CNA Staff, October 4, 2024 / 4:45 p.m.
The creators of “Monster Summer,” a new film directed by Catholic actor David Henrie and starring Mel Gibson that opens in theaters today, sought to make an adventure-thriller film that parents will want to take see their children.
“Faith-based movies work,” said Henrie, known for his role as Justin Russo in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” “We're specifically releasing on October 4th because we want a Halloween event, a family film, that counter-programs a lot of the hard R horror stuff that's coming out. So we want a clean alternative that's still fun and scary.
This spooky family film tells the story of a young group of friends who face off against a mysterious force on Martha's Vineyard. After one of the young boys faces a near-death experience, he and his friends enlist the help of an aging detective, played by “The Passion of the Christ” director Gibson, to track down the monsters.
Henrie, in an interview with Deacon Charlie Echeverry at the Napa Institute's annual conference this summer, cited the quote “Evil triumphs only when good men do nothing” to describe the feeling the group of teenagers in the film.
“They seem to see something that they consider objectively bad, but everyone says it's not bad,” he explained, adding that he thinks this dilemma is “very relevant” in the life.
Like the films “The Goonies” and “The Sandlot,” to which it has been compared, “Monster Summer” aims to appeal not only to children but also to parents.
Producer John Blanford told Echeverry that the film was made with the intention of being “co-viewing,” meaning the whole family can watch it together.
He explained that currently in Hollywood, filmmakers feel the need to be very clear about who their target audience is – whether it's “slapstick childish humor for kids, or a super mature adult.” .
This, he says, is where the “white space” is. We think that's where the opportunity is.
“I think teenagers are being left behind and that's where this coming-of-age story really comes into play – it's with this 9 to 16 year old kid. I feel like we're not telling stories for them, but the amazing thing about telling them stories is that it gives you the opportunity to have kids even younger. who rise to the occasion a little and say, “Oh, I want to.” to be like my older brother or sister,” he shared.
“And there are mature enough themes that kids are dealing with, and in the relationship in our film, especially with Mel Gibson, that parents can really resonate with what's happening in the story,” he said. he declared.
“For us, that’s the magic of this film, is that it’s really something that a family can enjoy together.”
Blanford stressed the need for more films that families can watch together and that depict “wholesome traditional values.” The filmmakers hope “Monster Summer” will “prove the demand for this.”
Blanford also spoke of the “duty of Christian filmmakers” not only to make films that promote traditional values, but also to “create a more dignified and prosperous working environment” for everyone involved.
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