Epic Showdown With Dracula and Crew

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Monster Squad 4K
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Year Released: 1987, 2023 Kino Lorber 4K
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Fred Dekker
Writer(s): Shane Black, Fred Dekker
Cast: Andre Gower, Stephen Macht, Duncan Regehr, Tom Noonan, Leonardo Cimino, Robby Kiger, Ashley Bank, Mary Ellen Trainor, Stan Shaw, Jon Gries, Jason Hervey, Lisa Fuller, Carl Thibault, Tom Woodruff Jr., Michael Reid MacKay, Jack Gwillim
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to the realm of horror through a childhood lens; my initial viewing of this film was as a rental of a local video store shelf on VHS. This early exposure piqued my love for this film, which would stay with me for decades. THE MONSTER SQUAD is a film that mixes the innocence of youth with the charisma of horror classics, creating a memorable imprint on my movie-watching experience. Maybe it's partial nostalgia, but this is the best I’ve ever seen this film; this transfer is beautiful; it feels like you’re watching an actual film for its entire run.

Released in 1987, THE MONSTER SQUAD, directed by Fred Dekker (also known for THE NIGHT OF THE CREEPS), is a refreshing take on the adventure-horror genre. It stands out with its harmonious mix of humor and spine-chilling moments. The concise 82-minute span is loaded with creativity and heartfelt moments. This may upset and offend some, but I would take THE MONSTER SQUAD any day over THE GOONIES. I love them both, but The Squad holds a place in my heart that will forever be there.

THE MONSTER SQUAD didn't make a splash in the box office waters but gradually rose from this to a genuine cult status. Straddling the line between a youthful adventure and a love letter to horror flicks, it found its true home in home video. I can personally attest to owning the film on pretty much every format I think it was released on; I had it on VHS, Betamax, two different DVD releases, the Blu-ray, and now the ultimate 4K! Sadly, I didn’t own the LaserDisc version, though.

The film's cast, led compellingly by Andre Gower, injects a genuine sense of wonder into their roles and adds authenticity. In portraying Frankenstein's monster, Tom Noonan delivers a haunting and endearing performance. The inclusion of industry veterans like Stephen Macht and Stan Shaw provides an additional layer of depth to the ensemble.

Revisiting THE MONSTER SQUAD in 2023, it resonates with a sense of nostalgia, blending the vibrancy of youth with undercurrents of the supernatural. 1980s cinema often walked a tightrope between appealing to younger audiences and delving into mature themes, as exemplified by GREMLINS and THE LOST BOYS. THE MONSTER SQUAD ventures into this territory, focusing on young heroes who confront the flesh-and-blood versions of their monster idols.

The plot centers around Count Dracula, played with a commanding presence by Duncan Regehr, who is on a mission to obtain a powerful artifact. Accompanied by a roster of infamous monsters, this diabolical assembly challenges our youthful protagonists, steering the story toward their daring exploits and interactions.

In a collaborative effort with Shane Black, Fred Dekker merges the world of Universal Monsters with a small-town American backdrop, weaving a narrative of innocence battling against age-old darkness. While primarily catering to a younger audience, the film offers subtle treats for adult viewers, particularly with its respectful homage to horror traditions, including nods to classic horror films.

THE MONSTER SQUAD is a delightful fusion of nostalgic charm, wit, and eerie elements. Although it didn't initially soar at the box office, it has deservedly claimed its spot as a cherished cult classic in my heart and millions of others. Its unique portrayal of childhood courage in the face of otherworldly dangers cements it as a standout adventure in the cinematic landscape.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]