Monster House Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
There Goes The Neighborhood.
This Summer......Cross Over to the Other Side........Of the Street.
A living, breathing, nightmare of a house!
The teenage DJ is observing his neighbor Nebbercracker on the other side of their street in the suburb that destroys tricycles of children that trespass his lawn. When DJ's parents travel on the eve of Halloween and the abusive nanny Zee stays with him, he calls his clumsy best friend Chowder to play basketball. But when the ball falls in Nebbercracker's lawn, the old man has a siege, and sooner they find that the house is a monster. Later the boys rescue the smart Jenny from the house and the trio unsuccessfully tries to convince the babysitter, her boyfriend Bones and two police officers that the haunted house is a monster, but nobody believes on them. The teenagers ask their video-game addicted acquaintance Skull how to destroy the house, and they disclose its secret on the Halloween night.
| Ryan Newman | Little Girl |
| Steve Buscemi | Nebbercracker |
| Mitchel Musso | DJ |
| Catherine O'Hara | Mom |
| Fred Willard | Dad |
| Sam Lerner | Chowder |
| Woody Schultz | Paramedic #1 |
| Ian McConnel | Paramedic #2 |
| Maggie Gyllenhaal | Zee |
| Jason Lee | Bones |
| Spencer Locke | Jenny |
| Kevin James | Officer Landers |
| Nick Cannon | Officer Lister |
| Jon Heder | Reginald 'Skull' Skulinski |
| Kathleen Turner | Constance |
| Gil Kenan |
6.90 out of 10 (8398 votes)
Visitor Reviews
animation AMAZING
posted on 28 Aug 2009The computer animation in this is amazing. Almost as good as the final fantasy animation and a bit better than polar express animation. Even if you don't like the movies story just listen to your ipod and watch it its incredible. Anyways I thought this movie was actually really good but not hilarious some funny parts. I wouldn't recommend this to kids under 8 because it is a pretty dark film. There is some similarities to "Stand By Me" and "The Goonies" in this as well as Steven King prop (look for it)if you cant find it email me @ threenails10@hotmail.com and I'll tell you what it is and where. I wish I would have seen this in the I-Max because its very 3-D which is probably why the sequel is going to be in 3-D. I don't think this one will pick up the Oscar for best animated feature but it does deserve a nomination. Overall this is an entertaining film that will not disappoint.
A decent animation flick
posted on 26 Aug 2009I have to admit that I had high expectations for Monster House, after all, I am a big fan of Steven Spielberg. He's great with a typical drama involving non-animation, so I was curious how he would do with an animation film. But honestly, I think I was a little disappointed, I was expecting more humor than spooks. I understand that this is a kid's horror movie, but still, it needed more relief for the audience.But Monster House is about three kids: DJ, Chowder, and Jenny, they are investigating a spooky house of the neighborhood, they've just witnessed it eating people! Since the creepy old owner is in the hospital, they take a tour inside the house finding out what makes it work and how they can destroy it, before it eats the whole neighborhood! Monster House had great animation, it is truly amazing how real those kids looked, it almost proved how we may no longer need actors in Hollywood in the near future. But like I said, there wasn't enough humor to really grab me, not to mention, some of the content, I guess depending on the age of the audience, just seemed a little too teenager or adult. Still, I wouldn't deny this was a good film, just wished that it met my expectations or at least a little higher.7/10
OMG: Telekenetic Claymation
posted on 24 Aug 2009One gets tired of seeing CGI animation these days. This movie didn't look like CGI. It looked like reclamation. Claymation done by people who can bend matter with their minds. The effect was quite arresting - like seeing small dolls actually talking and moving around. The use of focus, such as nearby blades of grass being out of focus, heightened the reclamation effect. I was on my seat just from the visual impact.Then there was the characterization and script - which contributed charm and giggles, and would have made a quite effective live-action film.The tone of the film was somewhere between "Stand By Me" and "The Goonies". Some of the humor was a bit dark or adult for younger kids. The one black character was a bit stereotyped - dopey, simple-minded, impulsive. And the "monster" of the film was also a stereotype right out of "South Park" - a voracious sub-verbal obese woman. When her spirit is finally liberated from earthly existence (first as a sub-verbal obese woman and after that as a monster house), the man who loved her before he became her captive is visibly relieved. Somewhat iffy and unwholesome. Both of these characterizations were not necessary and detracted from the quality somewhat. Ahh. I see that the writers Dan Harmon & Rob Schrab have recently worked on a project for Sarah Silverman. Sigh. Well then it's to be expected that you're going to get a combination of laugh-out-loud and messed-up stereotyping. But man, those visuals were so arresting. I'm still considering the 2+ hour journey next weekend out to the nearest theater which is showing it in 3d. "Chicken Little" was a huge waste of 3d which this show definitely won't be.PS. Just saw the 3d version. Quite amazing. Nice 3d preview as well.
