Reel Monsters
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Reel Monsters
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Reel Monsters is a slow-paced adventure story with language, violence, and some mixed messages. While there are some positive themes of teamwork and creativity as the teens work together to find a missing person and mysterious monster, there are also negative moments involving bullying and violence. Though the title suggests a monster-themed movie, parents should note that the monster doesn't have much camera time, which could lead to some disappointment. There are moments of darkness, strange sounds, and impending danger that are suspenseful. Violent behavior includes characters threatening others with baseball bats and guns. Characters fire weapons, though the bullets don't strike the other characters. A character's foot is caught in a metal wild animal trap; blood is visible. There are instances of domestic abuse in a flashback and references to drinking. Teens lie to their parents and drive recklessly. Language includes multiple uses of the words "hell," "damn," "dammit," "dumbass," "wussy," and "shut up" and the phrase "putting out," and viewers see the middle-finger gesture. The phrase "I bet he's one of those kids who has two dads" is used in a negative tone to make fun of someone.
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What's the Story?
In REEL MONSTERS, a new kid in town teams up with a group of teens to set off on an adventure to find a link between a mysterious creature in the woods and his missing dad. The movie flashes back and forth between a father's experience with the creature and his son's in present time. With their cameras rolling, the group of kids travel deep into the woods to look for clues while trying to outmaneuver bullies from their school who are following them and shady people hanging out in the woods with guns and traps, as well as the creature itself. As all of the characters merge in the forest, it's a race to see who might discover Bigfoot first and where the missing dad has been. In their quest, the teens discover that some people are worse than monsters and, in the end, have to decide if one-of-a-kind footage is worth keeping or if kindness and loyalty matter more.
Is It Any Good?
Reel Monsters starts off with a catchy premise and intriguing storyline, but it quickly declines with a slow plot and unnecessarily vulgar content. Within the first five minutes, there's a case of off-camera domestic abuse, a kid is called "wussy," another character gives a kid the middle finger, and there are a few swear words. While a younger audience could probably enjoy the film, the language and innuendo puts the movie in the age group where the movie might seem cheesy. The bullies are cringeworthy stereotypes, and it takes a while to get into the plot to understand what's going on. Based on the poster and the title, viewers might expect to see the Sasquatch sooner rather than later, but it isn't until near the end that you actually get a good look at him. At that point, it's hard to tell if it's supposed to actually be Bigfoot or another character dressed up as the monster.
That said, if viewers can watch it for what it is -- an independent film not meant to be taken too seriously -- they may be able to enjoy it. On a positive note, kids interested in pursuing filmmaking may find the movie inspiring both with the story of teens making movies and with the independent film itself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to handle bullying behavior. Why do you think the filmmakers included this behavior? Do you think teens really act like that? What would you do if you saw people treating someone that way?
The film used several flashbacks. Did you find that easy or challenging to understand? Why? How do you think the use of flashbacks can help viewers gain more background about a story?
How did the use of sounds and video effects influence your emotions throughout the movie? How do you think those things can impact a story? How can it make it more or less enjoyable?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 15, 2022
- Cast: Nicholas Olson, Sophie Guss, Dawson Hilfiger
- Director: Mark Polonia
- Studio: Vision Films
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 75 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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