Review of Monster Man (2003) by Patrick E — 03 May 2011

The "killer in a car" plotline has been a horror staple ever since Steven Spielberg made Duel in 1971. Unfortunately the majority of these imitations have been instantly forgettable but when done right they can be ludicrously entertaining. Monster Man is one such film but is amazingly unknown the majority of horror fans.

Originality isn't the strong point when it comes to the plot; two friends and a woman they picked up hitchhiking are terrorised by a disfigured and monstrous looking man driving a huge metal clad monster truck. That's the entire plot explained in one sentence.

What the film lacks in originality it more than makes up for in entertainment value as it really is first class entertainment throughout its relatively short running time. Although the acting isn't always of the highest caliber, there is a nice chemistry between the two male leads from the off with plenty of jokes that are actually quite funny. Monster Man wastes no time in letting you know that it's a film not to be taken too seriously but instead to sit back and enjoy the ride. Once the monster truck shows up then it's straight up comedy horror as the truck relentlessly pursues are three hapless people across the American desert. The truck itself looks excellent and suitably frightening and the effects throughout are very well done. The driving scenes all look great and although there isn't an awful lot of gore, what little there is looks excellent. The pace of the film never lets up ensuring entertainment throughout and there are some excellent visual as well and as dialogue driven comedy. Yes the story is predictable and you will know what the outcome of the film is going to be but luckily Monster Man is great fun in reaching its predictable ending and is certainly one of the better "killer in a car" films of recent times.

Pure comedy horror fun, Monster Man is funny and entertaining throughout with some nice effects, good driving scenes and a very cool looking monster truck. It's a shame that it's not more well known as it deserves to be seen by more people. If you can get your hands on a copy then it's definitely worth your time. Great fun.