Monster Trucks Movie Review: Fun Entertainment for Kids

Trailer of ‘Monster Trucks’ movie “Monster Trucks” unfolds a humorous adventure world where high school student Tripp Coley and the strange creature Creech form a unique duo, transforming a scrap truck into an extraordinary machine. Despite a young cast and impressive visual effects, this movie is primarily aimed at a younger audience.

Lucas Till, a familiar face from the X-Men series and known as Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriend, has the opportunity to showcase himself in the lead role of Tripp. However, whether “Monster Trucks” has enough weight to elevate his name to a new level remains a question mark.

Tripp Coley, bored with his mundane life in his hometown and unhappy family, decides to build a truck from scrap parts. An unexpected event occurs when he accidentally discovers Creech, a giant, strange creature from the deep sea with a peculiar fondness for gasoline.

Movie poster of Monster Trucks with truck and Creech
Movie poster for “Monster Trucks” featuring the truck and the prominent creature Creech.

Initially hesitant, Tripp gradually realizes that Creech only wants to find a safe haven and is completely harmless. He decides to take this creature home in his self-made truck, naming it Creech, marking the beginning of a strange friendship and thrilling adventures.

But Creech is not alone; this creature is being hunted by a mysterious corporation with dark intentions. Tripp recognizes the danger and is determined to protect his new, large, and tentacled friend at all costs.

The first appealing aspect of “Monster Trucks” is definitely the unique yet adorable design of Creech. This creature has a head resembling a whale, a body with many tentacles like an octopus, and large round eyes covering its body. This bizarre combination creates a character that is both strange and friendly, easily winning the hearts of viewers, especially children.

Audiences will undoubtedly be amused to see Tripp’s “supercar” powered by a living engine – a giant monster. The truck not only overcomes all kinds of rough terrain but also has the ability to climb mountains and walls. In addition, Creech’s gluttonous nature often puts Tripp in hilarious situations, creating humorous moments in the film.

Creech creature design from Monster Trucks movie
The unique design of Creech, a highlight of the movie “Monster Trucks”.

“Monster Trucks” marks the first live-action film project of director Chris Wedge, the man behind the success of the Ice Age animated film series. The movie title is a clever pun, as “monster truck” in English refers to both the monster truck in the film and the heavily modified trucks commonly seen in off-road races.

Although the film’s setting is in North Dakota, USA, most of the filming took place in British Columbia, Canada, known for its rugged mountainous terrain and vast pine forests. This setting is perfectly suited for the adventurous racing scenes in the film, delivering visually stunning action sequences.

However, if viewers expect the racing scenes in “Monster Trucks” to be as thrilling and breathtaking as Fast & Furious, they might be disappointed. Chris Wedge’s film focuses more on the themes of family and friendship between Tripp and Creech.

High-speed chase scenes do not appear too frequently in the film, but they are still meticulously executed, and the CGI does not feel artificial. However, to be fair, the action scenes in “Monster Trucks” are not truly groundbreaking and may not meet the expectations of viewers passionate about monster trucks and high-speed action.

Lucas Till and Creech in Monster Trucks action scene
Lucas Till and the creature Creech in an action scene from “Monster Trucks”.

The trope of humans befriending strange creatures is not new, having been successfully exploited in many classic works such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial or The Iron Giant. “Monster Trucks” follows this familiar path but lacks innovation in its script. The story progresses quite linearly, safely, and lacks dramatic climaxes to create strong appeal.

Lucas Till also hasn’t really taken advantage of this opportunity to assert himself. While Creech, a CGI character, easily wins the audience’s affection, Lucas Till’s acting is sometimes stiff and fails to convey the necessary emotions.

Overall, “Monster Trucks” is a lighthearted, easy-to-watch entertainment film suitable for younger audiences rather than adults. The adorable and fun Creech is the biggest highlight of the movie. However, the film has not made a special mark in Lucas Till’s career, nor is it a memorable turning point for director Chris Wedge in his first foray into the live-action genre.

“Monster Trucks” (Vietnamese title: Xe tải quái vật) officially premiered nationwide from February 3rd. The film offers a family entertainment option, especially for children who love trucks and strange creatures.

Zing.vn rating: 3/5

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