Preview: Monsters (2010)

Synopsis:

After an NASA probe crash lands in Mexico, strange new lifeforms begin appearing and threaten to kill everyone they meet.

• Poster: B-; C-; B- (2); C

Review:

While it has a nice color scheme and a well-chosen image, I can't help but feel like they are simply trying to play off the whole District 9 phenomenon instead of trying for some bit of originality.

I'm not a fan of the literal in-your-face types of posters. This one makes the first poster look like a masterwork in subtlety.

At first glance, I was skeptical of the artistic merits of the poster, but as I looked more closely at them, I realized that they were both built on the same notion and it is a rather creative outlet for them. Adding the couple to the second image does not increase or decrease the potency of the whole.

They are not working to improve themselves. While there's a nice level of detail like the prior posters, it still lacks a spark that engages a passerby.

• Trailer: B-; B

Review:

It's definitely a strong trailer and will successfully appeal to the right demographics. And it even looks like a well shot film. However, there is no need to include a critic plaudit in your trailer when it's only from Ain't It Cool News.

The trailer's an unfortunate cross between Cloverfield, Quarantine and District 9. While being akin to Cloverfield would seem appropriate, a comparison to District 9 is not. Still, it provides just enough teases to entice monster movie fans.

Oscar Prospects:

None.

Release Date:

• October 29, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (August 16, 2010) Original

-Wesley Lovell (September 2, 2010) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (September 10, 2010) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (October 7, 2010) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (October 29, 2010) New Poster