Unlikely Heroes Face Off

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MOVIE REVIEW
How to Kill Monsters
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Stewart Sparke
Writer(s): Stewart Sparke, Paul Butler
Cast: Lyndsey Craine, Aaron Dennis, Huang Fenfen, Daniel Thrace, Juné Tiamatakorn, Michaela Longden, Louella Gaskell, Johnny Vivash, Andrina Carroll, Nicholas Vince, Yvonne Okyere, Ayvianna Snow, Andy Dunn
Where To Watch: in select theaters and Digital/VOD Platforms December 6, 2024 From Dark Sky Films

RAVING REVIEW: From the get-go, HOW TO KILL MONSTERS takes the horror-comedy genre and injects it with a fun new life. Directed by Stewart Sparke and penned by Paul Butler, this concoction starts with Jamie Lancaster, played by Lyndsey Craine, who finds herself the only survivor of a harrowing incident. Accused of orchestrating the horrific events that led to the death of her friends during a ritual, her claims of innocence and tales of monstrous creatures fall on disbelieving ears, landing her in a prison cell.

The plot spirals into the fantastic when the very fabric of reality rips apart, thrusting Jamie and an eclectic group of cops and inmates into a terrifying dimension overrun with nightmarish beings. Among these are the boisterous Big Jenny (Rebecca-Clare Evans) and the mysterious Tinny G (Nicholas Vince), who must unite with Jamie to navigate and survive this grotesque realm.

HOW TO KILL MONSTERS weaves together the chilling edge of horror with the fun of comedy, creating a tapestry rich with nods and winks to the genre throughout. The ensemble cast delivers a chemistry that perfectly straddles the line between screams and laughs. The standout feature of the film is undoubtedly its practical effects, which conjure an array of fantastical creatures that bring both horror and whimsy to the screen.

However, the journey encounters turbulence as it approaches its climax. A cascade of plot twists intended to elevate the tension occasionally feels overwhelming and may lead to some viewers finding the finale less impactful than anticipated. This ambitious narrative choice, while creative, might only sit well with some, blurring the ultimate resolution of the plot.

Despite these moments of overload, HOW TO KILL MONSTERS remains a heartfelt nod to traditional monster flicks, brimming with enthusiasm for its genre roots. The screenplay is sharp and sprinkled with wit, and the spirited performances from the cast make it a welcome viewing experience that blends fear with fun.

The film’s commitment to practical effects deserves a special mention. It pays homage to the classic era of monster movies and does so with an authenticity that adds depth to the visual storytelling. These effects are not just visual fluff but are integral to the film’s atmosphere, enhancing the grotesque and eerie ambiance that fans of monster cinema sincerely appreciate. Even when CGI is mixed in, it’s not overwhelming.

HOW TO KILL MONSTERS is a fun new entry into the horror-comedy scene. It revitalizes familiar tropes with a welcome flair and balanced fusion of horror and humor. This film not only entertains but also respects the legacy of genre filmmaking, offering a fresh take that will delight both long-time genre enthusiasts and newcomers alike. I hope this is the first step into this universe!

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

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