Just Doing Its Job
posted on 22 Aug 2009I've read other readers' comments (votes ranging from 1 to 8) and many voters say, "Young children this or that..." Animation originally was never really intended for children. Animation is just another form of film (like horror, romance, black and white, action, etc). Walt Disney wanted to create a full length feature film that was completely animated. Thus, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."The purpose of animation is to create magical moments that can't be captured by a regular camera. Animation is used so the impossible can become possible.Yes, I can understand how some kids can become frightened. Yes, I can understand why some people think the jokes fall flat, but this film was very entertaining. The purpose of film is to entertain us. It's a smart animated piece. I predict that this film and "Cars" will be Oscar contenders.One reader said that "Hoodwinked" was a superior film. Though I enjoyed "Hoodwinked" it is by no means superior, subjectively speaking. Who hasn't had the "creepy house" at the edge of our neighborhood, a best friend, or spied on neighbors? "Monster House" takes these familiar things and creates a fantasy-like atmosphere. "Hoodwinked" takes an existing story and plays/modernizes it. Which would you say is more creative?If the film has entertained you, it's done its job.
Stunning and totally lovable
posted on 16 Aug 2009Monster House was really good, especially since I saw it in 3-D at my local movie theater. I own the DVD. It was stunning that the Monster House was Nebbercracker's wife, Constance. And, of course, the final battle scene was a blast! It was a little scary, but totally lovable. I don't recommend it for children under 8 because it's kind of scary. Just the same, it nearly claws to perfect on the scale of four stars. I think this movie deserves ***1/2.The animation is great. It was used with motion capture by the actors in the movie. As a final review, it's such an awesome movie. Don't miss it. You will have a blast.
NOT for kids
posted on 10 Aug 2009I cannot believe this is a PG film! I took my children to it over the school holidays and they were terrified. The ONLY reason I stayed till the end is if they don't see a happy ending to it, they have nightmares. I was VERY disappointed in it as on the radio they said it was a great film for the holidays.As it was they still had bad dreams about it and I was upset that a PG film has that sort of horror in it.I would not recommend this film to ANYONE under the age of 10, and even then it depends on the child. The big kid (my husband) was the one that suggested we go see it because he saw the trailers and thought it was great. Even he had to admit that it was not a very good movie.The plot was good and the ending was fitting. my boys clapped when it all came to a close. A good way to forget about life for a while.
Interestingly Inappropriate Adult-Oriented Animation
posted on 17 Jul 2009Unlike many other reviewers, I would not allow children, even of the age of the ones in this movie, to see this film. It is inappropriate on too many levels. Encourages stealing (the end justifies the means morality), is too frightening, makes the unusual looking people literally "freaks" in sideshows treated like the "monsters" they are. The only redeeming feature is the message that one shouldn't judge on first appearances, though that is exactly what the writers do as a fat woman is literally made a monster and another fat character a buffoon while the "normal" kid gets the "normal" girl. Children suddenly realize that the house next door is possessed and, left to their own devices by absentee parents and babysitters (another problematic plot element), they set out to destroy the house and free the old man who is held its prisoner lo these many years.The animation is fantastic, perhaps a little too good, since I found myself distracted by it several times. It takes away from the story when you're wondering "What would that texture FEEL like?" oh, it's animation...several times. The 3D effect is wonderful and it is enthralling, just a little distracting from time to time, never quite sure whether it wants to mimic reality (as in the photorealistic leaves throughout) or be putty-like in its characters, or more cartoon-oriented. Cartoonishness may have lessened my feelings of apprehension at some of the messages being sent to children (assumed to be at least part of the audience for an animated movie), but it was too real too often to allow that and the effect is not only the intended fear of the story, but fear of what poor role model messages children were picking up in the process.It's not on the class of the monstrously inappropriate sick styles of The Corpse Bride or Nightmare before Christmas, but it is not a family or children oriented movie either.For adults, and especially adult fans of animation and suspense I think it's worth the watch. But certainly not for children, even older ones, by any means.
good animation
posted on 15 Jul 2009i was really knocked off of my feet how good this movie was. it was almost as good as over the hedge, except this time it's all humans,, yeah a couple of parents, the babysitter, the boyfriend, and the rest all kids, which is good, the movie is about a house who after the owner get's carted off by the ambulance, the house starts acting very peculiar, the kid who lives across the street spays on the old man , with the help of his friend , and a girl selling cookies they team up to match wits with this "horror house". the special effects were pretty good in this one,, if this is the way animation is going, then i'm all in,, this was a great movie for the kids,, say 10 on up.. and i think good for adults too, this movie along with over the hedge, makes me want to see more kids movies,, especially the animation kind.
