Attending a screening of the movie "Monsters" earlier this evening, i knew a little about the movie itself, only reading that people compare it to Cloverfield and District 9.Someone even told me, that it had similarities with Stephen King/Frank Darabont's The Mist, and that's understandable as well.I agree with the people, claiming the movie looked a lot like D9, but in aspects, different from the plot.Well, the big idea is the same, but as the movie progresses and the picture unfolds, you'll see that the only thing incommon was the quality of both movies...and well, the aliens.
On the other hand, the difference for me is sky high, and, although i liked D9, i lowered the rate, because of some over gored scenes and mindless action at some moments.There were no emotions as well.
And those things i liked in Monsters-there was friendship growing into romance, growing into love, there was intensity and a little bit of action too, and the sets and SFX's were just amazing and brilliantly crafted as well, considering the fact the budget was around 15 000 $ .And that's the most amazing part-the movie had the effects and quality of a movie, at least 1000 times more expensive.That's why some people claim, that Gareth Edwards is the new Neill Blomkamp.The atmosphere is very real, convincing, pulling you in the story, the sets were breathtaking as well.I don't know how he did those things, but that's an incredible achievement.
And talking about achievements, i must say, the cast in the sight of the two leads, was just amazing.Such actors are real treasures, because they don't wait for a million dollars to hit them, and then, maybe, start acting.They did the job perfectly, even though the scale of the project was small...at first.They were very convincing and built up an incredible atmosphere.The chemistry was obvious here.You begin to care about them, so all the guts and gore (like in D9) become unnecessary, because you feel bounded to them and whenever they're in trouble and a dangerous situation occurs, you feel the tension rising, and when you care about them, all the explosions and gore in the world won't be needed and in fact, that's not even the spirit of the movie.It's a tension build up, one step at a time.And that's what's giving the actors the freedom they need, to show their talent and acting skills.And Whitney Able and Scoot McNairy were the prefect actors for the on-screen leading couple.A bigger actor just wouldn't fit in to the situation.For example, try picturing Ali Larter or Brendan Fraser, or, whoever you want in this.It just wouldn't be good enough and fitting enough.That's why i give such a credit to the leads.They were unique.
And last, but not least, i must pay attention to the other strengths and weaknesses of the movie.Although obvious, the plot kept throwing new obstacles at the leads and at the viewers, making the ride even more entertaining.The title is good but the ones, who are going in for the Sci-Fi action and gore-that's not the movie for you.The title may be misleading for some, but seeing the trailers or at least a poster, one'll know what is needed, before seeing it.The editing, sound, cinematography were all top-notch and i hope some nominations may come on the path of the movie.
Overall, high quality, good directed, and shot low-budget movie, led by two incredibly well fitting actors and you have a masterpiece out of nowhere!!!
Highly recommended! See it at the movies or buy the DVD when it comes out.
I give the movie the full grade, considering i liked it more than D9 and D9 was almost great.
My grade: 10/10
Edit: The last scene was very strong and a little upsetting, especially for the main characters...but i won't ruin it for you.You can choose what you want to believe in...
On the other hand, the difference for me is sky high, and, although i liked D9, i lowered the rate, because of some over gored scenes and mindless action at some moments.There were no emotions as well.
And those things i liked in Monsters-there was friendship growing into romance, growing into love, there was intensity and a little bit of action too, and the sets and SFX's were just amazing and brilliantly crafted as well, considering the fact the budget was around 15 000 $ .And that's the most amazing part-the movie had the effects and quality of a movie, at least 1000 times more expensive.That's why some people claim, that Gareth Edwards is the new Neill Blomkamp.The atmosphere is very real, convincing, pulling you in the story, the sets were breathtaking as well.I don't know how he did those things, but that's an incredible achievement.
And talking about achievements, i must say, the cast in the sight of the two leads, was just amazing.Such actors are real treasures, because they don't wait for a million dollars to hit them, and then, maybe, start acting.They did the job perfectly, even though the scale of the project was small...at first.They were very convincing and built up an incredible atmosphere.The chemistry was obvious here.You begin to care about them, so all the guts and gore (like in D9) become unnecessary, because you feel bounded to them and whenever they're in trouble and a dangerous situation occurs, you feel the tension rising, and when you care about them, all the explosions and gore in the world won't be needed and in fact, that's not even the spirit of the movie.It's a tension build up, one step at a time.And that's what's giving the actors the freedom they need, to show their talent and acting skills.And Whitney Able and Scoot McNairy were the prefect actors for the on-screen leading couple.A bigger actor just wouldn't fit in to the situation.For example, try picturing Ali Larter or Brendan Fraser, or, whoever you want in this.It just wouldn't be good enough and fitting enough.That's why i give such a credit to the leads.They were unique.
And last, but not least, i must pay attention to the other strengths and weaknesses of the movie.Although obvious, the plot kept throwing new obstacles at the leads and at the viewers, making the ride even more entertaining.The title is good but the ones, who are going in for the Sci-Fi action and gore-that's not the movie for you.The title may be misleading for some, but seeing the trailers or at least a poster, one'll know what is needed, before seeing it.The editing, sound, cinematography were all top-notch and i hope some nominations may come on the path of the movie.
Overall, high quality, good directed, and shot low-budget movie, led by two incredibly well fitting actors and you have a masterpiece out of nowhere!!!
Highly recommended! See it at the movies or buy the DVD when it comes out.
I give the movie the full grade, considering i liked it more than D9 and D9 was almost great.
My grade: 10/10
Edit: The last scene was very strong and a little upsetting, especially for the main characters...but i won't ruin it for you.You can choose what you want to believe in...