boy on the verge of adolescence, caught between a sense of duty to uncover the truth and the typical struggles of growing up. His chemistry with Mel Gibson, who plays the crotchety yet kind-hearted Gene, provides the film with some of its most heartfelt moments.
Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Gene is a highlight. The character’s tragic backstory involving his missing child adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role. However, despite Gibson’s natural charisma and experience in playing gruff, paternal figures, the script doesn’t fully leverage his talents. His interactions with Noah feel genuine, but the character’s overall arc lacks sufficient emotional payoff.
The supporting cast is where Monster Summer stumbles. Lorraine Bracco’s Miss Halverson, the supposed villain, never fully materializes into a compelling antagonist. Her character is overshadowed by the film’s attempt to build suspense, and the eventual reveal feels underwhelming. Meanwhile, Noah’s friends, played by Abby James Witherspoon and Julian Lerner, are reduced to stock sidekick roles, offering little more than comic relief and token support.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Retro Vibe
Visually, Monster Summer does well in evoking the 1990s with its nostalgic settings and warm color palette. The film successfully captures the small-town charm of Martha’s Vineyard, blending it with a subtle sense of unease. Director of Photography Larry Blanford uses wide-angle shots to emphasize the vastness of the island’s beaches and forests, juxtaposing the beauty of the landscape with the eerie threat lurking beneath the surface.
The supernatural elements, however, are a mixed bag. The creature design and special effects, while serviceable, fail to elevate the tension. The witchy elements, which should have felt menacing, come off as more whimsical than terrifying, especially in the film’s third act. The climactic scenes fall short of delivering the payoff that the plot builds toward, making the film feel more like a light-hearted adventure than a supernatural thriller.
Themes and Messages: More Heart than Horror
Monster Summer explores themes of friendship, courage, and the loss of innocence. Noah’s desire to emulate his father and his evolving relationship with Gene form the emotional backbone of the film. It’s about how children often need to take matters into their own hands when adults fail to believe in their cause.
The film also touches on the power of community and how rumors and mistrust can isolate people, much like the treatment of Gene, who is initially feared by the kids due to local gossip. By the end, Monster Summer delivers a positive message about the importance of facing one’s fears and the strength found in friendship and unlikely allies.
However, for a film that bills itself as a supernatural mystery, the stakes feel relatively low. The absence of any real danger or lasting consequences diminishes the tension, making the horror elements secondary to the heartwarming relationships. As a result, Monster Summer may appeal more to younger viewers and families rather than fans of intense supernatural thrillers.
Direction and Screenplay: Nostalgia Over Originality
David Henrie’s direction leans heavily on the nostalgia of ’90s family adventure films. While he successfully captures the aesthetic and tone of that era, the film struggles with originality. The screenplay, penned by Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, borrows heavily from genre staples like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and Stranger Things, but it fails to bring anything fresh to the table.
The dialogue often feels clichéd, and the character development, particularly for the supporting cast, is lacking. Henrie tries to inject moments of humor and warmth, but these moments are too few to elevate the overall formulaic plot. The pacing, especially in the second act, drags as the film spends too much time on predictable interactions between Noah and Gene, delaying the action and suspense.
Comparison to Similar Films: Familiar Territory
It’s impossible to watch Monster Summer without drawing comparisons to The Goonies or Stranger Things. While both of those films are celebrated for their innovative takes on the coming-of-age adventure genre, Monster Summer feels more like a tribute than a standout in its own right.
In The Goonies, the kids are dynamic, resourceful, and the sense of adventure feels genuinely high-stakes. Stranger Things balances its supernatural elements with strong character development and innovative plot twists. Monster Summer, in contrast, lacks the sharpness of either film. While it captures the nostalgia well, it doesn’t push beyond that to create a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts: A Decent Family Adventure, But Lacking Depth
Monster Summer is not without its charms. It offers a wholesome, family-friendly adventure with a touch of supernatural intrigue. Mason Thames delivers a likable performance, and the film’s setting and visual style are pleasing. However, it never fully escapes the shadow of its influences, relying too much on nostalgia and familiar tropes rather than crafting a unique identity.
For families looking for a light, entertaining watch that doesn’t delve too deeply into darker territory, Monster Summer is a solid choice. However, for those hoping for a more thrilling, high-stakes mystery, the film may leave much to be desired.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of nostalgic, feel-good adventure films with a hint of the supernatural, Monster Summer is worth a watch. But if you’re looking for something groundbreaking or intense, you might want to look elsewhere.
Check out the official trailer for Monster Summer here.
