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A Monster Calls (2016)

1/10/2017

1 Comment

 
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“A Monster Calls” stars Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Toby Kebbell, and Liam Neeson.  Released on December 23, 2016, the film is about a young boy who encounters a giant tree-like monster.

The film is directed by J. A. Bayona, who also directed The Orphanage and The Impossible.  It is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Ness, who also wrote the film’s screenplay.  It received a wide release on January 6, 2017, but since it was released first in 2016, I will count it as a 2016 release.  I had no idea what to expect from this film, other than the fact that it has a giant tree monster that may or may not have been Groot’s long-lost father.  While it didn’t earn any Golden Globe nominations, it made its presence known at the Critics‘ Choice Awards where it earned two nominations, including Best Young Performer for MacDougall and Best Visual Effects.  However, it wasn’t enough to generate some big box office numbers during its theatrical run.  After watching the film for the first time, I can understand why it’s not doing well at the box office, but man, the way they told this story was absolutely brilliant.

Pros:
Strong performances from the cast, including MacDougall as Conor.

Liam Neeson as the “Monster”.

Great visuals.

Bayona’s ability to blend fantasy elements with the film’s mature themes to create deep storytelling.

The third act was emotional.

Con:
May be too depressing or scary for younger kids.

Final thoughts: “A Monster Calls” is a surprisingly emotional film filled with strong performances, remarkable visuals, and its mature themes.  I am not kidding about it being “surprisingly emotional”.  This film made me realize that I should have brought a tissue box with me.  While it may not be for everyone, especially younger kids, I can see it being relatable to those who are dealing with this type of problem.  If it’s playing at a theater near you, I suggest you check this one out.
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A

1 Comment
Livia Peterson link
1/10/2017 11:41:13 am

I liked this film a lot - far from perfect, imo. I cried too; really emotional.

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    • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Ultimate Ed-Chronicles >
      • The 'Beginnings' Saga >
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Rise of Maleficent >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Rise of Maleficent Full Movie
        • Transformers: Legend of the Black Cauldron >
          • Transformers: Legend of the Black Cauldron Full Movie
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          • EEEMTPOM Full Movie
        • The Eds and Iron Man: Dawn of the Blowhole >
          • The Eds and Iron Man Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Fast and the Furious >
          • EEE: The Fast and the Furious Full Movie
        • The Eds and Kung Fu Panda: Battle for China >
          • The Eds and Kung Fu Panda Full Movie
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          • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Lion King Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Thumbelina: Revenge of the Shredder >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Thumbelina Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Journey to Neverland >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Journey to Neverland Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: All Tangled Up >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: All Tangled Up Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy's Frozen Adventure >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy's Frozen Adventure Chapter One Full Movie
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        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Edventures in San Fransokyo
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Return to Neverland
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy vs The League of Evil
      • The 'Avengers' Saga >
        • The Eds and the Little Mermaid: Age of Extinction
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets the Ghostbusters
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: A Sea of Adventure
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Anastasia
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets the Incredibles
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        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Brand New Zootopia
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Into the Sugar Rush
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Big Sea Quest
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Heroes Assemble
      • The 'Justice' Saga >
        • The Loud Ghostbusters: Man of Steel
        • The Eds and Batman: Purge Night
        • Wonder Woman meets Hercules
        • Eds V Louds: God Versus Man
        • Eds V Louds: Doomsday
    • The Loud Ghostbusters >
      • The Loud Ghostbusters: Answer the Call
      • The Loud Ghostbusters: Jump Street
    • Thor and the Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
    • SpongeBob and Thor: Sponge Out of Water
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