Excellent family entertainment !!!
posted on 15 Jul 2009This is the kind of movie which really makes up for watching movies like "Lady in the Water". I really liked the 3D version of the movie.The movie had good humor, and the amount of cuteness for the characters, that you can only generate with cartoons. The story is of this kid and his 2 other friends, who investigate the house opposite as it is haunted. The house only seems to make its move when the adults are not there. So these kids try their best to convince the adults, and try to get help from the police. 2 cops come to check the house, and one of them is a rookie ( very funny ).The movie will hold your attention all the time.Enough said . I recommend you to see the 3D version of this, and you will definitely be entertained.
Passable family movie fun.
posted on 27 Jun 2009My Take: A decent animated comedy, but not a great one. Way behind of the computer-animated movie race, Sony Pictures Animation launched MONSTER HOUSE in 2006, and with some professional help from thrill masters Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, it turns up pretty well and enjoyable, even if it doesn't hit the same ground as FINDING NEMO or SHREK, which set the comparisons among recent animated films. Even when it isn't right on that level, this film is a lot of fun, and it makes for decent family entertainment.The secret juice comes from the screenplay, which is basically a horror movie for kids. It tries to be creepy, funny and be a for-kids entertainment at the same time, which it succeeds on for most of the time. The story is a mixture of POLTERGEIST, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR and THE GOONIES, and only the GOONIES part didn't work for me. The kids in this movie grow pretty annoying at times, since once again, it targets on a couple of misfit kids. Still, so much about the plot works, where three misfit kids DJ (voiced by Mitchell Musso), Chowder (voiced by Sam Lerner) and Jenny (voiced by Spencer Locke) who team up to fight an abandoned house which may just be alive.The supporting cast are the real stars, as they are voiced by some really great actors. Steve Buscemi voices the neighborhood grouch named Neberkracker, Maggie Gyllenhaal voices Z, DJ's teenage babysitter, Jason Lee voices her boyfriend, Kevin James voices a cop and Kathleen Turner is underused but scene-stealing and creepy as Nebercracker's deceased wife. The voice cast is superb and grabs most of our attention for the entire film. The script is also filled with numerous energetic moments, much of which are very enjoyable. the comedy is quite uneven, which is either funny and often corny, but overall fun. This is a decently enjoyable animated family comedy, energetic and I'm easily recommendable.Rating: *** out of 5.
Surprisingly good movie (only tiny spoiler)
posted on 13 Jun 2009I went to see this movie with medium expectations. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There were many sections that seemed to be aimed at the adults rather than the kids. However, there were also sections where the kids laughed and clapped enthusiastically (mostly in response to the chowder character's toilet humor).The problems I had with the movie were the slow beginning, and the inconsistency of the age-based attributes of the little girl on the tricycle. (1)While riding the tricycle, she appeared a consistent 3-4 years old (more likely 4). However, as soon as she opened her mouth, it revealed that she was missing her 2 front teeth. This occurs at 6 years old. I realize this is a very minor nit-pick to most people, but it really irritated me. Fortunately, the movie was good enough to overcome my negativism. I was very glad I stayed to see the rest of the movie. Next time I go, I will just ignore the little girl.
Don't Bother with the Non-3D Version
posted on 05 Jun 2009Good luck staying awake for this movie, I barely did. The animation is interesting at times, but it takes too long to get to the point, and when it does you can't believe that's all there is to it. If you've seen the previews, then you've already seen all there is to see about this movie.The movies main saving grace is that at times the animation almost appears to be real life. Some of the close-ups and character movement was done well. And actually, I didn't realize there was a 3D version. The 3D would have made this movie a lot better. But the non-3D version that I saw; you'd have better fun watching old Buggs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons from Saturday morning. A huge disappointment!
