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NEW YORK (CNS) Though it s adapted from a book that s over a decade old, Monster (Netflix), director Anthony Mandler s screen version of Walter Dean Myers 1999 novel for young adults, feels remarkably timely. This tale of a Harlem youth caught up in the criminal justice system gains credibility, moreover, by avoiding pat answers.
While uneven, Mandler s drama ultimately proves affecting.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays 17-year-old aspiring filmmaker Steve Harmon. With his happy home life Jennifer Hudson and Jeffrey Wright play his caring (but unnamed) parents and his scholastic success as an honors student at New York City s prestigious Stuyvesant High School, college hopeful Steve seems to have everything going for him.
‘Monster’ doesn’t settle for easy answers to complex issue
Kevin Harrison Jr. stars in a scene from the movie “Monster.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (CNS photo/Netflix)
By John Mulderig • Catholic News Service • Posted May 14, 2021
NEW YORK (CNS) Though it’s adapted from a book that’s over a decade old, “Monster” (Netflix), director Anthony Mandler’s screen version of Walter Dean Myers’ 1999 novel for young adults, feels remarkably timely. This tale of a Harlem youth caught up in the criminal justice system gains credibility, moreover, by avoiding pat answers.
“Monster” is an effective, affecting film that is at odds with itself.
The heartfelt, authentic performances, especially from Kelvin Harrison Jr., are measured and controlled. The direction, by Anthony Mandler in his feature debut, is anything but. He pulls out all the stops quirky angles, security camera footage, grainy black-and-white photos and cellphone footage, among other things.
This is a movie with something to say but it isn t quite sure how to say it. It ends up making less of a statement on race and justice and more on how precision performances can make a movie better than it should be.