Monsters (2010) R

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this film. "Monster" movies these days usually have bad casts, poor scripts and below average special effects. I think it's safe to say that this isn't your typical "monster" flick. First time director Gareth Edwards had a $800,00 budget and he used every penny of it. Normally, a film like this would cost anywhere from 20 to 50 million dollars. Edwards not only directed this film, he wrote the script, did the visual effects, the cinematography and was the production designer. That's a tall order, but I'd say Edwards succeeded.

Edwards hired two actors, Whitney Able (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, Unearthed) and Scoot McNairy (Bobby, Art School Confidential). Everyone else you see in the film is a real person with no acting experience. Edwards and a small crew ventured to South America with their two actors with nothing but a small storyline and some cameras. It's amazing what they accomplished down there.

The film opens with a prologue explaining that a NASA shuttle, carrying life form samples from a Jupiter moon, crashed in Mexico six years ago. Since then, half of Mexico has been quarantined and deemed an "infected zone." Soon after that we see a U.S. Humvee battling a large squid-like creature. It's very hard to see exactly what is happening, but it only lasts about a minute as it eventually fades to black. From there we follow photo-journalist Andrew Kaulder (McNairy). From the get go we get a look at the beautiful cinematography and special effects that Edwards put together.

Kaulder arrives at a hospital in Mexico in search of a woman named Samantha Wynden. Samantha (Sam) is his bosses daughter. Kaulder was sent to make sure Sam is OK and to send her back to the United States. Simple enough, right?

Kaulder isn't happy about his "assignment," but can't say no for obvious reasons. They hop on a train headed for the coast. From there they plan on jumping onto a boat headed for the States. However, because of an "alien" attack a few miles ahead, the train stops and begins to head back. So, Kaulder and Sam jump off. Now, they aren't exactly sure how they're going to get to the coast. They knock on a door and are luckily treated with a meal and a roof over their heads.

The next day they find a bus headed for the coast, so they take advantage of the opportunity. Eventually they arrive at their destination, but the boat tickets cost $5,000. After a lengthy argument, Kaulder agrees to pay for Sam's ticket. They spend that night on the town. The people and the sights are beautiful, the tequila is tasty and the weather is perfect. After watching a massive candlelight ceremony Sam calls it an early night, but Kaulder stays out and has a few too many drinks.

Sam is engaged, but it's obvious she isn't looking forward to going home. Her and Kaulder seem to be getting along great. That is until she walks in on Kaulder and a random Mexican girl. She just wanted to say goodbye, but she storms off without saying goodbye. Kaulder runs after her in nothing but his boxers. He finally catches up to her on the dock. Sam was unable to board, because Kaulder has her passport in his room. They go back to find it but the girl, the passports and his money is all gone.

Sam is now stranded. The last ferry is long gone, and the next one arrives in six months. Sam's only choice is to trek through the "infected" zone, which is extremely dangerous. Sam bribes the locals with her expensive engagement ring to transport her to America. Kaulder demands he come with her. The locals except the deal. So, they set out through the tough terrain but things get a little tricky. Lives are taken, new life forms are discovered, photographs are captured and relationships are mended.

Although we don't see much of these "aliens," it doesn't matter. This film is more of a road trip film. It's more of a character study with political undertones (which Edwards says were unintentional). We learn that America has built a giant wall across the Mexican border to ensure their safety. Will it be effective? A lot of questions go unanswered, but it matters little when it's all said and done. It's a short film at just over 90 minutes, which seemed strangely appropriate.

This isn't a scary film or a monster film to me. It's an adventure film with a little love story intertwined. It's beautiful to look at, the performances are solid and the ending is sad and effective. It's the type of film that after your down watching it, you'll want to start it over again. Able is stunning and McNairy is energetic. This is a can't miss. I can't guarantee you'll like this film because it's nothing like advertised, but it's right up my alley.
A-