A Monster Calls – Stunning Film Adapted from the Award-Winning Novel
BY RANNY LEVY -FOUNDER/ PRESIDENT, KIDSFIRST!
12-year-old Conor, dealing with his mother’s illness, a less-than-sympathetic grandmother, and bullying classmates, finds a most unlikely ally when a Monster appears at his bedroom window. Ancient, wild, and relentless, the Monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith and truth. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jolleen M. comments, “This film is just amazing! The monster is very realistic, the plot is new, unique and compelling, and the movie moved me to tears.” Brianna B. adds, “This movie adaptation, while a bit confusing, is touching at times and portrays a plethora of different visual aspects. It’s interesting and keeps you wondering what will happen next.” See their full reviews below.
A Monster Calls
By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 12
This film is just amazing! The monster is very realistic, the plot is new, unique and compelling, and the movie moved me to tears.
This is an adapted story from the award-winning novel. The story begins when Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) meets a monster (Liam Neeson) during what Conor thinks is a dream. Conor already has enough on his plate with bullies at his school, his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the pressure that his grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) will take him away from his mother. Plus, Conor’s father is living far away where he cannot support his child through the mental and physical challenges that he is undergoing.
Lewis MacDougall portrays Conor O’Malley extremely well. He draws the audience into his world and really makes them experience his pain. The way that MacDougall shows how Conor loves his mother and doesn’t want her to go makes everyone feel heartbroken. MacDougall pulls you in with his great acting skills that make this film enjoyable as your mood swings form tears of joy to extreme sadness throughout the whole movie.
The monster’s appearance looks extremely realistic. The monster’s body is very detailed with multiple branches sticking out of it and you see the branches grow and entangle everything they come across. I also love the sound effects. Whenever the monster wakes up and comes out of the ground, the sound of breaking branches and his growl are very realistic which make him seem completely real.
My favorite part of the movie is when Conor and his mother are together in his mother’s final moments and the monster is there watching over them. It is really touching to see them together, but sorrowful at the same time because, you know that the mother has to go. It really moved me seeing how much they love each other.
The message of this story is that you have to learn to face the truth and accept it. You can’t hide from your problems and expect them to go away. You must accept the truth. You have to be strong and learn to let go and move on.
This movie is really spectacular and riveting. I give it 5 out of 5 monster stars. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. There is too much drama and death for younger viewers. It is truly wonderful and you should definitely check it out.