A MONSTER CALLS | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"A MONSTER CALLS"
(2016) (Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones) (PG-13)

QUICK TAKE:: Drama/Fantasy: While dealing with his mom's major illness and other issues, a 12-year-old boy must contend with visits by a huge tree-monster that's arrived to teach him several life lessons.

PLOT:

Conor (LEWIS MacDOUGALL) is a 12-year-old boy whose life is in upheaval. Not only must he contend with psychological and physical harassment at the hands of fellow student Harry (JAMES MELVILLE) and other bullies, but he's also worried about his Mum (FELICITY JONES) who's been stricken with a major illness. Since his Dad (TOBY KEBBELL) lives in America with his new family, Conor's Grandma (SIGOURNEY WEAVER) has been taking care of both him and his Mum and believes the boy should come and live with her from this point forward as things aren't looking good for her daughter.

Due to the stress of it all, the boy has been experiencing nightmares where a nearby church and graveyard collapse into a huge sinkhole, with him desperately trying to hold onto his Mum's hand as she dangles above the resultant abyss. That comes into play when a towering yew tree turns into the fiery Monster (voice of LIAM NEESON) that pays Conor a visit, informing him that he'll return every night for three nights with a story to tell him, and that Conor will then tell the Monster one of his own.

The boy initially refuses, but eventually agrees, with the Monster telling him stories from the past, all of which contain important life lessons the Monster believes Conor must learn. As that continues, the 12-year-old tries to come to grips with the various issues facing him.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Since the film revolves around a 12-year-old boy (and a monster), it might be intriguing to some.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13: For thematic content and some scary images.

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