There are times you want to see a movie that is just
out to have fun. One that was made knowing it is outlandish. Lake Michigan Monster is that type of
movie. It is the fantastical tale of Captain Seafield and his revenge against
the monster that killed his father.
I was able to see Lake Michigan Monster at the 2019
FilmQuest Film Festival (website) where is was nominated
for 9 awards.
I usually go into areas of plot and cast and other
points of interest on style when breaking down a movie for review. I’m having a
hard time doing that with this movie from Ryland Brickson Cole Tews (IMDb
link). There is a lot going on in this movie. There are many things
that can be pointed out as wrong to the point that while you are watching it you
understand that all together it works
The basic plot is Captain Seafield lost his father to
the Lake Michigan Monster and he wants revenge. He hires a team to help him.
They are a team of specialists: a sonar specialist, a weapons specialist, and
one who recently got out of the navy. The team is unable to fulfill the
colorfully named missions Captain Seafield plans and leaves him to brave the
waters to exact the payment he desires.
The movie is black and white with some scenes in stark
contrast. The style and coloration, or lack thereof, are reminiscent of many an
old movies or more current arthouse styled films (i.e., Guy Maddin). Along with
the filming, these old school techniques are used for the audio and setting.
All of them play together in a disharmonious way to create its song.
All of this was done purposefully. The filmmakers had
about $7,000. After the screening, we were told the first half of the film was
made on tip money from delivering pizzas. This is an incredible movie considering
its frayed shoestring budget.
A major part of the movie are the jokes. There are all
types of jokes in Lake Michigan Monster.
They are throughout the movie. Right up to the climax the film delivers a
punchline for the local audience. Sure it plays better for the locals, but it’s
relatable. I saw this in Utah, and was already thinking of my own response to
the setup before Captain Seafield delivered theirs on screen.
Lake
Michigan Monster is going to be a cult classic in its
hometown. I know a lot of people who are going to love this film because of the
zaniness. I also know others who will look at the poster and dismiss it as
something that isn’t worth 78 minutes.
Love it or hate it, Lake Michigan Monster is a testament to making a film for the love
of making pictures. It might seem like a mess, but it is well developed mess
that is told with tongue in cheek, and then delivers the punchline.
Receiving nominations for Best Director, Best Ensemble
Cast, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Score, Best Production Design/Art
Direction, Best Costumes, and Best Makeup, along with winning for Best Visual
Effects is one way of letting you know this is something to watch and see how
it is put together. Find out what makes it tick.
I doubt you’ll see this on a theatrical release. This
is the style of movie you search out to find at the little theater in town
known for its crowd that gathers Saturday night after the feature, for that
midnight movie.
Currently Lake
Michigan Monster is on the film festival circuit.
I give Lake
Michigan Monster 3 1/2 out of 5.
If you have a comment, suggestion, or
critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
0 Comments