Monster House
Rated PG for scary images and sequences, thematic elements, some crude humor and brief language.
reviewed by Krystal Burns
“Monster House” gives a whole new meaning to the romantic phrase “if these walls could speak.” What if the walls could not only speak, but see, hear, and chew you up into little pieces before throwing you up on the sidewalk? Director Gil Kenan and executive producer Robert Zemeckis (director of “Polar Express”) bring us all the nail-biting moments of a classic horror flick, only this time animated and packaged especially for kids.
Story
On a beautiful, middle-class, suburban street crowded with children at play sits a large, run-down house owned and carefully guarded by the much feared Mr. Nebbercracker. More than anything else, the old man detests trespassers. Should a toy or bike accidentally cross the boarder onto his lawn he immediately appears shouting murderous threats and confiscating the contraband, sending big and small children alike running for their lives.
Across the street 12-year-old DJ has been tracking the mysterious neighbor’s moves from his bedroom window. After a freak accident sends Mr. Nebbercracker to the hospital, DJ and his cowardly friend Chowder decide to investigate the house. It doesn’t take long to discover this is no ordinary building. Together with candy salesgirl Jenny, they set out to take down the house that has been terrorizing the neighborhood for years.
Verdict
“Monster House” is surprisingly creepy -- some of the initial scenes actually brought back memories of “The Grudge.” Of course, the freakishness is tempered as the story progresses into more of an action movie. Our heroes experience everything from being trapped in a car dangling from tree branches to being thrown into the belly -- or rather, basement -- of the great house, narrowly escaping the gnashing teeth and flying-carpet tongue. I can’t wait for them to make this into a roller coaster ride! That's one haunted house you wouldn’t sleep through.
On the other hand, main character DJ could do with a little spicing up. His bland, always-do-the-right-thing personality brings stability for the little kiddos, but not enough entertainment. The chubby anti-hero Chowder provides all the comic relief with his endearing insecurity, complete lack of common sense, and cheesy hits on the lovely Jenny. All in all, it’s fun to watch these half-grown ups try to save the world while battling all the other trials that come with early puberty. Some crude language, crude humor, and sexual connotations are delivered (mostly) by DJ’s slacker babysitter and her boyfriend; fortunately, they play a very minor role.
Like any action or horror or fantasy movie, the plot must not be pondered too deeply or questions are sure to arise. Like, why don’t parents ever talk to Mr. Nebbercracker about taking their kids’ toys or picking the children up to throw them off his lawn? And surely someone would notice the entire house uprooting itself to chase its prey down the otherwise quite street. I could go on, but why ruin the ride with too much analysis? Relax, get some popcorn, leave your logic in the car, and prepare to be a little scared and totally entertained.
Worldview
Things aren’t always what they seem. In fact, I’d venture to say things are rarely what they seem. In the movie, everyone thinks the old house is just, well, an old house. But DJ takes a closer look and pays attention to everything that happens in and around the house. Eventually, DJ, Chowder, and Jenny find out it’s haunted, then uncover the story behind the house and Mr. Nebbercracker.
In some ways, people can be like houses, too. I went to a Bible study once full of “perfect people” -- good looking, smiling, lots of friends -- you know the type. But when it came time to share prayer requests, I was shocked by their testimonies. One person’s parents were getting a divorce; another was healing from sexual abuse; someone’s mom was an alcoholic; it went on and on. I assumed these people didn’t have any problems, because they didn’t look to me like the “problem types.” (Turns out, we’re all problem types.)
It’s easy to judge people based on how they look or act. But like DJ, we can often be surprised by a closer look, by refusing to take appearances at face value. Fortunately for us, God always looks past our seemingly calm surfaces to what’s really going on in our hearts and minds. Samuel the prophet explained that idea to David’s family when they dismissed the little guy based on his outer shell. (1 Samuel 16:7) That’s good news and bad news. It means we can’t fool God by keeping our sin-haunted thoughts hidden from Him. But it also means He knows exactly how to meet our secret needs and deepest desires if we’re willing to trust Him to take care of us. And that’s no ghost story.
Questions
• What is your favorite animation film of all time? How does “Monster House” rate on the list?
• Is there a creepy house in your neighborhood? What makes it a scary place?
• Have you ever trespassed for the sake of an adventure?
• In a scary situation or a crisis, which character in the film are you most like?
• Describe a time you misjudged someone before getting to know him/her. What do you think people would never guess about you from looking at your appearance?
• Is it comforting or scary to you that God always looks past your outside to your true self? How can that be a really good thing?
