When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.
Chuck says:
David Henrie‘s “Monster Summer” won’t make you forget “The Goonies” or “The Monster Squad,” though Bryan Schulz’s and Cornelius Uliano’s screenplay borrows liberally from both. Yet, it proves to be an interesting variation on the “Stranger Things” premise and serves as a nice stand-in during the interminable wait for that shows final season. Not without its charm, this B-movie is sustained by some occasional wit and sincere performances from its young cast. Perhaps most surprising is the work from Mel Gibson, who delivers a genuinely moving turn as a father haunted by past events that occurred through no fault of his own.
The time is 1997, the place is Martha’s Vineyard and Noah (Mason Thames) is enjoying the sort of idyllic summer he’ll remember wistfully in years to come. His father, an investigative reporter, died when he was younger, and his mother (Nora Zehetner) runs a historic bed and breakfast to make ends meet. Longing to follow in his dad’s footsteps, Noah has submitted numerous samples to the editor (Kevin James) of the local newspaper, all of them rejected. Still, the kid is nothing but tenacious and keeps pecking away at his dad’s old typewriter.
However, a big story may have fallen in his lap as a series of young teens have gone missing, only to be found days later in a catatonic state. This hits close to home when Noah’s buddy Ben (Noah Cottrell) falls victim to this fate. Suddenly, he and his other friends, Eugene and Sammy (Julian Lerner and Abby James Witherspoon) are looking over their shoulders, afraid they may be next. Sure enough, something is after them, but they get some unexpected help from Old Man Carruthers (Gibson), a man with a mysterious past who may have a connection to all that’s going on.
Knowing we’re covering well-trod narrative territory, Henrie adapts a crisp pace while mining a sense of energy that holds the film in good stead. Thames and his peers approach the story with a conviction that’s welcome and a delight to see. I suspect the director put them through a series of bonding exercises before shooting as there’s a sense of camaraderie between them that can’t be faked. They are complimented nicely by Lorraine Brocco, in an all-too brief appearance as a mysterious visitor. She all but wears a sign that says “Red Herring” around her neck, but she plays along nicely.
Yet, its Gibson that proves surprising here. Relegated to straight-to-video releases as of late, the temptation would have been for him to phone it in on this production, as he’s done in the recent past. Rather, he gives a thoughtful, genuinely moving performance, his Carruthers putting forth a gruff exterior to hide his pain. Just what haunts him binds he and Noah, the two actors playing off one another nicely. That he’s able to deliver some hackneyed lines of dialogue with conviction requires the skill of a seasoned thespian.
Again, there’s little new here, though I have to admit, the identity of the true monster was a bit of a surprise. Credit Henrie for creating moments of genuine dread that are effective, while the pop culture callbacks will be appreciated by viewers of a certain age. More than anything, it’s the sincerity the cast and crew bring to the script that makes “Summer” a worthwhile piece of nostalgia. Not only does it cast a longing look back to simpler times but reminds us of the pleasure found in modest well-made movies such as this.
3 Stars
Pam says:
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned teen Halloween movie, look no further than “Monster Summer. Taking place in the remotely quaint summer vacation island of Martha’s Vineyard, Noah and his buddies long to ditch their quiet haven for adventures far away. Little did Noah, an aspiring journalist just like his departed father, understand that there was a creepy story lurking in the shadows of his own backyard.
Noah (Mason Thames), Ben (Noah Cottrell), Sammy (Abby James Witherspoon) and Eugene (Julian Lerner) spend their summer days playing baseball and biking around town. Venturing into the property of Gene (Mel Gibson), their imaginations run away as the recluse catches the teens trespassing. One by one, Noah witnesses kids around the area become zombie-like, sure that it’s the work of a witch. Solving the mystery will take some belief and teamwork from Gene, a former police officer who lost his son decades ago.
While there are no real surprises, writers Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano plant a few maguffins to lead you — and the lead characters — astray. It’s a creepy mystery that takes you down hidden pathways as you find yourself walking alongside Noah and Gene to figure out if the witch is real and how to save the children.
Thames carries the film, supported by Gibson who shows us he can pull off this gruff yet sweet and caring grandfatherly figure. Lorraine Bracco and Kevin James have their moments in the story, both playing unexpected characters.
There are plenty of spine-tingling chills as the adventure takes us into the dark ocean waters and the misty forest lit by the crescent moon. And this is what makes it fun…we have all been through childhood and have jumped at things that go bump in the night. The story finds the right pacing, letting us discover just enough information while it connects us to Gene and Noah, rooting for them to find the witch and make things right again.
This is a movie that comes at just the right time to start off the Halloween season. While it’s definitely geared toward the tweens and teens, adults will get a kick out of it, too.
3 Stars
