First, the Recap:
Life is less than ideal for young Conor (Lewis MacDougall). Between the humiliation of being bullied at school coupled with the often equally shunning, insincere looks of sympathy he receives, there is also the sickened condition of his deeply beloved mother (Felicity Jones), who can barely function under the weight of so many treatments being tried to better her. Also having to contend with his domineering grandmother (Sigourney Weaver), Conor’s escape from anger, contrition, and inner hurt comes in the form of a Monster (voiced by Liam Neeson), who tells him tales of perseverance and other life lessons–but challenging Conor to also reveal his own hidden nightmare. Soon, Conor finds himself having no choice but to overcome his fears, bitterness, and hopelessness to find understanding and release.
Worth Seeing: YES
Newcomer MacDougall completely dominates this film adaptation of the best-selling children’s book by author Patrick Ness, based on an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, with a raw passion and sincerely emotional performance as a boy broken by circumstances and hard choices who turns to a fantastical friend for help. Aided by the excellent support of Jones, Weaver, Toby Kebbell and the always awesome basso profondo that is Liam Neeson’s voice, the gorgeous visuals that make up the fantasy world the Monster takes Conor to at 12:07 each day/night, as well as the creature itself, is a spectacle more than worthy of seeing on the big screen. There’s no question director J.A. Bayona was a smart choice to take the helm in the first awesome, creative, escapist daydream of the year.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
