I have this vision that anytime Eric Kripke and Ben Edlund get in a room together and start sharing their ideas, everyone else backs away very slowly and leaves them alone. These two so far have produced such off the wall classics as “Hollywood Babylon,” “Bad Day At Black Rock,” and the most crazy of all experiments, “Ghostfacers.” Now we get another classic episode, and once again they have outdone their warped minds.
This time the gem is “Monster Movie,” a faithful and brilliant recreation of the campy horror films of the 1930s. Dracula, the Werewolf, and the Mummy all appear as though they never left the world, freaking out the modern day Sam and Dean plus a nice looking damsel in distress via the well overdone backdrop of Oktoberfest. The background themes in these films were never subtle and naturally the creative minds behind the show went for the works.
In coming up with this review, I found it hard to give a critical opinion on the acting, writing, directing, and continuity in the traditional sense. Instead, I did my best to scrutinize the classic horror movie elements and determine how well the lofty visions were accomplished. Given the fact that I actually took one cinema appreciation class in college, I thought I could pull such an analysis off.
Anyone Else Watch Turner Classic Movies?
It’s hard for many to remember (including myself), but before Star Wars films actually went at a slower, less jagged pace. These older films were done before short attention span theater, when there weren’t a lot of fancy camera movies or tricky focus techniques. The primary goal of movies was storytelling, thus keeping the focus on the actors, not the background noise.
Plots weren’t fast moving in those times either, especially in the horror genre. The actors portraying the villains often played their parts in elaborate ways, making the characters appear exceedingly diabolical. The formula was usually the same, hero (in this case heroes) arrive in town, love interest is introduced, hero figures out the villain’s dastardly plan, villain attacks said love interest who is rescued by the dashing hero, villain strikes back by capturing hero, hero escapes and comes back to foil villain. Granted the hero usually doesn’t change into a silly costume when captured, but that’s likely everyone having fun with Jensen.
Article comments
1 - coltshot_1
I loved the B&W and the stylistic camera work and lighting. The episode was a lot of fun and I thought both Jared and Jensen did a great job. The only 'off' bit to me was the back story/rationalization given by the shifter. I didn't find it heartbreaking in the slightest. Since they opened the show with a great line about getting back to 'black and white monster hunt', I had hopes that the monster would be less grey than we've been getting lately. After all, Dean was apparently pure as the driven snow . . . LOL! I agree with the A- overall excellent, fun episode.
2 - lostinspace
Love your new format with the episode analysis from a different angle. I too rather enjoyed the show, it was a nice break from the angsty apocalyptic path our brothers were headed on. One thing you didn't mention (which I loved) was the faithful yet creative soundtrack. I *almost* didn't miss our classic rock this time, and loved every sound effect (strings, thunder et al) and choice of music (the absurd transition from Bach to casio-playing Ed was hilarious).
As for what movie I'd live in? Princess Bride :)
3 - Derry
I loved this episode in every possible way. I'm not an afficiando of the B&W horror movie genre, but I've caught enough of them on late night (or mid-afternoon) TV to recognise the style and appreciate how well it was recreated here. Ben Edlund's sense of humour always cracks me up. And it's truly uncanny how UTTERLY 'Classic Hollywood Movie Star' Jensen Ackles looks when you put him in a suit and film him in B&W.
And Dean's choice of the movie that he'd want to LIVE in being Porky's II makes a whole lot of sense to me. That doesn't mean it's his favourite movie to watch. From other comments, it would seem that Dean watchs a lot of trashy horror flicks and action adventure movies, but why would he want to live in one of those? His life is already an action/adventure/horror film. I can't see him wanting to live in smaltzy feelgood film like "It's a Wonderful Life" (even if he does now believe in angels) and definitely not some chick-flicky romantic comedy. But he'd want to live in his own version of a feelgood film. And even though I haven't seen any of the Porky's films, from what I've heard/read about the plot and style (okay I wiki-ed it after I watched the episode), that sort of movie with sexy hijinks and broad humour, etc would sort of be the macho guy's version of a "chick flick" (Hmmm... would that make it a "dick flick"? Sorry.) I can see Dean wanting to live that as his no danger and no responsibility dream movie life. Just saying.
