Love and Monsters
Joel Dawson is happy because he has a girlfriend in high school and life couldn’t be better, if it weren’t for the sudden apocalypse where monsters overrun the world. After seven years underground, he’s tired of hiding, and a new sign from his old girlfriend prompts him to embark on a journey.
Love and Monsters reminds of a humorous version of teen book adaptations like The Hunger Games or Maze Runner. The lead actor, Dylan O’Brien is charming and his clumsy nature provides plenty of laughs.
The true star of the film, however, is the design of the monsters and the world. The overgrown Earth with reptilian monsters is visually appealing and reminds one of a less serious version of Annihilation.
What makes Love and Monsters so good?
- interesting design of the monsters and the world
- silly premise in an apocalypse (interesting for Fallout fans)
- charming lead actor
- captures the atmosphere of a good teen book adaptation
More of a silly post-apocalypse can be found here: A new series on Amazon is the next good video game adaptation – It’s a mix of Fallout and Mad Max
Ultraman Rising
Ultraman is an iconic figure in Japan that has existed since the 60s. The Ultraman has a kind of suit that can make him gigantic. He is the protector of Japan, taking care of huge kaiju, basically monsters. Over time, countless media featuring the character have emerged.
In Ultraman Rising, it’s about Ken, who becomes the new Ultraman. In his still young career, he encounters a newborn kaiju, which he now has to take care of. This poses a dilemma because he is essentially the enemy of the giant monsters. Another aspect of the story is his relationship with his father.
Science fiction can also be for the whole family, and that is shown by the animated film Ultraman Rising, which has not even 6000 IMDb ratings. That is criminal because especially fans of DreamWorks films and families with children will find joy in this well-animated film with fun battles.
What makes Ultraman Rising so good?
- great animation with a wonderful style similar to DreamWorks or Illumination
- familiar themes like expectations from parents or growing up
- child-friendly action that is enjoyable for adults too
- good introduction to one of the iconic figures of Japanese pop culture
Spaceman – A Brief History of Bohemian Space Travel
Adam Sandler plays Jakub Procházka, who manages to become the first Czech astronaut. He flies alone to Jupiter. But not only does loneliness bother him, but also the thought of having left his pregnant wife behind. Oh, and he sees a giant space spider that talks to him.
Adam Sandler was long considered an actor who made many mediocre to poor comedies. However, he now shows what he is capable of, including in Spaceman. The loneliness and the responsibility he carries are beautifully portrayed.
Through confusing events, where it’s unclear how real they are, philosophical themes are also addressed that the audience has to engage with.
What makes Spaceman – A Brief History of Bohemian Space Travel so good?
- Adam Sandler shows what he is capable of
- philosophical themes wrapped in science fiction
- relevant themes like loneliness and responsibility are addressed
- huge space spider that gives the film an unusual twist
