So, if you watch the trailer for this film, you might be forgiven for thinking that it is a fantasy romp suitable to take your children to see. The fantastic elements of the film are prioritised in the trailer and the addition of a stirring, epic theme might make you think it is all going to be good fun.
But look again. The dialogue should tell you that there is something dark going on in this film but don't be tempted to think it is just an "obstacle" for the characters to overcome. It really is dark.
What the film is, is a coming of age drama about a boy whose mother is dying of cancer and his struggle to come to terms with that. The fantastic elements are, much like Bridge to Terabithia, simply the way that the boy makes sense of the events over which he has no control.
Unlike Terabithia, however, A Monster Calls has no light moments preceding the darker moments of the film. It is all darak. Dark, and dreary, and terribly depressing. The eventual catharsis the boy experiences at the end of the movie can in no way wash away the downward mood swing this feature will engender throughout its runtime.
So be warned, despite the trailer, this is not a kid's movie in any way, shape, or form. If I'm honest, I'm not sure who would find this movie entertaining. At most, it might make you think a little but, if you've ever had any kind of childhood trauma you might consider giving it a miss. It really is that depressing.
On the plus side, it is reasonably well acted, especially by newcomer Lewis MacDougall. Others, less so, and I have no idea what Sigourney Weaver was doing with her accent other than to say I've never heard anyone English talk like that.
Visually, it is very striking, but that is really all that is going for it as a form of entertainment. The band Fallout Boy once wrote a song with the lyrics "The best of us can find happiness in misery..." This movie puts a lie to that assertion. There is no joy to be found is this movie, only despondency and sadness.
Mostly, I think this just goes to show you should never trust a movie trailer to judge a film's content by. Another recent example of this was Mr. Holmes, which portrayed its subject matter as a light hearted romp as well. At least that one doesn't leave you feeling miserable by the end of it.
In short, not a fun movie in any way and woefully misrepresented by its marketing media, which seemed intent on simply getting as many bums on seats in the auditorium as possible.
SUMMARY: Horribly depressing look at life, and its end. Not for children, ever. Not really for adults, either. Well made, but dreary and terribly badly marketed. Avoid.
But look again. The dialogue should tell you that there is something dark going on in this film but don't be tempted to think it is just an "obstacle" for the characters to overcome. It really is dark.
What the film is, is a coming of age drama about a boy whose mother is dying of cancer and his struggle to come to terms with that. The fantastic elements are, much like Bridge to Terabithia, simply the way that the boy makes sense of the events over which he has no control.
Unlike Terabithia, however, A Monster Calls has no light moments preceding the darker moments of the film. It is all darak. Dark, and dreary, and terribly depressing. The eventual catharsis the boy experiences at the end of the movie can in no way wash away the downward mood swing this feature will engender throughout its runtime.
So be warned, despite the trailer, this is not a kid's movie in any way, shape, or form. If I'm honest, I'm not sure who would find this movie entertaining. At most, it might make you think a little but, if you've ever had any kind of childhood trauma you might consider giving it a miss. It really is that depressing.
On the plus side, it is reasonably well acted, especially by newcomer Lewis MacDougall. Others, less so, and I have no idea what Sigourney Weaver was doing with her accent other than to say I've never heard anyone English talk like that.
Visually, it is very striking, but that is really all that is going for it as a form of entertainment. The band Fallout Boy once wrote a song with the lyrics "The best of us can find happiness in misery..." This movie puts a lie to that assertion. There is no joy to be found is this movie, only despondency and sadness.
Mostly, I think this just goes to show you should never trust a movie trailer to judge a film's content by. Another recent example of this was Mr. Holmes, which portrayed its subject matter as a light hearted romp as well. At least that one doesn't leave you feeling miserable by the end of it.
In short, not a fun movie in any way and woefully misrepresented by its marketing media, which seemed intent on simply getting as many bums on seats in the auditorium as possible.
SUMMARY: Horribly depressing look at life, and its end. Not for children, ever. Not really for adults, either. Well made, but dreary and terribly badly marketed. Avoid.