Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Myers
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen sci-fi flick has tons of crude humor, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Monsters of California
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MONSTERS OF CALIFORNIA follows teenage Dallas (Jack Samson) and his two best friends, Riley (Jared Scott) and Toe (Jack Lancaster), as they hunt for paranormal phenomena and the unexplained -- something that Dallas and his late father, who was in the military, used to do. Jim (Casper Van Dien), an old friend of Dallas' father, drops by and asks whether Dallas has come across an old GPS device that belonged to his dad. Riley happens to find it among some mature magazines during a séance in the garage, and Dallas thinks it might be the answer to finding out what happened to his dad the day that he disappeared, so the teens embark on a journey to uncover his dad's secrets. On the way, they meet with Dr. Walker (Richard Kind), who's in hiding from the military but also worked very closely with Dallas' father. He helps them understand that the government is keeping big secrets -- specifically, that there are nonhuman beings on Earth who play a vital role in humanity's advancement. Can they stay ahead of the government agents on their tail and find out the truth?
Is It Any Good?
This sci-fi adventure is pretty lewd (sometimes to the point of cringeyness), but it has an intriguing mystery element similar to The Goonies. The elements that have to do with Dallas dealing with his father's death and his anger about that loss are nicely done, but they're wrapped up a little quickly, with no consequences or explanations for some of his actions. And the overall plot is somewhat convoluted. The film tries to discuss and explain how paranormal activity, theology, and UFOs/aliens are all interconnected, but it fails to really make that connection work. Monsters of California is ultimately a better pick for teens or 20-somethings than for family movie night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Monsters of California depicts different belief systems. How are Dallas and his mother's beliefs both different and the same?
What audience do you think this movie is aimed at? How can you tell? What content is appropriate or inappropriate for that target?
Why do you think Dallas' family doesn't believe him about seeing a ghost? Would you?
Why do you think it is so important for Dallas to search for answers about his father? Did he find the answer he was looking for?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 6, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2023
- Cast : Jack Samson , Jack Lancaster , Jared Scott , Casper Van Dien , Richard Kind
- Director : Tom Delonge
- Studio : Screen Media
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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