Category Monsters

Sep 15 2024

Exploring The Land Of The Lost

Fifty years ago, the children’s program Land of the Lost premiered on Saturday morning on the NBC television network and surprised many viewers with its well written and imaginative scripts. Even though the production was undeniably low budget and the acting by some of the performers was a bit over the top, Land of the Lost quickly won over many fans thanks to its spirited presentation. The TV show was produced by Sid and Marty Kroft who ruled the Saturday morning TV landscape in the ’70s with many fantasy and comedic live-action programs. Land of the Lost stood out and was their best production because it ditched the juvenile humor seen in their other programs and focused on drama and sci-fi elements. Even though it was a program aimed at children, Land of the Lost had an unexpected mature and serious tone that was appealing to anyone.

The TV show followed the adventures of the Marshall family, Rick (Spencer Milligan) and his children, Will (Wesley Eure) and Holly (Cathy Coleman), who while out whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon fell through an interdimensional portal that transported them to a timeless world full of dinosaurs. Trapped in the lost land, the trio struggled to survive while trying to find a way home. During their adventures the Marshalls encountered many unusual denizens including Cha-Ka (Phillip Paley), a member of the Pakuni, a primitive tribe of ape-like humanoids, and Enik (Walker Edmiston), an advanced reptilian/insect-like humanoid who was also trapped in the Land of the Lost. What made Enik’s backstory so fascinating was that his race the Altrusians actually devolved into the savage Sleestaks, who were the dominant species in the Land of the Lost. The Marshalls usually met other travelers from different eras who wound up trapped in the land and often found a way to return to their own time period.

The episodes were devoted to plots about environmentalism, family strife, survival and surprisingly imaginative sci-fi concepts, especially time travel. During the show, the Marshalls discovered these interdimensional constructs called pylons that could transport anyone who entered them into different dimensions including modern-day Earth, though navigating them was difficult. These devices were used to explain why Rick Marshall left the show (in reality Mulligan was removed from the TV show due to conflicts over merchandising) as the father was whisked back to Earth unexpectedly at the start of the third season and replaced by Uncle Jack Marshall (Ron Harper). As Jack explained to his nephew and niece, he was trying to find his brother and his children and followed the same route that stranded the Marshalls in the lost land.

By the third season, the scripts were less imaginative and more geared toward children. The storylines took on more fantastical elements as Uncle Jack, Will and Holly encountered the Medusa, fire-breathing dimetrodon, a unicorn and the ghostly captain of the Flying Dutchman ship. Still the first two season were very thought provoking as the Marshalls met an eerie translucent alien called the Zarn, mysterious human visitors, and alternate versions of themselves. One of the reasons why the scripts stood out was because many of them were written by acclaimed sci-fi authors like Ben Bova, Norman Spinrad, Theodore Sturgeon and Larry Niven. Star Trek scriptwriter David Gerrold was the story editor in the first season and recruited fellow Star Trek writers like D.C. Fontana, Margaret Armen and even Walter Koenig to write a few episodes.

Thanks to its dramatic tone, the stories that focused on survival were more impactful and viewers felt the constant dangers the Marshalls faced as they dealt with carnivorous dinosaurs, environmental dangers, temporal and interdimensional dilemmas and the barbaric Sleestaks. One haunting episode, “The Search” had Will and Holly struggling to save their father who was electrocuted by crystals that operated the pylons. Anyone watching it could sense the desperation and panic from the siblings who were forced to face the possibility of their father dying. Another eerie episode “Split Personality”, had the Marshalls encountering alternate versions of themselves who were frozen in time and needed their help.

Even though the series never had a concluding episode, due to the temporal nature of Land of the Lost it can be argued that the Marshalls did find their way back home in the first season finale episode called “Circle”. Inside one of the pylons, the family was able to return back to their home but it was revealed they were trapped in a Mobius loop and another version of themselves wound up trapped in the Land of the Lost by the time the episode concluded. So in a sense, at least one version of the Marshalls returned home and subsequent episodes followed their variants.

In the decades since Land of the Lost stopped airing, the program has maintained a cult following thanks to a heavy syndication run that lasted many years. There were two attempts at remaking Land of the Lost. One included another TV show that aired for two seasons and featured the Porter family who were stranded in another dimension inhabited by dinosaurs and Sleestaks. Then there was a feature film in 2009 that starred Will Ferrell and as expected by the casting was more comedic. The film was a major dud with critics and fans and flopped at the box office. It also featured one of Leonard Nimoy’s last voice performances as he portrayed Enik. Sadly, the film ignored the dramatic survivalist aspects of the original Land of the Lost and insulted the memory of the original with its moronic humor. Regardless of how the remakes were received, Land of the Lost still has many devoted fans who appreciated the bright scripts and its imaginative, dramatic tone that engaged viewers.

