Love and Monsters

 

How many films have been produced that have been an all-action-packed movie, especially since CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) has been in full swing? I would say a plethora, and with that idea, it should not be surprising that something like "Love and Monsters" would be on that ever growing list of films. This is an action filled adventure with a comedic bent that is as fresh as it is original.

Sometime in the future an asteroid hits Earth and the radiation fallout causes astronomical mutations of most creatures on the planet, especially reptiles and insects whereas they grow huge. 95% of the world's population has been eaten by these creatures. Now, seven years after the Monsterpocalypse, Joel Dawson (Dylan O'Brien), along with the rest of humanity, has been living underground ever since these giant creatures took control of the land. After reconnecting over radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who is now 85 miles away at a coastal colony, Joel begins to fall for her again. As Joel realizes that there's nothing left for him underground, he decides, against all logic, to venture out to get to Aimee, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way. Along the way, he comes across a dog named Boy and two above ground survivors, Clyde (Michael Rooker) and Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt) who help him along the way.

Others to round out the cast are Dan Ewing as Cap, Ellen Hollman as Dana, Tre Hale as Rocko, Pachard Mzembe as Ray, Senie Priti as Karen, Amali Golden as Ava, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Tim, Joel Pierce as Connor and Hero and Dodge as Boy, the dog.

This was cleverly directed by Michael Matthews ("Five Fingers for Marseilles" '17) plus two shorts. Considering this filmmaker has only one theatrical feature to his credit, he is quite the natural. The way he was able to pivot is actors to go from drama and peril to comedy in practically the same breath is amazing. He will assuredly receive more work. It was refreshingly written by Brian Duffield ("The Divergent Series: Insurgent" '15, "Jane Got a Gun" '15, "The Babysitter" '17, "Underwater" '20, "Spontaneous" '20) plus TV and a short, and Matthew Robinson ("The Invention of Lying" '09, "Jerked" '14, "Monster Trucks" (story) '16, "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" '19) plus TV, based on a story by Duffield. This was written deftly by two seasoned professionals that were able to insert freshness and originality all with a dry comedic flavor to it. It's probably been since "Zombieland" that I have seen such freshness in this type of film. As the story unfolded, I sat back and simply enjoyed the ride this film was taking me on. It was dryly narrated by Joel (O'Brien) which makes this not only interesting, but comedic as well. This being as honed as well as it has, it will be interesting to see Duffield's next film, "Vivian Hasn't Been Herself" which has been announced, and Matthew's nexr film, "Live Die Repeat and Repeat" which has also been announced. 

As with "Zombieland", this film has it all: action, adventure, drama and comedy all rolled into a well honed and well thought-out film. I'm not usually agreeable to sequels, however this could definitely be made into a very interesting sequel. O'Brien was very believable in in his role as Joel and the dog, Boy practically stole the show! This was originally supposed to be released in the theaters on 10-16-20, but because of the pandemic, it went to DVD which I purchased to view, so I could critique it for you. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                             Rated: PG-13                                           108mins.