This movie is a little bit relentless in letting us know how 12 year old Connor O'Malley is in such a sad state of affairs in life. One can even say that it's too aggressive in getting that point across to us. The tone of the film can be overly dour and melodramatic, with very few scenes of levity, that it just might be a turn-off for some viewers to put up with. The animated sequences at least provide a nice change of pace to the narrative, and the talking tree that is the monster is generally very entertaining. Speaking of animation and a talking tree, this movie is undeniably visually impressive to watch as well.
If there is a primary purpose to see this movie, it is for the thematic message that it is conveying to us. Although I think the important lesson it is giving is targeted more for young adults around the lead character's age who are going through similar struggles, there are some insights that an adult could also appreciate. As lessons go though, this one is deep in sadness, despair, and frustration, which are feelings that the movie audience themselves might also go through with the story as it moves along.
I'll have to admit though, that for a story that feels like it's trying really hard to make me very emotional with all the sadness it's showcasing from scene to scene, I felt oddly detached for most of the movie. I say "most" of the movie, because the last 20 minutes contains scenes that are emotional powerhouses done brilliantly, that it dares you to not feel anything for the characters. Those final acts are a fantastic grand reward for seeing through the movie. It helped that it also has a solid cast of actors from Sigourney Weaver, Liam Neeson as the monster, Lewis MacDougall who excellently carries most of the movie as Conor, and a very strong performance by Felicity Jones who I feel steals every scene as his Mother.
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