José Soto

Jul 7 2024

Beyond A Quiet Place

With the success of A Quiet Place: Day One, the future of the series seems promising. especially since there are plans for A Quiet Place, Part Three, though if that sequel actually happens expect the title to change to avoid confusion with A Quiet Place: Day One. Even though A Quiet Place: Day One is the third film in the series it’s actually a prequel to the first film and has little connection to the first two films.

Part of the reason for the success of A Quiet Place: Day One is because it expanded the horrifying world we were introduced to in the first film. We the audience got to see how the worldwide invasion of the blind savage aliens, who are called the death angels, began. While the film was an excellent study about the need for companionship and finding solace in the simple things in life, it still left audiences with many unanswered questions about the alien invaders. We do know they arrived in meteors and their arrival was too abrupt for the authorities to handle before most of humanity was wiped out. We also know from the previous films that ways to defeat the death angels were found and used, which could set up a final confrontation between humanity and the aliens in a future film that concludes the series.

Future films, aside from A Quiet Place, Part Three, should take place in other corners of the world. Having A Quiet Place: Day One take place in New York City was a smart move since the first two films were set in rural communities. Where can other films go? How about a different country? The suburbs? Given that the death angels are vulnerable to water, have a film set in a makeshift community made up of ships filled with survivors and present their plight as they try to get supplies in the ravaged world. How about the perspective of surviving scientists and military trying to devise a means to fight back? That could be the focus of a final film.

But before the series finishes, more explanations about the death angels are warranted. Were they part of an advanced wave meant to wipe out our defenses and soften our world for an actual invasion? Or were they sent to herd humanity for their masters in the same way humans use dogs during hunts? There is evidence for that in that the death angels are never seen eating their victims and as shown in the third film they only ate food that came with them in the meteors. There is so much that needs to be explored with these savage creatures that would captivate audiences and give us some kind of explanation as to their motives. Or maybe they are just uncontrolled animals like the Xenomorphs in the Alien films that have no purpose other than to survive and multiply.

Another appealing aspect with the A Quiet Place films has to do with the characters that we quickly sympathize with, which is vital to get us invested during their dangerous plight. While the focus on the characters must remain in place with the film series, going forward, more development and explorations about the death angels has to be covered. But we don’t have to know everything all at once. We could use a few more terrifying entries like A Quiet Place: Day One before we get our answers. 😀

Apr 16 2024

The Post-Superhero Film & TV Era

As we move further into this decade, it is apparent that the superhero era in films and TV shows has ended. We all know about the hurdles many recent superhero films and TV show have faced with diminished quality and profit. Guaranteed would-be hits like The Marvels or The Flash failed spectacularly last year and help cement that the superhero films and TV shows are no longer as popular at they were in the previous decade.

This does not mean that there won’t be anymore superhero films or TV shows or that they will never be popular again. There are several superhero films and TV shows in various stages of development and it is possible that a new era could arise. It has happened before. Back in the early 2000s, superhero films became dominant in films thanks to the success of Spider-Man and X-Men, but they then diminished in quality and several films did not perform well. However, as we all know the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) exploded on the scene and launched an even more successful and popular era of superhero films and TV shows. It is similar to what has happened with the comic books that inspired these live-action films and TV shows.

As comic book fans know, comic books have had their ups and downs throughout history with different ages. When they first came into prominence in the late 1930s they sold very well, but by the mid 1950s comic books declined in popularity and sales until the release of Showcase #4, which revamped the Flash and introduced a new age of comic books. Essentially, the eras come and go in cycles with comic books as they reinvented themselves and there is little reason to doubt this won’t happen with superhero films and TV shows. For all we know this year’s Deadpool & Wolverine will usher in a new age of superhero films and TV shows. Or it may be a while as other genres capture the attention of viewers as they offer a fresh new take on superheroes.

So, until then what genre can replace the superhero films and TV shows in terms of prominence and popularity?

It is too early to tell, but we have a couple of contenders: video game-based properties or monster-based properties.

The MonsterVerse based on giant kaijus like Godzilla and King Kong has proven to be unexpectedly popular, while Godzilla Minus Zero blew away audiences and critics with its high quality and success. There are plans for films based on classic movie monsters like the Wolfman and Frankenstein’s monster, which could fulfill the failed promise of the so-called Dark Universe from ten years ago. The only issue with these monster films is their limited scope in terms of story. It is difficult to make compelling stories that focus on giant monsters while ignoring poorly developed human characters. But it is possible, again look at Godzilla Minus Zero.

On the other hand, video games have provided ample material for filmmakers to mine from. The most popular video games are based on science fiction, horror and fantasy and everything in between. In the past, films based on video games fared poorly as filmmakers were unable to translate what made the games so popular into film.

