“Love and Monsters” Movie Review

Synopsis

“Seven years after the Monsterpocalypse, Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien), along with the rest of humanity, has been living underground ever since giant creatures took over the land. After reconnecting over radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who is now 80 miles away at a coastal colony, Joel begins to fall for her again. As Joel realizes that there’s nothing left for him underground, he decides against all logic to venture out to Aimee, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way. The fun-filled and action-packed adventure also stars Michael Rooker and Ariana Greenblatt.” – IMDb

Review

If you’re looking for a fun and quirky escape from this weird pandemic quarantined world we’re living in, look no further than the post-apocalyptic world of Love and Monsters, staring Dylan O’Brien. Don’t be scared off by the words “post-apocalyptic” or “monsters”. This isn’t your typical war-torn, desolate world full of zombies or aliens. Instead, we’re taken on an action-packed, yet comedic, journey through the luscious scenery of Australia (playing as California) as a sheltered Joel Dawson traverses a dangerous 85 miles to his first and only love, Aimiee. The problem – besides his lack of fighting skills -, you ask? Giant SUPER-SIZED real-life creatures. I’m talking frogs, insects, crabs, etc. the size of buildings. These monsters are what have depleted the population and left any survivors to live in bunker colonies.

Along his daunting journey, Joel makes a few friends. Boy (played by Hero and Dodge), the cutest and most loyal sidekick dog ever. Sorry, Dylan, but I was more worried about his survival than Joel’s. Love you, though. Next up, are Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt) and Clyde (Michael Rooker) – two colony survivors making their trek to a safer colony. Minnow, a young girl, is a spunky breath of fresh air. Clyde, an older fellow, is Minnow’s protector of sorts and Joel’s guide to all things monsters. Don’t get it twisted, though, Minnow is tiny but tough, and could easily hold her own. Both characters may not be on screen as long as expected, but are crucial to, not only Joel’s survival, but also to the story in general. While O’Brien could have certainly held this journey on his own, Greenblatt’s and Rooker’s roles made the movie even more humorous and sweet than the lonely and harrowing path it could have taken.

Speaking of Dylan O’Brien’s acting abilities, I’m pretty sure there’s not a single role he can’t pull off. But this Joel Dawson coming of age character is his wheelhouse. Think Stiles Stilinski (Teen Wolf) meets Thomas (The Maze Runner series). Wholesome. Good-hearted. Innocent. Funny. Clumsy. Brave. Scared. Heroic. And, what every coming of age story requires: growth. It is the sort of cliched story of a sheltered young man becoming the brave hero he’s meant to be, but the movie itself is not cliched. At a time when we’re inundated with reboots and remakes and superheroes galore, Love and Monsters (story and screenplay written by Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson; directed by Michael Matthews) stands on its own creatively. With a little bit of everything to enjoy – love, family, humor, and action – Love and Monsters is a family fun movie that will have you laughing and maybe even crying a bit. Even those awesomely quirky and gross monsters will have you a bit jumpy and hanging onto your seat!

Grade: A+ 🙂