It Shows That Kids Films Can Be Dark When They Want To Be
posted on 01 Jun 2009After bad overly happily bad kids movie that have taken over the industry (Happily N'Ever After, etc.) CGI world needed something dark, something original, and Monster House was just that.Now I'm not saying that you should get the DVD for a six year-old, there are some really dark, and arguably... violent, scenes. All the characters are well-rounded, and the plot never gets to dull, and the black comedy is always high-key, and I mean how often do you get a CGI film with Spielberg credited as producer let alone a comedy. And there are some really scary stuff and violent in there, but being a family movie, the scares aren't half as good as Jaws.I say I rather liked this movie, it's a must-see.
Generally entertaining mix of shock, silliness, and schmaltz...
posted on 01 Jun 2009"Monster House," the latest computer-animated venture to enter theaters, is rife with the kind of images and lines that take me back to the warm nostalgia of childhood, when a 30-minute episode of "The Real Ghostbusters" or "Scooby-Doo" (hell, even "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo") was enough to hold my undivided attention. This was also back when adults were frightening creatures and members of the opposite sex were at once appealing and perplexing. During its best moments, "Monster House" wields an imaginative story backed up by images that are, creepy, humorous, and visually dazzling--the stuff of chuckles for adults, and bad dreams for the kiddies. While the tale of wholesome neighborhood kids investigating the strange occurrences at the creepy Old Man Nebbercracker's house across the street, only to discover his decayed, foreboding homestead is holding a secret, often smacks of "Home Alone" schmaltz, but is satisfactory (considering how uninspired the plots of animated films often are, the writers should be credited for at least trying something original). "Monster House" succeeds in producing a creative nightmare interior/exterior to the titular structure, but it is really in the moments of 'growing up suburbia' that the film shines: the Gothed-out babysitter and her Trent Reznor-doppleganger boyfriend; the pizza-delivery dork/video game wizard; the clueless parents (voiced by the underused Catherine O'Hara and Fred Willard); the clean-cut neighborhood girl who sets our male protagonists aflutter with puppy love; and the cranky, cadaverous old man who you half-expect to growl at the kids for meddling with his plans. While brilliantly designed and animated, "Monster House"'s Third-Act Revelation comes off as a rushed contrivance, and for all the visual gags, the dialog comes off as underwritten--the humor is never as sharp as the film's looks. That being said, this is a sturdy, light entertainment that knows its audience.
Silly Fun, But...
posted on 30 May 2009While watching "Monster House" I found myself trying to ignore inconsistencies in the story, but they kept cropping up. For example, I kept wondering why only children ever noticed anything wrong with the house. Even if no one else saw anything, the house was terrifically noisy throughout. Especially when the house began dragging itself through the neighborhood in pursuit of the children, it seemed impossible for others not to notice.Also, though I was willing to suspend disbelief, there seemed to be no reason for any attraction between the old man and his wife, unless he simply had a fetish. Nothing about the wife's circumstances made sense, anyway. At least her history only came out near the end.The best thing about the movie was the main characters' well-developed personalities. Though the animation was somewhat strange, the children were especially fully and realistically developed and their facial expressions were marvelous. At times, I felt like I was watching real people.The one thing that spoiled the movie for me was this: Though both the policemen were stereotypical cop buffoons, the rookie cop--the only black character in the film-- was offensive. His round rolling eyes, "humorous" mental slowness and mannerisms were too much like the racially stereotypical comedy popular in 1920's-1930's. I am a white person, and this sort of characterization was out of place. It left me wondering how it would be received by my African-American friends and their children. As I exited the theater, I felt bemused that this type of "humor" had been done, especially since I thought Spielberg or someone ought to have been more aware. All I can hope is that those negative racial stereotypes are far enough in the past that most of today's audiences do not associate them with "Amos and Andy", et. al., though they're still around in old movies.Over all, I think I would have preferred to have rented the movie, instead of paying theater prices to see it.
Strangely Watchable
posted on 26 May 2009I watched both this and Cars in the same day.This is miles better with no competition at all. It might look more cartoony and animated than Cars but it's hand drawn innocent appearance has much more appeal than Cars' over drawn, over polished and frankly over thought illustration methods.This film uses a new technique which has only been used in The Polar Express, which is known as performance capture. This is an improvement on motion capture and I expect it to be used far more in the future.This is a tale about the scary house that everyone has in their neighbourhood. Everyone has a house that they thought things about when they were kids, so this film will appeal to adults, kids and big kids all alike.I'm not going to reveal too many details of the plot but the lead boy DJ reminded me of Hogarth from The Iron Giant (they look so much alike). His friend Chowder looks excellent and is well played and their girl sidekick whose name escapes me is also very well played.Watch this film to enjoy the visuals, enjoy the amazing acting and a very good original story which is well thought out and is almost a perfect length (I would have liked maybe another 30 minutes or so).Watch and enjoy, I did.
