More Monsters on the way

Shawn and I shared our thoughts on Gareth Edwards's much-hyped sci-fi drama here (and on the player to the right) . . . just in time, it seems, for a sequel to be announced.

Edwards told the fine folks over at Dread Central that Vertigo Films has decided to move ahead with a follow up to his ultra low budget film. As for his involvement? It sounds like the British helmer might not be that involved at all given his commitment to direct the latest U.S. version of Godzilla.

"I'm not sure how involved I can be right now, and I don't think my next film really should be a sequel just yet," he said. "I'd like to do something else first, but I would definitely be open to returning at some point."

He goes on to say: "Whoever comes in should definitely be given free rein to put their own spin on this world, and I know they'll get the right person."

As far as I'm concerned a sequel, prequel or whatever is a bad idea. I really dug Monsters, but it's a one off kind of movie. A franchise this does not have to be.

Jason and shawn review: Let Me In and Monsters

Let Me In

Jason: I have a love/hate relationship with this movie. On the one hand it's beautifully made, expertly acted, gruesome, dark and gritty. On the other, it's a pointless remake that lacks the heart, soul and emotional core that made Let the Right One In so damn good. Thankfully the vampire here is still a monster and still a little girl. Chloe Moretz is brilliant. Director Matt Reeves is a master at staging shots and atmosphere, but the film is sluggish and doesn't generate many thrills. Let Me In rates a Bad. We didn't need it to be made, but at least it isn't a total failure.

Shawn: Branding something as Made In the U.S.A. doesn't make it better. I guess cashing in on the success of something else is what America is best at. I have yet to see the original, but am willing to bet it's better. This moves at a slow pace and I have a big gripe about the CGI kill in the tunnel. Usually I can accept CGI, but it was unnecessary here. The idea of this movie is cool, and I would like to see the original, but I am giving this version a Bad.

Monsters

Jason: This isn't a monster movie. It's not even really a movie. It's a human drama that just happens to have space aliens wandering around in the background. And it's good stuff too. At times Monsters feels like a documentary. Everything feels real and the world Gareth Edwards creates is a convincing one. The actors totally sell their roles and I enjoyed taking this journey with them. The film is a tad slow and, ultimately, doesn't really go anywhere. But it's a great ride and one I will take again. I'm giving Monsters a Good.

Shawn: Deceit. Lies. Monsters? Are there? I was hoping to see monsters. I think there might have been four. Sure the acting was great. The bonding without nudity was well done. I could accept all that if this was a movie not about monsters. If you want monsters, check out the trailer and watch the first 10 minutes. That way you get your money worth. This was not what I was expecting. It's boring and Ugly.

Next on the chopping block: Let Me In and Monsters

What can we say other than we here in The Basement love our monsters. Maybe it's that primal fear left over from when we were children scared of the hairy monster in the closet or the masked bogeyman under the bed, but monsters or fascinating. Monsters are cool. As long as they are on the big screen that is.

Tonight we're putting two little-seen but well-regarded horror tales on the chopping block. First up is Cloverfield director Matt Reeves's vampire film Let Me In, which is a remake of the Swedish flick Let The Right One In. The Basement's Matt Bellamy actually likes the remake better, so that has Shawn and I curious. Speaking from my own experience, Let The Right One In is a modern classic. Never mind the horror part.

Then we take on Monsters, the low-budget directorial debut of Gareth Edwards that promises big things in terms of giant aliens running amok. We're jazzed to see it, but will Monsters actually be any good? Stick with us!

And stick around for our interview with sci-fi writer David McDonald. Not only does David write in one of our favourite genres, but he's also a Basement fan. David talks about his first novel, The Rewirers, the films of past Basement guest William Castle and how film influences his writing. It's a talk any writer and film fan won't want to miss.

So join us tonight at 10 p.m. PST on 92.5FM CFBX Kamloops and www.thex.ca for an hour of radio that's more talk, less rock and all film. 'Scopin!

And now for a sneak peak at tonight's films:

Let Me In



Monsters