Lake Michigan Monster, Movie Review

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.

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