Monster Summer Review: Spooky Family Adventure That’s Bringing Back 90s Nostalgia

As soon as we hit the halfway mark to Halloween, it’s like a switch flips. The summer vibes start to fade, and all I can think about is cool autumn nights, cosy cardigans, and sipping on a pumpkin spice latte as I stroll through a pumpkin patch with my kids. Mentally, I’m already in October. And of course, October means one thing spooky movie season. If you’re like me, always chasing that perfect nostalgic vibe from your childhood, then Monster Summer might just be the movie you didn’t know you needed this fall.

Nostalgic Spooky Movies for the Modern Family

Remember the good old days of Hocus Pocus, The Monster Squad, The Addams Family, and Halloweentown? For us millennials, those were the movies that defined our childhood Halloweens. And now, as parents, we want to recreate that magic for our kids. That’s exactly what Monster Summer, a new family adventure movie, is aiming to do.

Directed by David Henrie, aka Justin from Wizards of Waverly Place, Monster Summer promises to bring back those familiar 90s summer vibes you know, the ones filled with best friends, first kisses, and spooky adventures. But more than that, it’s about giving today’s kids the kind of thrilling yet family-friendly movie experience we grew up with. So, what can we expect from Monster Summer? Let’s dive into what’s sure to be one of the most talked-about films of the season.

A Star-Studded Cast That Will Bring You Right Back

One of the first things that caught my attention was the cast. Lorraine Bracco from Radio Flyer and Patrick Renna from The Sandlot are two of the big names leading the charge. Millennials will also spot familiar faces like Mel Gibson and Kevin James, making this movie an even bigger nostalgic treat.

But it’s not just about bringing back the old favorites. The younger cast members are some of the brightest rising stars in Hollywood right now. Monster Summer features Mason Thames (The Black Phone, How to Train Your Dragon), Noah Cottrell (The Spiderwick Chronicles), and Abby James Witherspoon (Secret Headquarters). These kids are set to deliver performances that could rival the original Goonies crew.

Henrie, a former child star himself, took the casting process very seriously. He specifically sought out actors who he believed had staying power in the industry and who could bring a new level of energy and excitement to the film.

Plot: A Classic Spooky Adventure with a Modern Twist

So, what’s the movie about? The official synopsis teases a fun yet spine-chilling adventure: “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.”

From the trailer, you can see the film is packed with 90s summer nostalgia. It takes you back to those days of riding bikes until dusk, staying out past curfew, and that one scary event that would forever define your summer. The movie feels like a love letter to those simpler times, when kids had the freedom to explore, get into a little trouble, and maybe even have a close encounter with something a little otherworldly.

But the real magic of Monster Summer is how it plays with the idea of the unknown. The monster, which is central to the story, is kept mostly hidden throughout the trailer, creating a sense of mystery and dread that builds up over time. It’s a tactic that’s reminiscent of Jaws, where the fear of the unknown becomes just as terrifying as the monster itself.

The Perfect Balance of Scary and Fun

If you’re wondering whether Monster Summer is too scary for younger kids, don’t worry. Henrie made sure to strike a balance between the thrill of a spooky movie and keeping it fun and family-friendly. As Henrie explained in an interview, “The North Star for me is scare, not scar… fear is something that we all need to learn how to face.”

He went on to say that the goal of the movie was to create an experience where kids can enjoy a spooky adventure without being scarred by it. It’s the same philosophy that underpinned so many of the classic spooky family films of the 90s scary, but with heart.

A Deeper Message Beneath the Scares

One of the things that sets Monster Summer apart from your typical family adventure is its deeper message. Henrie pointed out that spooky stories, particularly fairy tales, have always served a purpose. They teach kids how to confront their fears and overcome the obstacles that hold them back in life.

This theme is woven into the fabric of Monster Summer, where the kids not only have to face off against the mysterious monster but also learn valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and standing up for what’s right.

The monster itself represents more than just a physical threat; it’s a metaphor for the challenges and fears that kids encounter as they grow up. By facing the monster, the characters learn how to overcome the things that scare them a lesson that resonates not just with the characters, but with the audience as well.

A Movie For Both Parents and Kids

One of the smartest things about Monster Summer is how it appeals to both parents and kids. For parents, it’s a walk down memory lane, filled with all the nostalgia of those great 90s summer adventure movies. For kids, it’s a fresh, exciting movie with a cast they can relate to.

Henrie designed the film with this dual audience in mind. “I wanted this familiar, nostalgic experience for the parent who might be bringing their kid,” he said. “And for the kid, I wanted to get a relevant cast that they would recognize as well.”

In a world where movies often cater to either adults or kids, it’s refreshing to see a film that aims to bridge that gap, creating an experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

The Monster: A Mystery Wrapped in Nostalgia

One of the most exciting aspects of Monster Summer is the way the monster is portrayed. The trailer hints at a creature that has multiple forms and abilities, leaving you guessing throughout the film. Is it a sea monster? A ghost? An alien? The varied imagery gives the movie a sense of mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This tactic, of keeping the monster hidden for most of the movie, is a direct nod to Jaws, where the shark was kept out of sight for much of the film, building tension and anticipation. But Monster Summer takes it a step further by playing with different types of monster imagery, confusing the audience as to what kind of creature they’re really up against.

The result is a movie that keeps you guessing, and just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, it throws another twist your way.

Final Thoughts: Why Monster Summer Should Be on Your Fall Watchlist

If you’re looking for a movie that combines the nostalgia of the 90s with a fresh, modern take on the spooky family adventure genre, Monster Summer is it. With an all-star cast, a thrilling plot, and a perfect blend of scares and fun, it’s the ideal film for families looking to enjoy some spooky fun together this fall.

So grab your popcorn, round up the kids, and get ready for a movie that will take you back to those endless summer nights of your childhood while giving today’s kids a new adventure to remember.