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Monster

Play trailer 1:59 Poster for Monster R 2018 1h 38m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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69% Tomatometer 67 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Monster tells the story of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) a seventeen-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder. The film follows his dramatic journey from a smart, likeable film student from Harlem attending an elite high school through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison.
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Monster

Monster

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Critics Consensus

Monster would have benefited from a less heavy-handed approach, but Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s performance gives this timely drama emotional heft.

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Critics Reviews

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Roxana Hadadi Vague Visages Monster seems like it doesn’t trust itself to connect with viewers without over-explanation. Feb 7, 2024 Full Review Kate Erbland indieWire Three years is a long time, especially these days, but even in 2018, reviews of the film balked at its gloominess and distracting filmmaking. It has not aged well. Rated: C+ May 12, 2021 Full Review Lindsey Bahr Associated Press Despite some shortcomings though, "Monster" remains a worthy watch if just for Harrison's performance. Rated: 2.5/4 May 11, 2021 Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut Monster is a flawed, but effective drama about race and judgment that is layered between the lines of every level of the law. Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 9, 2022 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Based on a Walter Dean Myers novel of the same name, “Monster” maneuvers through its sometimes heavy-handed dialogue to deliver a well-meaning and often crushingly effective legal drama. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Josh Parham Next Best Picture There are some decent performances here, and the courtroom tension in the second half is provocative. Rated: 6/10 Jun 5, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (22) audience reviews
Diarra S Compared to the book it was very disappointing. I don't see the great acting everyone is talking about. I showed this my class after we finished the book. The stereotypically predictable Hollywood casting choices really hurt the story and believability of the the main character. The character is far more interesting and nuanced then portrayed in this terrible film. The whole class was disappointed by the way the film adapted the book. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/30/24 Full Review Ronan W Uses incredible camera work and colour design. This movie makes you reflect upon how you view others and on if you were to make the tough decisions made in this film, what way you would have leaned. It makes you question your own morals and beliefs; Therefore I must award it with five stars, stunning movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/23 Full Review Prof Dr Raz I A well-crafted narrative accompanied by visually striking cinematography. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review David C Great acting by pretty much all involved. Kelvin Harrison rocked. Intense story. Really thought provoking, particularly if you have young ones... or if you had a edgy youth yourself. There but for the grace of god.... Photography/cinematography was excellent. Might be a bit slow and cerebral for some folks, but I highly recommend! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/08/23 Full Review Samuel Aaron E This movie made me scared it was too scary. Scary monsoer. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 12/07/22 Full Review Audience Member The movie was probably one of the best I've seen. Kelvin Harrison Jr played Steve Harmon so good. The acting was amazin. The writing was good Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Monster

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Movie Info

Synopsis Monster tells the story of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) a seventeen-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder. The film follows his dramatic journey from a smart, likeable film student from Harlem attending an elite high school through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison.
Director
Anthony Mandler
Producer
Aaron L. Gilbert, Nikki Silver, Tonya Lewis Lee
Production Co
Tonik Productions, Creative Wealth Media Finance, Red Crown Productions
Rating
R (Some Violence|Language Throughout|Bloody Images)
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2021
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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