A DeLonge-Overdue Passion Project Arrives

Read Time:5 Minute, 2 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Monsters of California
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Adventure
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Tom DeLonge
Writer(s): Tom DeLonge, Ian Miller
Cast: Jack Samson, Casper Van Dien, Camille Kostek, Jared Scott, Arianne Zucker, Gabrielle Haugh, Jack Lancaster
Where to Watch: on UK digital July 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: When you’re a lifelong Blink-182 fan, anything with Tom DeLonge’s name attached carries a little extra weight. That might be why MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA instantly shot to the top of my must-watch list for me. DeLonge has been vocal for years about his belief in UFOs, government cover-ups, and the importance of looking beyond what we’re told. So when he steps behind the camera for his directorial debut, it’s not surprising that the result is part sci-fi thriller, part punk-fueled rally cry, and part teen mischief movie. What is surprising is how sincere and charming it ultimately proves to be, despite having rough edges.

The story centers on a group of Southern California teens who stumble into a sprawling government conspiracy after one of them uncovers secret files left behind by his missing father. That setup might sound familiar—there’s more than a little DNA from THE X-FILES and STRANGER THINGS here—but the tone is unmistakably DeLonge. From the punk soundtrack to the anti-establishment attitude, this film feels like it was born out of a skate park daydream and a UFO rabbit hole binge.

It’s easy to see MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA as a love letter to everything DeLonge has ever been obsessed with: aliens, agencies, adolescent rebellion, and the idea that the truth is out there if you know where to dig. What sets it apart is that it’s not just made for fans of UFO lore—it’s made by someone who’s fully immersed in it. DeLonge’s passion bleeds through every frame, and whether or not you buy into the extraterrestrial angle, the commitment is endearing. What’s shocking is how little DeLonge is featured on the film's soundtrack. I get not wanting to be too meta, but it’s surprising nonetheless.

As a debut director, DeLonge brings a surprisingly confident voice to the project. The visual effects aren’t always polished, and the narrative occasionally slips into chaotic territory, but there’s a heart here that makes it easy to root for. He’s more interested in exploring wonder and curiosity than in perfecting a slick genre entry. The result is a film that feels personal, sometimes messy, but undeniably spirited.

The young cast brings an undeniable energy, especially Jack Samson as Dallas, the kid haunted by his father's disappearance. There’s a healthy dose of sarcasm and snark in the group’s dynamic, with each teen playing off the others in a way that feels genuine. They’re not exactly groundbreaking characters, but they’re likable enough to carry the story, especially as the film leans into its more bizarre developments.

The supporting cast includes a few surprising names. Casper Van Dien plays a menacing government agent with a dry sneer, and Camille Kostek shows up in a role that balances camp with charm. These aren’t subtle performances, but they’re fun, and the film never pretends to be anything else. There’s a playful chaos to the way the story unfolds—like if a garage band made an alien movie after a few too many Red Bulls.

As much as it plays in the realm of mystery and conspiracy, MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA is also about connection—between friends, between family, and between people and the unknown. It’s about chasing answers and refusing to accept what you’re told. That rebellious spirit is where the film shines most. DeLonge doesn’t just want to entertain; he wants to inspire people to ask more questions, to be curious, and never to stop looking for the unusual in the everyday.

It’s also worth noting that, despite the heavy UFO content, the film doesn’t lean into tinfoil-hat territory. There’s genuine respect here for those who dedicate themselves to unearthing the truth. Even when things get silly, the underlying message is grounded: there's more to this world—and the people in it—than meets the eye.

For longtime Blink-182 fans, MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA will feel like a glimpse inside DeLonge’s head—a slightly chaotic, conspiracy-laced mixtape that somehow works. For everyone else, it’s a scrappy indie flick with a strong point of view, a cool premise, and just enough style to make up for its imperfections.

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[photo courtesy of PLAION PICTURES]

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