This is a story aimed at any young SF/fantasy fan who's got monster models in their bedroom and a library of cinema magazines on the shelves. Apparently it was inspired by all the letters which the Jim Henson Creature Shop receive from young fans wanting to work for them. Adapted from the book by Nicholas Fisk, it actually improves on the original by taking the villains of the piece out of the hero's school class and putting them into his troubled family, creating an extra moral dilemma. Harry Dean Stanton is impressive in a rare starring role as the renown, dour, slightly manipulative special effects expert and Kieran O'Brien handles the lead part with a realistic performance. The gigantic dragon is an impressive creation and it is only a shame it is not on screen for longer. This pleasant little tale about growing up and having a dream makes a clever companion piece to "The Storyteller" and "Labyrinth".
Review of Monster Maker
