Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Peril, language, and bullying in tween urban legend tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Reel Monsters
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 , Fantasy
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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