Nowadays, American moviegoers are looking to escape reality, such like the main character.) Technically, the film soars. Not surprisingly, the movie is doing lackluster business in the States, although globally it is doing well. (The subject is not an easy task to sell to the general public. But the filmmakers treat their serious subject with such dignity and honesty, avoiding the maudlin and sentimental for the most part. The real world story is dull and so relentless in its brooding melancholia compared to the free-spirited other worldly realm and, at times, this reviewer wanted to stay in the latter. Yes, the film is manipulative from the start, with its undeniable melodramatic set-up and ultimately tragic conclusion. A Monster Calls is more of an allegory and the film's narrative structure uses the format of interspersing animated vignettes as parables to the parallel story of Conor and his terminally-ill mother. He gives him sage advice by telling some stories to help this child through the darkness to find some solace in the real world. During his visits, the tree creature provides some respite for Conor. Real life offers no solitude, so Conor retreats to an imaginary world which brings with it a giant yew monster (Liam Neeson). MacDougall plays Conor O'Malley whose life is filled with too many harsh realities: a mother suffering from terminal cancer (Felicity Jones), a distant grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) and a more distant father (Toby Kebbell), a cruel bully (James Melville). The results of this dark tale are enlightened by stylish direction and a highly effective performance by newcomer. Based on the award-winning children's book by Patrick Ness and adapted by the author himself, the film uses animation and live action to tell its tale of woe. Bayona's A Monster Calls is a visually imaginative downer of a tale about a young boy who must learn to cope with grief. GRADE: B SYNOPSIS: A child suffers the harsh realities of life and retreats to another world. IN BRIEF: A visually stunner caught up in the undergrowth of its own conventional storytelling. (RATING: ☆☆☆☆ out of 5) THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.
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