A Monster Calls - insta-reaction

[amberdreams]

If the boy who plays Connor O'Malley in this film doesn't get an Oscar or some sort of award for this performance there's no justice in this world. What a beautiful, heartbreaking film this is.

If you haven't heard of it, the plot is simple enough. It's about a young boy called Connor, whose Mum has an illness (they never say what it is) that has left him terrified of losing her. His Dad lives in America, his gran is tightlaced and formidable (played impeccably by Sigourny Weaver) and he can see his whole life falling apart around him. Then one night after he wakes from a recurring nightmare, the yew tree on the hill opposite his house comes to life and invades his bedroom.

Instead of terrorising Connor, the tree says he's there to tell Connor three stories, after which, Connor will have to tell the tree the true story behind his own nightmare.

The CGI for the 'real life' sequences with the monster-tree is amazing, but the animation for the stories the tree tells Connor is fabulously beautiful. I'm hoping at some point they will bring out a book of the art of the film. I saw in the credits it was Jim Kay and I've seen his stuff before - it's wonderful.

I don't know if it will be released in the US or outside the UK but wherever you are try and see this. But make sure you have plenty of tissues. PLENTY. There was not just sniffing going on in the dark, but full on sobbing. Yeah yeah, most of that was from me because I couldn't help but think about my Dad, but even without that, I'd have been hard put not to cry.

Comments

[sammycolt24.livejournal.com]

I've heard about this movie and is really curious about it. It's not at my theater yet, but have you read the book? I'd like to read it too.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I'd heard of the book but not read it - I might buy it now though. I've actually got two of Patrick Ness's other books but haven't read them yet either. I'm just not reading 'proper' books at the moment, I'm so stuck on fanfic, but I feel I must get back to reading wider again soon before all my brain's pathways are fixed on Sam and Dean or J2 forever.

But I really recommend this - visually it's just wonderful and the story will grab your heart and not let go.

[kuwlshadow.livejournal.com]

Just watched the trailer...looks really cool.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

It is a visual feast but be warned, it squeezes your feels too.

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

I've heard about the movie and I think I've also seen a trailer at some point, but no release near me (or if it did then I missed it!) But it sounds magical and poignant, and I'll certainly keep an eye open for it. Thank you for the rec :)

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

It's only just been released so hopefully it will turn up at your local cinema shortly!

[blackrabbit42.livejournal.com]

I loved this book. Can't wait to go see it.

:)

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I haven't read the book, but Patrick Ness wrote the screen play so I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed!

[viviansface.livejournal.com]

read the book, adored it, definitely won't be risking seeing it on the big screen - the text alone ruined me, i don't need to be a sobbing mess in public :) i'm glad you enjoyed it! i like patrick ness a lot.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

There were a lot of sniffling and sobbing noises coming from all round me, it's true. Maybe buy the dvd when it comes out, and sob uncontrollably in the privacy of your own home!

[expectative.livejournal.com]

I finished reading this book last night and I was a sobbing mess. It utterly destroyed me. I don't think I'll be able to watch that movie anytime soon...

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I kind of wish I'd done it that way because having it impact on me in a public place was - awkward. Other people cried, but I had two rather noisy full-on sobs I just couldn't contain. Mainly because the boy letting his mother go reminded me of my Dad dying. It was too hard not to think of that.

But when it comes out on DVD, I'd definitely recommend trying it just to appreciate the animated sequences, and marvel at hoe good the boy's acting is.

[expectative.livejournal.com]

Yeah, same, reminded me of my Mom. I can't even imagine watching this in public ^^; But I'll probably get the DVD when it comes out, indeed!

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I've been watching trailers for this for weeks and getting ALL the goosebumps. I must go and see it.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Oh you must - prepare to WEEP.

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I thought I'd end up a pathetic mess!