Monster Trucks

Monster Trucks is a 2016 American action, adventure, and comedy film directed by Chris Wedge and written by Derek Connolly with Glenn Berger, Jonathan Aibel, and Matthew Robinson. The movie stars Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Thomas Lennon, Barry Pepper, Rob Lowe, and Danny Glover in principal roles.

In this impressively creative story, Lucas Till plays the role of Tripp, a high schooler in a small town who feels his life is more or less going nowhere, longing for something more exciting than the dreary monotony of his everyday existence. He spends his free time working at a junkyard, where he’s been secretly building his escape — a jigsaw-puzzle pick-up truck cobbled together from discarded car parts. However, his world is turned upside down when a strange, subterranean creature with an affinity for speed and oil literally falls into his life.

Meanwhile, Jane Levy portrays Meredith, a smart and witty fellow high school senior with a strong independent streak. Meredith becomes Tripp's unlikely companion and ally in the surprising adventures that follow. Thomas Lennon delivers a memorable performance as Jim Dowd, a talented scientist working for an unprincipled oil company that’s drilling deep in the earth, setting off a chain of extraordinary events.

Monster Trucks expertly blends elements of science fiction and adventure, using the unusual concept of a truck being powered by a living, tentacled, and rather lovable creature. The film uses this unique premise to explore themes of creativity, friendship, corporate greed, and environmental responsibility. The special effects are a standout feature, with the truck-transforming sequences particularly inventive and visually striking.

The director, Chris Wedge, known for his work on animated films like Ice Age and Robots, makes his live-action debut with Monster Trucks, imbuing the film with vibrant energy and a keen sense of fun. The balance he strikes between engaging action and heartfelt emotion makes Monster Trucks a standout within the genre.

Lucas Till, best known for his role on the rebooted MacGyver series, showcases his leading-man potential in the role of Tripp, making him an empathetic and relatable character whose journey viewers will cheer for. Jane Levy, previously seen in the critically acclaimed horror hit ‘Don’t Breathe’ brings her charm and wit to the film’s interesting mix of humor, peril, and light romance. Comedic actor Thomas Lennon, on the other hand, provides some of the film's more humorous moments, and his performance adds a layer of complexity to what could easily have been a two-dimensional caricature of a villain.

A supporting cast of distinguished actors, including Danny Glover and Rob Lowe, further elevate the movie, adding depth to the story, while contributing their distinctive styles to their roles. Barry Pepper captures attention as Rick, the town’s tough-talking sheriff and Tripp's surrogate father figure. Danny Glover is charismatic and wise as Mr. Weathers, the owner of the junkyard where Tripp works and learns mechanics. Rob Lowe excels as Reece Tenneson, the unscrupulous CEO of the oil drilling corporation, who is willing to put profits above safety and the environment.

Monster Trucks combines elements of a family film, an action movie, romantic comedy, and a sci-fi adventure. It's a meaningful and surprisingly sophisticated story under its popcorn-movie exterior. The film manages to avoid some of the more cliched pitfalls of its genre, and instead presents a message about standing up for what's right, even when it's not the easy option. Visually, Monster Trucks is a treat, with enough action-packed racing sequences and monster-driven mayhem to keep younger viewers entertained, while also offering enough layers for the adults.

In conclusion, Monster Trucks provides a charming blend of comedy, adventure, and heart, built around the appealing performances from its young leads and the fascinating concept of a living monster truck. It's not just a film about a boy and his car but a story of friendship, bravery, and standing up for what’s right, making it a fun and enjoyable movie for the entire family.