4 - elle2
I loved it. Huge praise to Ben Edlund for his writing but as you articulated, directing, lighting, music, costumes (hee, hee, lederhosen) and set design...I'm sure I missed someone and for that I'm truly sorry but all that effort paid off enormously. It was funny, touching, a little angst and overall enjoyable to watch.
The story worked so well because Dean and Sam were true to themselves while everyone else got to play to the absurdity, fantastic balance. And who thought of the Casio player in the theater, what a fantastic gag and Jared truly shines as a comedic actor (and he gets the action and emotional stuff done right as well)
Loved it and am eagerly counting down to this Thursdays as well. This season: 5/5 excellent episodes.
elle2
5 - Elle
I like the new format and that the recaps are still available. You're wonderful, Alice!
This was a great episode, nice reprieve from the intense drama. I loved when Dean holds up the bucket of dry ice and Sam, unable to hide his frustration - "This is stupid!" I can't even think about this episode without laughing.
Everything was so true to the genre. And the scooter get-away? Noveau Classic, I'll say. Even though this was a funny episode, it still managed to be the most classic Supernatural-esque episode of the season thus far.
Can't wait to see what this week brings!
6 - hermit
Thanks for the review Alice and I agree totally that Jensen would have made a fantastic leading man back in the romantic screen star days.
However, I also think he'd make a great leading man today. He has the talent, and the looks. He can do comedy, drama, horror, and just everyday man perfectly. Hopefully after his SN stint, more doors will open for this very talented and versatile actor.
I also loved this episode. It wasn't totally fantastic, but it was a great little gem and I do like Edlund.
7 - LindsayW
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new format and will continue to read the recaps on your personal page.
And BTW, GREAT Channel 20 reference! You're a Detroit girl at heart!
8 - Mary
I'll love to read your comments no matter what format you use, Alice!
This episode delighted me; I was laughing my head off at every traditional horror trope. I do wish mainstream Hollywood would recognize Jensen's classic versatility, though. I'm very happy that Supernatural has given him such a flexible stage, but I certainly hope that directors and producers are watching!!
9 - Scarlotti
This ep was a flat-out masterpiece. I loved every frame of it. I grew up on the old Universal horror films and still use them as the benchmark for judging horror. From the moment that the old-time WB logo appeared on the opening credits, I was hooked. It was funny (hilarious!) and scary -- and I thought the story was a classic. I realize I'm in the minority here, but I found it extremely inventive and, yes, tragic. The first half of the plot keeps you guessing as to the nature of the monster/s, while the latter half reveals the monster to be a shapeshifting cinephile who kills because he's lonely (and abused/tormented throughout his life) and wants to remake his life story as a classic horror film. They don't get any better than this.
As for the film I'd choose to base my life on: "I Sailed To Tahiti With An All-Girl Crew," 1968. The title pretty much says it all ;-D
10 - Huppy
Thanks for doing both a recap and a review of the SN episodes, Alice.
I really liked Monster Movie. I like movies from the 30's and 40's, although my taste runs more to the comedy/musical ones than the horror ones.
Monster Movie was funny and really echoed the old movies, as well as retaining the SN quirkiness. The musical score in particular was perfect, and I liked the credits and the Intermission.
I am glad that SN is willing to take chances and do something different every now and then.
11 - Heather
This episode is definitely going on my list of fav SPN episodes of all time.
12 - Robin Vogel
I loved this ep, too, Alice, especially the spunky heroine, Jamie. I'm so glad she dh-hymenated Dean, LOL!
I've always wanted to be Pollyanna, which is ironic because I needed back surgery when I was only 20 years old! I guess what I REALLY wanted was to have a whole town turn out to see me on my way for a major operation because I taught them the meaning of GLADNESS.
As always, I love your SUPERNATURAL articles, Alice! Keep 'em coming!
Love, Robin