From the outset, A Monster Calls may seem to be a coming-of-age fable as the opening narration makes us pay attention to young Conor (Lewis MacDougall) as "too old to be a kid, to young to be a man." It's also clear that Conor's mother (Felicity Jones) is ill, and most adults try to handle Conor with kid gloves; something that becomes clear is an annoyance to Conor himself. The 'why' of the matter becomes clear as the movie progresses and the true purpose of the monster is revealed, although some may figure it out much earlier. Along the way, the Monster (performed and voiced by Liam Neeson) relates three tales to Conor, two of which are beautifully animated in specific styles to suit the stories. These two segues add a far more fantastical and magical element to the movie than the presence of the monster does, which is impressive in itself. The animated sequences definitely caught my eye, being full of design, style and colour. They're not unlike the animated story in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Ultimately, it is an emotional rollercoaster of a story, and props to young newcomer Lewis MacDougall as the movie rests heavily on him. Director J.A. Bayona does a superb job of juggling all the elements, from the actors (including veterans Sigourney Weaver and Geraldine Chaplin) to the props, effects and animation. The pacing and editing allows the movie to build it's emotional journey, and it's a tough one. Of course, that may depend on each individual viewer, but I'd say you're a cold one if you didn't shed a tear by the end. And that end... well, I'll leave that to you. Beautiful and remarkable as the movie is, it's not something I'm going to sit through again for a while. I'll admit, the tears were flowing for more than half the movie simply because it's something that resonates with me. Conor's journey is a hard one and that final story the monster demands is (or can be, depending on your point of view) heart-wrenching. It may be the same for you, or it may not. The script by Patrick Ness (based on the book he completed from a story by Siobhan Dowd, who passed away before completing her own story) is both tender and tough as it is dealing with a very hard and sensitive issue within the context of the story. Forewarned is forearmed, so have a hanky or tissue prepared. Directed by J. A. Bayona Stars Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, with Toby Kebbel, Geraldine Chaplin and Liam Neeson Rating ****1/2 / 5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here.
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