However, there have been many recent films and TV shows based on video games that were wildly successful and were well received. These include Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Five Nights at Freddy’s, The Last of Us, The Witcher, Halo and most recently Fallout. Although the quality and success of these projects varied, it is clear that they are becoming more and more prominent in theaters and in streaming services. These properties are just the tip of the iceberg of available video games that are practically begging to be adapted to live-action. There are plans to produce films and TV shows based on The Legend of Zelda, Death Stranding, Borderlands, Minecraft: The Movie, Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effect and Bioshock. Of course, we will also be getting sequels and new seasons like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, The Last of Us, Knuckles, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. The subject matter of these projects range from alternate history, hard sci-fi, horror and animated cartoons.

Will these films duplicate the success of the MCU and other superhero films and TV shows? It’s hard to say at this point, but do not be surprised if some video-game based property explodes and captures the public zeitgeist. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was able to do this given that it earned over $1 billion when it was released last year. It’s possible that the sequel could earn more money and cement the Mario Brothers as the next big thing. Or maybe it will be some other video game property. The future is wide open for video game-based films and TV shows to dominate the public consciousness.

Apr 7 2024

Rise Of The MonsterVerse

While cinematic universes based on superheroes have fallen out of favor and other attempts at creating different kinds of cinematic universes have faltered, the MonsterVerse has actually thrived lately. Just look at the unexpected success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which when released last week earned much more in the box office than originally projected. Given the success of the latest MonsterVerse film, another sequel is warranted but to date there are not any concrete plans for more films or TV shows. Expect that to change shortly.

The success of the MonsterVerse surprised many people because a lot of attention in the past was given to the superhero film franchises which were more successful. However, as we all know, the superhero film franchises have struggled lately, which created a void for other film franchises to fill, hence the rise of the MonsterVerse. For some time, it was thought that creating a film franchise not related to superheroes was impossible, but the MonsterVerse proved the naysayers wrong.

Originally, the first film in the MonsterVerse, the 2014 American reboot Godzilla was not intended to launch a cinematic universe. Yet, a few years later the birth of the MonsterVerse was confirmed with 2017’s Kong: Skull Island, which was set in the 1970s while Godzilla was set in modern times. But both films featured the secretive Monarch organization which studied the titans or kaijus that were appearing in the world. Cementing Kong: Skull Island as the second film of the franchise was its post-credits scene which teased Godzilla and other giant kaijus from the Toho Studios Godzilla films.

The next entry in the MonsterVerse was Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019, which was a true kaiju epic featuring favorite Toho kaijus like Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah along with new and interesting titans. Sure, critics hated the film and it only performed so-so in the box office, but Godzilla: King of the Monsters struck a nerve with fans who where enthralled with the worldbuilding and the explosive monster scenes.

The next logical MonsterVerse film had to be one where King Kong fought Godzilla, which excited many fans. Godzilla v Kong was released on streaming at the same time as it was released in theaters in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it made a lot more money than people expected and was well received. It was the culmination that many eagerly anticipated ever since Godzilla was teased in Kong: Skull Island.

Due to the success of Godzilla v Kong, the MonsterVerse expanded into streaming with two TV shows: the animated Skull Island and the live-action MonsterVerse prequel/sequel to Godzilla, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Both TV projects received positive reactions and helped with the worldbuilding of the MonsterVerse as events from the TV shows were referenced in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

Of course, this brings valid complaints about having to watch previous films or TV shows in order to fully understand what is going on. But does the plot really matter? Sure, the scripts of the films are an issue, especially with the more recent entries and there will come a time when fans will tire of the monsters fighting and want to see some more meat in the scripts. But this is possible as seen with Godzilla, which was a more grounded and mature film. Fans back then griped about the somber tone of Godzilla and the lack of monster action, but it turns out they were not ready for such a film and clamored for the big kaiju battles that dominate the films now. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters was also a more level-headed project that explored the background of Monarch and took time to get us to care about the characters. Perhaps the next MonsterVerse film should find a way to showcase these characters, even though part of the TV show is set in the past.

So, why did the MonsterVerse succeed as a franchise where others failed? Part of it has to do with the fact that even though the films and TV show feature spectacular special effects, their budgets are modest compared to the superhero blockbusters. This makes it easier for them to be profitable even if the box office returns are not as outstanding. It’s actually remarkable given that the battles and scenes with titans are the highlights of these films. Also, unlike some other film franchises, the MonsterVerse took time to properly set up its world. Legendary Pictures, the film studio behind the MonsterVerse, did not at first set out to create a film franchise and even when it did, the set up was natural. This method also created demand, after Godzilla: King of the Monsters many fans demanded to see Godzilla go up against his rival, Kong. A King Kong versus Godzilla film was not rushed out but carefully teased. This was not the case with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. To Legendary Pictures’ credit, they are giving fans what they want which is basically big kaiju fights and scenes with topnotch special effects.

