Animated Monster Adventure

Monster House (4/5 stars)

Monster House, an animated film similar in technical style to Polar Express, is one of the most delightfully imaginative and adventerous children's films I've seen in a while. It is the kind of thing I think I would have really gone ballistic over when I was much younger, as it is completely filled with manic action, fright, and excitement.

In a suburban neighborhood, there is a house owned by a creepy old-man named Mr. Nebbercracker, who spends his time chasing children away from his house and confiscating any of their toys which may unfortunately stray into his yard. One day, he keels over dead after an argument with one of the protangonist kids who made the mistake of letting a basketball roll into the old man's yard. This happens on the afternoon before Halloween. Soon after the exit of Mr. Nebbercracker, strange things start happening in the neighborhood as the house becomes alive. However, at first only the children experience this as the house seems to sense the existence of adults and hides itself when they are around. The children, two boys and a girl, begin an investigation into the house and how to stop it from causing havoc upon them. Particularly worrisome is the fact that the house may eat them, as just that happens to one of the children's babysitter's boyfriend as he is leaving the house across the street from the spooky house.

It might be strange to say, but the greatest star of the movie is the actual house itself. It literally comes alive, capturing a dog with its carpet (tongue), going after the children, police officers, and anyone who has the bad sense to come to close to it. After some important plot revelations which explain its origins, it even goes so far as to uproot itself and literally start chasing after people, providing for some fantastic action sequences.

While the animation quality might not be up to snuff with a Pixar film, I simply found this movie to be a lot more fun and exciting than Pixar's entry for this year, Cars. It doesn't attempt to teach a lesson, doesn't pander too much to adults, it is simply wild and crazy fun. I think this is the movie that kids would really enjoy from this summer. However, most of us still have a bit of a child in us anyway, and except for those who are too obsessive about being mature about their tastes, I think almost anyone would find this movie a fun and wild ride.