By Geno McGahee
On September 29th, Anchor Bay Entertainment will release KIDS VS MONSTERS on VOD and Digital HD via MarVista Digital Entertainment. The film has some familiar faces, including Malcolm McDowell (A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, ROB ZOMBIE’S HALLOWEEN), Lance Henriksen (PUMPKINHEAD, ALIENS) and Richard Moll (NIGHT COURT, NIGHT TRAIN TO TERROR), which makes it immediate relatable to the horror fans. Each one of these actors has a long history in the genre and gives this entry some horror credit right out of the gates.
Produced by Dark Dunes, directed by Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki and written by Sarah Daly, KIDS VS MONSTERS brings a young cast of actors together in an over the top, strange film. It’s easy to watch this film and see the influence of other productions. We have six of the richest people in the world with children that they want to be rid of. They place them into the hands of The Boss (McDowell), who has a group of monsters that need their killing skills tested. The idea was that of his assistant, Heinrich (Henriksen), who is sporting a pair of very bad horns. It’s safe to say that this film is not meant to be taken too seriously.
David (Bridger Zadina), Avatara (Taylor Stammen), Candy (Francesca Eastwood), Oliver (Daniel David Stewart), Bobby (Jesse Camacho) and Molly (Sydney Endicott) gather in a large mansion where they meet up with the Butler (Moll). They show him little respect but he has little patience. As the group gets settled, they begin to sense that something is wrong, but they are so convinced that their parents wouldn’t do anything to put them in harm’s way. Most of the group is very troubled, with the exception of David and Molly. They are led to slaughter merely because they are too nice.
The monsters are released and each monster has a backstory that is told by The Boss with some animation which was entertaining. Each of the monsters is distinct and likable. It becomes what the title implies. This is KIDS VS MONSTERS and there is plenty of fighting and chase scenes, leading to a cool car chase with the survivors and the surviving monsters. The monsters are not keeping such a low profile, which is what they are told they need to do. That’s why the Boss killed a witch.
KIDS VS MONSTERS reminds me of so many films. There is SCOOBY DOO, CABIN IN THE WOODS and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY are all here. This is such a strange film, but it’s got a certain charm to it. They took not being serious, seriously. The production value is very good, the acting is good, and if you enjoy Tim Burton movies, this one is probably for you.
In the end, KIDS VS MONSTERS will not terrify you. It is very light-hearted, but it meets the criteria: it entertains. I didn’t find it funny, but it was so unique that I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I recommend it!
Rating: 6/10