By Anthony Caruso
As someone who’s always had a soft spot for coming-of-age stories, I was more than ready to dive into David Henries' second directorial feature, Monster Summer. Going into it, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect given the lack of marketing for the movie, but let me tell you—it exceeded my expectations! Monster Summer is a delightful mix of horror and heart, a gateway horror film that entire families can enjoy together. It even has a witch as the primary antagonist! That made me very happy as I've long lamented how witch content is so scarce compared to films about vampires, werewolves, and other monsters.
Now, I’ll start with a minor gripe: while this movie shines in many areas, it does lean heavily into clichés. We’re talking about your standard beats from the 'kids banding together to defeat evil' playbook. From the wide-eyed wonder to the ever-reliable "let’s split up and search for clues" trope, this movie doesn't really offer anything new. But I'll give credit where it's due: the script, written by Cornelius Uliano and Bryan Schulz, smartly sidesteps being just another derivative nostalgia trip by setting the movie in the nineties instead of the overdone eighties. (And I have to admit, I feel incredibly old now that the nineties are so far back that they elicit nostalgia. I still think they were only ten years ago!) Clichés aside though, there’s something truly special about Monster Summer, and that's thanks in large part to director, David Henrie. As mentioned above, this is only his second feature film, but he handles the material with confidence and style. The way he captures the coastal beauty of Martha’s Vineyard is stunning, giving the film a timeless, almost magical atmosphere. More importantly, he nails the tricky balance between horror and comedy—a sweet spot where films like The Goonies and The Monster Squad have thrived. Henrie clearly has vision, and I can’t wait to see where his career goes from here.
But a movie like this doesn’t work without a solid cast, and Monster Summer delivers on that front. Mason Thames, who I know from his wonderful turn in The Black Phone, leads the charge as our young protagonist, delivering a heartfelt performance that grounds the supernatural elements. And what a pleasant surprise it was to see Mel Gibson in the role of the curmudgeonly, retired detective with a tragic past! He brings just the right amount of gravitas and old-school charm to the character without overpowering the younger cast and is a large source of much of the film's humor. Lorraine Bracco is also a standout, while fans of The Sandlot are in for a treat, as Patrick Renna (yes, "Ham" himself!) shows up as a little league umpire in a small but pivotal role. It’s a delightful homage to his iconic turn in that classic, that's sure to make all of the former nineties kids in the audience grin from ear to ear.
And yet, while the ensemble cast works wonders, I do wish the film had spent more time developing the relationships between the younger characters, especially our main trio. Their bond, while sweet, felt a bit rushed and undercooked, as if we missed out on some of the emotional depth that would have made their journey more impactful. With just a bit more attention to those friendships, this movie could have soared to greatness. But even with that slight misstep, the film’s charm and heart more than make up for it.
For fans of The Sandlot, Stranger Things, and The Goonies, or even for those who just enjoy a good coming-of-age tale with or without paranormal elements, Monster Summer is a must-see. It’s a shame that the marketing for this film has been practically non-existent because it’s exactly the kind of movie that would attract a wide audience if more people knew about it. But mark my words, once it hits digital and streaming platforms, it’s going to find its audience and become a cult classic in no time. While it's not perfect, it’s the kind of film that you’ll want to revisit, especially toward the end of the summer when that first autumn breeze rolls into town. So, if you’re in the mood for a fun, family-friendly horror adventure that’ll give you just the right amount of chills and chuckles, don’t sleep on "Monster Summer". It’s one I can most definitely say I'll be watching again.