Monster Summer (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Monster Summer” (2024), directed by David Henrie and written by Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, is an adventurous and family-friendly film that pays homage to the nostalgic ’80s and ’90s youth-centered adventures like The Goonies and Stranger Things. Aimed at younger audiences, it offers an exciting mix of light horror, mystery, and heartfelt moments, making it a perfect weekend watch for families. If you’re looking to stream Monster Summer, this review covers both its storyline and where you can catch the movie online.
Storyline Overview: A Nostalgic Adventure with a Supernatural Twist
Set in 1997 on Martha’s Vineyard, Monster Summer follows young Noah (Mason Thames), a boy aspiring to follow in his late father’s footsteps as a journalist. However, his dream of writing hard-hitting stories seems out of reach, as the local newspaper editor (played by Kevin James) only wants fluff pieces that attract tourists. Noah’s summer, which he planned to spend biking around the quiet suburban island with his friends Ben (Noah Cottrell), Eugene (Julian Lerner), and Sammy (Abby James Witherspoon), quickly turns into something much darker when strange events start occurring in their town.
Children in New England have begun mysteriously disappearing, only to return in a catatonic state. When Noah’s best friend Ben becomes a victim, Noah is convinced that the strange new guest at his mother’s B&B, Miss Halverson (Lorraine Bracco), might be a witch. With no adults taking his suspicions seriously, Noah finds an unexpected ally in Gene Carruthers (Mel Gibson), a reclusive retired detective with a tragic past.
Together, Noah and Gene embark on a quest to uncover the supernatural mystery plaguing their small town and put an end to the malevolent force before more children fall victim to its curse.
A Classic Adventure Formula with Modern-Day Appeal
Monster Summer clearly takes inspiration from classic adventure films, combining youthful innocence, mystery-solving, and a supernatural twist. This makes it appealing not just to today’s young viewers but also to parents who grew up watching similar movies in the ’80s and ’90s. The film’s premise, with kids trying to solve a town mystery without adult help, is reminiscent of The Goonies and The Monster Squad, yet Henrie manages to inject a fresh, albeit familiar, story structure.
The film keeps its tone kid-friendly, with mild suspense and light horror elements. Noah, as the main protagonist, shines as a determined young boy trying to protect his friends and discover the truth. Thames, having already established himself with his stellar performance in The Black Phone, showcases his ability to take on more lighthearted yet heroic roles.
On the other hand, Mel Gibson’s portrayal of the grumpy yet caring Gene Carruthers adds a layer of gravitas to the movie. Their developing father-son-like bond serves as one of the emotional cores of the story, contrasting with the more fantastical elements of witches and missing children.
Strengths and Shortcomings
While Monster Summer offers a fun and nostalgic experience, it doesn’t escape the pitfalls of predictability. The film is formulaic in its writing, and some of its characters, like Miss Halverson and the town’s skeptical adults, fall into familiar tropes. Kevin James’ cameo as the dismissive editor feels like an underutilized subplot, and while Lorraine Bracco’s character hints at being a major antagonist, she doesn’t get enough screen time to develop into a more menacing presence.
That said, the movie’s charm lies in its simplicity. The camaraderie between Noah and his friends, as well as his unlikely partnership with Gene, forms the emotional heart of the film. Their adventure may not break new ground, but it delivers the kind of fun, heartwarming thrills that make it enjoyable for a wide range of viewers.
Where to Watch Monster Summer Online
As of its release in October 2024, Monster Summer is available for both rental and purchase on various streaming platforms. For those in the U.S., here’s where you can stream it:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available for rent or purchase in HD.
- Google Play: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase in SD, HD, and UHD.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rent or purchase.
In addition to these paid options, Monster Summer might eventually land on popular subscription-based platforms like Netflix or Disney+, but no official announcement has been made regarding this yet. Keep an eye on these platforms for future streaming availability.
Is Monster Summer Worth Watching?
For families seeking a fun, light-hearted adventure with a hint of supernatural mystery, Monster Summer delivers enough excitement to keep both kids and adults entertained. While the film doesn’t push any boundaries in terms of storytelling or visual effects, its nostalgic charm and solid performances make it a worthwhile watch for a cozy movie night.
If you’re someone who enjoys Stranger Things or classics like The Goonies, this film offers a similar vibe with less intensity, making it suitable for younger audiences.
