Love thy Neighbour (Monster House (DVD))

Member Name: allybally

Product:	Monster House (DVD)
Date:	31/07/07 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exceptional animation and a fantastic storyline

Disadvantages: Not suitable for young kids

Director: Gil Kenan
Production Company: Sony Pictures Animation
Release Date: August 2006 (in cinemas)
Genre: Listed as Family comedy adventure animation – I describe it as animated thriller
Classification: PG (I question this rating. See review for details)
Run Time: 91 minutes
Cast: Steve Buchemi, Maggie Gyllenhall, Jason Lee, Mitchell Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke
RRP: £14.99 Asda Price: £5!

***Summary of the film***
DJ, a preteen on the verge of puberty has what some will describe as an unhealthy obsession with his mysterious neighbour across the street, Nebbercracker. He spends most of his days watching him through a telescope at his bedroom window, taking notes on any unusual events in his notebook. However, when his parents go away for Halloween weekend leaving him in the hands of crotchety teenage babysitter Zee, DJ feels uneasy after seeing Nebbercracker scare off yet another small child taking her scooter as revenge for trespassing on his lawn.

DJ finds himself at Nebbercracker’s mercy when he dares to trespass on his property to retrieve his friend Chowder’s new ball before Nebbercracker suffers some sort of attack and is carted off in an ambulance presumed dead.

However, DJ notices that strange things continue to happen in old Nebbercracker’s house and he and his friends soon discover the problem didn’t necessarily lie with the houses owner after all, but with the house itself. As DJ, Chowder and their new friend Jenny can’t get anyone to believe the house is haunted, it is left up to them to stop the beast inside from tormenting any more children of passers by.

Are they up to the job – or will the house across the street win the final battle?

***Direction – who is Gil Kenan***
As a new member of the world of cinema, little is known about Gil Kenan however, I expect we will be hearing much more of this rising star in years to come.

Gil Kenan was born in London 31 years ago and raised in the States with strong Israeli roots. After graduating from UCLA with a Master of Fine Arts and after being awarded the UCLA Spotlight Award for his animated horror/fantasy short Film, The Lark, Kenan walked into a golden opportunity many young struggling directors in his position would only dream of. From school, Kenan was signed by the Creative Artists Agency and won his first job and directorial debut with Monster House under the watchful eye of none other than Executive Producer, Steven Spielberg.

The film was critically acclaimed and on the back of it Kenan now finds himself in demand to work on projects with top names in the business, including Tom Hanks who Kenan is currently directing in The City of Ember due for release next October

***Characters/Voice-overs***
The characters in this film were without question the most visually lifelike and realistic characters of any recent animation project and the personality given to each character, via effective and accurate voice-overs as well as successful script writing is phenomenal. Whether the voices compliment the animated characteristics of each person or the animated characteristics of each person compliment the voices is difficult to determine. Either way, watching the interaction, response and personality coming from each vibrant and individual character is breath-taking.

My favourite character, for his sarcasm, quick wit and physical exaggeration is Chowder played by Sam Lerner A close second is the sorrowful Nebbercracker played expertly by Steve Buscemi who displays an amazing sense of sadness and loneliness which the viewer can instantly identify with. The babysitter Zee played by Maggie Gyllenhall was also exceptionally realistic and reminded me what a terrible species teenage girls really are (thank god I have boys!).

DJ (Mitchell Musso) a gentler boy and the stories ultimate hero was instantly likeable as was his friend and romantic interest Jenny played by Spencer Locke. Jenny is a feisty girl quite prepared to get her hands dirty balanced with the good girl nature of someone who obeys her parents faithfully.

Other characters of note included Jason Lee as Zee’s boyfriend Bones and the wonderful Kathleen Turner as Constance, Nebbercracker’s wife. The comedy duo of Keving James and Nick Cannon as the two bumbling police officers added a lighter twist to this otherwise dark tale.

***Script/Storyline***
I was very impressed with the script for this film once I adjusted my mindset regarding what I expected this film to be. Whereas many recent animated features focus on the humour, characters, catch phrases and one liners with the storyline coming second, Monster House is all about the story which is a mix of so many different things. It is scary and sad and moving and sprinkled with a needed touch of humour.

Much care has been taken to setting the scene of the story which is utterly fascinating and complex. The message of the film is delivered with sincerity and will leave many viewers unexpectedly reflective at the end.

In my view the story is not one for small children as there is a depth to it that won’t be understood by the young. This depth, and the impact it has on the story and on the film’s viewers is integral and is what makes this such an interesting and watchable film.

There is a gentle flow to the film which isn’t compromised by a need to over explain the plot or by additional and unnecessary scenes added simply to amuse the viewers. This is a sensible and honest script which hasn’t gone in for the bells and whistles that some films have grown to rely on in order to be successful.

***Animation/Cinematography***
The characters from Monster House were primarily animated using performance capture which sees live action transferred into animation resulting in a more lifelike movements with a more realistic and relaxed flow. This is only the second film to use this technique to such a level. The other film to use this method was Polar Express. With Monster House, Sony Works have taken animation to a new level, raising the bar again for expected standards. While this technique is still relatively new, I expect it won’t be long before it is more widely used and appreciated.

It is certainly true to say the characters were brought to life using performance capture. Their every facial response was recorded on film which certainly allows the viewer to empathise more easily with the character and read the intended feeling of the scene more correctly.

The detail of every aspect of the animation is incredible and truly admirable. The way the house morphs from scene to scene is particularly spectacular.

***My view***
It is clear that the makers of Monster House very much made the film they wanted to make instead of focusing on the film that the general public would appreciate. This integrity is rare to find these days and makes it all the more powerful.

My only point of contention - albeit an important one, is the certification. It has been rated a PG however I don’t think this film is suitable for anyone under the age of 12. Because the animation is so life-like this film is far more of a thriller. The fear on the kids faces is plain to see and the adult subject matter, from which a horror film could easily be created, isn’t muted by brightly coloured and amiable characters and environment. This film wouldn’t be half the film it was if it had been adapted to make it more child friendly, however more appropriate certification would ensure parents know what they are taking their kids to see and likely cut down on many, many nightmares.

This is a brilliant film which I struggle to find fault with and I encourage everyone to see it, just don’t think it will make a good Friday night family film.

***Trivia***
*The film used 3D motion capture techniques to digitally record the physical performances of the actors before "skinning" them with their animated forms.

*Nominated for an Oscar this year as best animated feature film in addition to a further 15 industry award nominations including a win for best animated film, FCCC award.

***Quotes***
*Mom: We'll be back tomorrow night. Oh. If anything happens, call the police and hide in your closet.

*Zee: What is your problem?
DJ: Uh... puberty! Yeah, I'm having lots and lots of puberty.

*Zee: Whatever issue you guys have, I'm sure it has letters and they make pills for it.

*Chowder: My cousin's a cop in Milwaukee. I mean, he's kind of a cop... he's got a gun.

*Chowder: I paid 28 dollars for that ball! I had to mow ten lawns and ask my mom for a dollar 26 times!

Summary: Three pre-teens set out to save their neighbourhood from a house gone bad.