(Published
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor
If “Monster House” had been a special effects-filled live-action movie like “Zathura” instead of a digitally animated one, it would still work. It’s easy to come to that assessment even before discovering that it wasn’t originally planned as a cartoon, after all. In any case, the final, computer-animated product has enough thrills going for it, so it works as a unique, family-friendly cartoon. The dynamic visuals allow a lot of leeway for exaggeration, whether that requires some bending of the laws of physics, or a more extreme, Tim Burton-esque color palette. In this enchanting world, it’s quite easy to suspend disbelief.
The movements and physical behavior of the characters here are fluid thanks to motion-capture technology, making them very lifelike. The designs of the people in “Monster House” capture a balance between realism and caricature; they feel like quirky, cleanly rendered storybook paintings come to life. But they look nothing like the statuesque and unsettling virtual cast of “The Polar Express,” at all; they look a bit more like the cartoony but still very recognizable humans of the recent “Ant Bully.”
They’re very expressive, yes, but as with other animated features, the most important facets are the characters’ personalities.
Enriched with distinct traits, the tween kid heroes in “Monster House” are written as smart and brave young people who don’t get on your nerves, underdogs that you’d actually root for.
DJ, Chowder and Jenny (voiced by Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner and Spencer Locke, respectively) become fast allies in a secret war against a haunted house across the street. The kids, believing that the house is possessed by its recently deceased owner, mean old Mr. Nebbercracker (Steve Buscemi), try in vain to convince their adult guardians (and some cops) that the structure is alive and attacking anyone that even mistakenly steps on its front lawn. Their mission: stop the house before it “eats” trick-or-treaters on Halloween night!
“Monster House” has a witty script that not only impressively conjures up conflicts between the supernatural force and the reluctant protectors, it also speaks of generation gaps and the awkward stage between childhood and adolescence. It relies heavily on the kids’ nervous humor and the indifference of its assemblage of adults, while providing a fresh spin on the old haunted house idea.
The element of surprise doesn’t wane once dark and disturbing secrets are revealed. It culminates, as expected, in an action-packed final battle that allows the kids to save the day, and just in the nick of time. Whew.
The voice talents here are a special and fun gathering, the memorable supporting characters lovingly enlivened by Kathleen Turner, Jason Lee, Catherine O’Hara, John Heder and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Co-executive produced by giants Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, and directed with an attention to energetic storytelling by newcomer Gil Kenan, “Monster House” is a sweet and surreal pre-Halloween treat. The scares, laughs and adrenaline rush mix well, so it entertains and engages just as easily as it haunts.
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