Monster House rocks!
posted on 16 May 2009The idea of adding reference points to actors as an aid of creating a base for an animated film is not entirely new, but Monster House uses this to create a very entertaining film, in which both the actors and the production team evidently enjoy themselves, as both the actors movement and their voices are used, and the 'cinematographers' can choose their camera angles very late in the process, long after the actors have moved on to other things.As a film it is somewhere between Toy Story and Miazaki's films, the entire story taking place in an idyllic American suburbia, where one house is different from the rest.Good for any age, I would say, and the extra material on the DVD is superb! Awaiting with eager interest the next film using this technique!
Great fun
posted on 12 May 2009"Monster House" is hands down the best kids adventures movie in a loooooong time. It's fast paced and exciting. So why wasn't it a huge hit? The giant flaw of "Monster House" is that it doesn't really have a definite target audience. It was definitely a problematic decision to turn this story into an animated movie. Make no mistake, the animation is perfectly executed and it has the advantage that the house can practically do anything without having to look a hundred percent realistic. However, animation has the negative side-effect of attracting a young audience. For really small children this movie may be a tad bit too spooky, however. Grown-ups, on the other hand, will find the story of a monster house a bit, well, childish. That's a shame, because this movie has been realized so perfectly.The script is terrific and filled with witty and charming dialog. From a technical point of view, it's a joy to see how characters, places and devices are established, so they can be used later on. But of course this movie isn't just a technical exercise. Most of all it has a lot of heart and its 80ies-ish look and the suburban setting references classic movies like "The Goonies", "The Monster Squad", "Poltergeist" or "Halloween".The movie would probably have had a bigger audience if real actors had portrayed such memorable characters as Chowder, Officer Landers or Officer Lister. Still, "Monster House" has the potential of becoming a real child adventure classic over the years.
That's a house with severe behavior problems!
posted on 12 May 2009There was a time when walking into a cartoon usually meant a satisfying great time because of the amount of work and care that went into producing a genre that most people tend to undervalue or think is not as worthy of attention as serious dramatic movie-making. I can think of "Finding Nemo" and "Shrek" as perfect examples of animated features that should have at least been nominated for best films. "Monster House" is on that level of quality. It has an amazing storyline, with terrific special effects that deserve to be seen in both normal and 3D projection, and the talented cast does a terrific job bringing to life some of the most hilarious characters and lines in recent history.The story is simple. Our heroes sense something is wrong with one of the properties in the neighborhood, eventually they have to confront the "evil" in the house, destroy its source, and save a few people along the way. It's apparently, not a completely original concept, but then you start looking at its execution, and things can hardly get any better. The portrayal of the children is fresh and sharp. There is none of the gravitas recent releases have been saddled with. Here people do have chips on their shoulders, but they also know that sitting idle is not going to solve the problems. It is also very exciting to have a real problematic villain that is not so easy to get rid of, and with the help of talented artists, some of the scenes in and around the house are truly a lot of fun, with some unexpected jolts every so often. There are genuine surprises and twists, and digital animation is improving so much that it dazzles, especially in the segments when you know 3D is probably fully enhance the camera angle, but one can also notice that is not gratuitous and obvious, as in the recent release involving a hero and another type of real estate problem.I went in unaware of the very talented vocal casting. Steven Buscemi, Kathleen Turner, Maggie Gyllenthal, Jason Lee, and more. These performers are truly gifted at conveying the emotions of their respective characters, delighting us as we hear conversations that are not stilted but true reflections of what happens between two seemingly different, yet alike characters, like Zee and D.J. There is true dramatic tension, and much comic relief is provided as well. There is no room for padding, only for real dynamic and crackling lines, such as the one given by Zee to D.J., as she tries to make sense of his new rather erratic condition.Bring yourself and your children to this film. It's truly a treat, a hilarious, creepy, creative, and fun ride... something that I'm glad to report is back in Hollywood!
Missing the adult appeal methinks
posted on 28 Aug 2009The previews, and the tendencies of current feature length animated movies, led me to believe this would be a humorous thriller. I was disappointed therefore, that the amount of humor was fairly small. I believe this movie might be a thriller for children, but there is nothing there to excite the heart of an adult. I found the character of the babysitter especially repugnant for an animated children's feature. I feel that sort of despicable character belonged in a movie for teenagers, not for younger children. The animation is first rate, but it is not "fun" to look at, like Toy Story or Shrek.So no story for this adult, not much humor, and unexciting animation sums up why I give this movie a four out of ten.