Monster Summer (2024) Movie Review

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Horror

Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Distributor: Pastime Pictures

What's the Story?

Noah and his friends are ready for a summer of fun when a mysterious force threatens to ruin it all. Determined to protect their island, they team up with a retired detective to uncover the secrets lurking in their town.

Review

The story takes us back to the summer of 1997 on Martha's Vineyard, where young Noah dreams of following in his late father's footsteps to become a journalist. Currently, He is submitting his articles to the local newspaper owner (played by Kevin James), but every submission gets rejected.

A detective story

When children on the island start disappearing only to be found , mysteriously with an empty, soulless look, Noah's friend Ben becomes one of the victims. Noah, refusing to let this go unsolved, decides to investigate the matter with his two close friends.Noah has an open mind, and while he suspects a witch might be responsible, he struggles to convince his friends. Even Gene doubts the witch theory, but he’s certain something sinister is at play.

The heart of the story

The heart of the story lies in the bond between Noah and Gene, a retired detective played by Mel Gibson, who lost his family years ago. Gene acts as a mentor and father figure to Noah, and their developing connection brings a lot of depth and heart to the story. Gibson's performance as the light hearted, protective retired detective is impressive, and Mason Thames delivers a great portrayal of Noah who is determined to chase down the truth.

PG 13 Horror

While there are some horror elements and a few jump scares, the overall tone is more suspenseful than scary. The monster’s design is unsettling but isn’t fully revealed until late in the film.

Final Thoughts

The film brings a nostalgic feel with its strong production values, capturing the mysterious island town and using wide, atmospheric shots that add to the suspense. Light jokes are presented, but the tone remains serious. It’s a story crafted for younger audiences and teens, with a plot that feels like it was lifted from a kid’s imagination, reminiscent of Stranger Things, Goosebumps, and The Goonies. Though it doesn’t quite match the satisfaction of those classics, it still has its charm.

Conclusion

For fans of adventure and light horror, this film is a nostalgic ride that mixes mystery with a detective story. The heartfelt bond between Noah and Gene, combined with a gripping storyline and eerie island atmosphere, makes it a memorable experience.

My Screen Times Score - 6

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