Hot take : “Monsters of California” is a form of disclosure.
Well, if you are with the notion that the truths of our universe have been slowly dripped through pop culture and Hollywood, then you are still with me. OK, it’s not real disclosure, but if you are a fan of Tom DeLonge’s UAP research/ accomplishments, his views on the phenomenon, and his “Sekret Machines” series, his directorial debut is sprinkled with potential truths and secrets from all of the aforementioned DeLonge dabblings. Call it a nod to those who have been listening or “soft disclosure,” but Monsters really is full of references that those who are into the UAP topic will eat up, and for those who aren’t, may be inclined to do some reading after the film. The young adult “Strange Times” novels by DeLonge also influences the direction of the film, as far as the motifs of government secrecy found in the non-fiction and fictional “Sekret Machines” series.
As far as the film itself ,in DeLonge’s directorial debut he expertly captures the tone of Steven Spielberg 19980s vibe, but with a skateboarding generation slant. “Monsters Of California” features a who’s who of cryptozoology creatures, and feels like a modern version of the cult classic “Monster Squad,” which featured all the famous Hollywood universal monsters all in one film. The cinematography is beautiful, and the fact this was shot in relatively short time during the Covid-19 pandemic is also impressive. The film has some heart without some of the forced humor/profanity, and familiar young adult tropes. Ilan Rubin’s score is a highlight, but is missed opportunity for a proper / epic Angels & Airwaves soundtrack (fans of the band will enjoy the cameos and AVA Easter Eggs).
While the film is on-demand on Amazon Prime and in select theaters, it likely would have benefited from more of a promotional push to get the word and (the truth) out there outside of science fiction and DeLonge fans.
By MIKE DAMANTE
Previous coverage: Interview with producer Stan Spry
If you are a fan of UAP studies, Mike Damante’s latest book “Punk rock and UFOs: Stranger Than Fiction” features exclusive interviews with Travis Taylor, Leslie Kean, Tom DeLonge, Peter Levenda, Kevin Day, Sean Cahill, Diana Pasulka, Jeffrey Kripal, and the producers of “Unidentified.” Order now.
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s latest book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features interviews with blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Descendents, and others.