Lewis MacDougall in “A Monster Calls.” Photo by Fandango.com

By Armando Martinez

A Monster Calls is the film adaption of the book with the same name and written by Patrick Ness. The film discusses the life of 12-year-old Conor, dealing with his mother’s illness, a non-sympathetic grandmother, and bullying classmates.

He finds a most unlikely ally when a monster appears at his bedroom window. The ancient, wild, and persistent monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith, and truth.

“Visually it will certainly stick with you, and your children”– Neil Genzlinger for the NY Times

“A splendidly rendered, yet oddly ill-conceived terminal-illness melodrama that feels much too dark and serious for audiences Conor’s age, and an even more curious fit for grown-ups” – Peter Debruge for Variety Magazine

“Watch it on a big screen to take in all the beauty. A couple of flawless live-action performances share the screen with lovely animation, and with whatever digital magic spawned the monster” – Joe Morgenstern for the Wall Street Journal

This is an incredible film that shows the importance of confronting one’s own truths. It discusses the power stories have on our lives, how they can help us through our most difficult moments and teaches us life lessons.