As great as things are for the MonsterVerse, the film franchise will have to evolve in order to survive. Better scripts and more human character developments are essential, as well as more imaginative worldbuilding that unlocks the potential with the titans. What can be done with the titans and Monarch has barely been tapped and hopefully the MonsterVerse will be explored further with future TV and film projects.

Mar 29 2024

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Is Pure Goofy Fun!

Well, no one can say Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire can be compared to Godzilla Minus One, but it was still fun.

The latest film installment in the Monsterverse cinematic universe reunites everyone’s favorite kaijus Godzilla and King Kong, who last faced each other in Godzilla vs. Kong. That film left the two titans living in two different worlds: Kong in an underground realm called Hollow Earth while Godzilla remained on the surface and as the undisputed king of the monsters. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire takes place a few years later where Godzilla starts stomping around the world, destroying cities while battling other kaijus, and absorbing radiation to charge himself up. This catches the attention of the Monarch Organization, which monitors the behemoth kaijus throughout the world that have made their presences known in the Monsterverse.

Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) is a linguist at Monarch with an adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who is the sole remaining member of her tribe that lived on Skull Island. Jia has been having visions that serve as a warning and Ilene recruits a podcaster, Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), to decipher Jia’s visions, He figures out that the visions are a distress signal from Hollow Earth. Meanwhile, down below on Hollow Earth, Kong is trying to find other giant apes like him and eventually discovers a tribe of such apes, but they are hostile and ruled by a giant, red-furred tyrant called the Skar King.

After King Kong comes up to the surface world to get his tooth infection taken care of by a free-spirited veterinarian called Trapper (Dan Stevens)—yes, that actually happened, Ilene, Jia, Bernie and Trapper voyage to Hollow Earth to find the source of the distress call. Once there, the four run into the last remaining members of Jia’s tribe who are telepaths and they learn that long ago, the Skar King and his ape tribe tried to conquer the surface world, fought Godzilla and were trapped in Hollow Earth.

During his encounter with the giant ape tribe, Kong is bested by the Skar King and is forced to flee with his new-found friend, Suko, a young, red-furred giant ape that is patterned after Grogu or Baby Groot. The human quartet from the surface world run into Kong who was badly injured during his fight with the Skar King and his forces. As Trapper treats Kong, the rest have to find a way to get Godzilla back to Hollow Earth to help Kong fight the Skar King, who plans to escape to the surface to conquer it.

Yes, this admittedly sounds goofy, and it is. But Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is so damn entertaining and it’s simply a fun watch that is fast paced and exciting. Basically, this is the quintessential film for you to turn off your brain, not question the film’s logic and just go with it. By the end of the film, anyone will be rooting for our heroes during the climatic battle with the Skar King and his minions. That battle was actually pretty epic and the film is a throwback to the more juvenile Godzilla films from the ‘60s and ‘70s that we all enjoyed as kids. The script is obviously the weakest part of the film, but everything else was well done. Who cares about collateral damage as famous landmarks and cites are destroyed as these giants tussle? How many people were killed as King Kong and Godzilla faced off in Cairo? Never mind that the Pyramids of Giza were destroyed! Or that the film copies elements from popular films and TV shows like The Avengers or The Mandalorian. Leave those concerns home and keep munching your popcorn as the film makes you feel like a little kid again. This is the kind of film to not think too deeply about and have a laugh-filled blast.

The actors give it their all with their limited character development, while King Kong is the clear star of the film.  His dialogue-free scenes give him a lot of pathos as the lonely giant gorilla tries to find others of his kind and dealing with the fact that when he does so it was not what he expected. Godzilla’s screen time was not as prominent as in other Monsterverse films, but that’s okay. His scenes are awesome to watch, although some of them were silly like when he uses the Roman Coliseum as his resting place to get some shuteye. Yet, he and Kong still inspire much respect whenever they display the full might of their power.

While Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is just goofy, surface-level fun, it is unfortunate that the film came out after the more serious Godzilla Minus One and even Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the TV show set in the Monsterverse and is required viewing for fans of the film franchise. It can be too easy to dismiss these kaiju films especially the ones from the Monsterverse as silly nonsense, but they can achieve a more mature and thoughtful tone, which was seen with the first Monsterverse film, 2014’s Godzilla. Of course, many complained that that film was too serious and didn’t feature enough monster destruction. Fair enough, but it seems as if the recent offerings have swung too hard in the other direction to the point that they cannot be taken seriously. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters struck a fine balance and if more Monsterverse films are made they should emulate the mood of the TV show. The filmmakers should aim for something higher instead of playing it safe and reveling in epic kaiju battles. But enough of that griping, just go see Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and have some fun.