Monster High

Monster High from 1989 is indeed a classic science fiction horror comedy that mixes elements of high school life, slapstick humor, and extraterrestrial frights into one amusing and crazy package. This unique film, directed by Rudyard Coltman and featuring stars such as Dean Iandoli, Diana Frank, and David Marriott, has kept audiences entertained for well over three decades.

The movie's narrative revolves around the setting of a conventional American high school. In contrast to the usual high school-focused plotlines involving romance, sports, or coming-of-age trials, Monster High takes an unexpected turn into the bizarre. An ancient demonic being from outer space, Mr. Armageddon, escapes from a cosmic prison and arrives on Earth. Intent on achieving global domination and destroying the world, Armageddon takes over Midvale High School as his initial operation base. The school and its clueless inhabitants become the front line against this cosmic threat, resulting in hilarity, terror, and plenty of memorable moments.

The protagonist of this wild ride into extraterrestrial mayhem is Norm Median, played by Dean Iandoli. Median is a typical high school student - utterly average and constantly overlooked. Iandoli executes a standout performance with his perpetually astonished demeanor mixed with a lovable goofiness, making the audience root for him despite the overwhelming odds. His task of leading the resistance against Armageddon is further complicated by his awkward love interest, Candace Cain, admirably portrayed by Diana Frank. Candace is captivating, endearing, and serves as the source of Norm's motivation and bravery.

David Marriott plays the villainous Armageddon with an enjoyable blend of hamminess and genuine menace. His arrival at Midvale High School sparks a series of crazy happenings. The previously ordinary school starts to experience inexplicable, bizarre occurrences, including students transforming into different beings, dealing with magical lockers, and even an allusion to the school's basketball team becoming superhuman athletes.

Monster High is not just about frights and dreams of universal conquest, but it also works as a satire of high school life and teen movie archetypes. The movie features a group of clearly defined characters such as the geek, the jock, the cheerleader, and the foreign exchange student, who are instantly recognizable and yet twisted under the bizarre context of the story to hilarious effect. The dialogues are loaded with humor and wit, capitalizing on outrageous puns, visual gags, and screwball comedy while also dealing with the horror elements.

On the horror front, Monster High includes a concoction of science fiction at its core. From the elaborated creature designs and special effects to the supercharged basketball game, the elements of an '80s horror-comedy are highly evident. The art direction lends itself to the surreal atmosphere of the movie, the impressive practical effects push the limits of low-budget '80s special effects, and the movie even dabbles in the occasional light-hearted gore.

The musical score of Monster High too deserves a mention with the trademark synthesizer-based scores reminiscent of the '80s soundtracks. Underscoring scenes with an eerie, yet funky score and adding another layer to the film's overall oddball charm.

In all, Monster High is a cult feast of wit, horror, and comedy. For those viewers who yearn for extraterrestrial invasions, unhinged humor, scary monsters, and high school life, Monster High offers these and more. The unique blend of classic teen movie tropes and science fiction shocks make it an unforgettable experience, especially for those who like their horror movies with a healthy dash of comedy. The film is a testament to the quirky ideas, unabashedly campy execution, and a unique mixing of genre elements prevalent in late '80s productions. It is a one-of-a-kind offering that brings laughs, chills, and an unexpectedly heart-warming tale of a high school boy who just might save the world.