Monster Maker

This is a story aimed at any young SF/fantasy fan who's got monster models in their bedroom and a library of cinema magazines on the shelves. Apparently it was inspired by all the letters which the Jim Henson Creature Shop receive from young fans wanting to work for them. Adapted from the book by Nicholas Fisk, it actually improves on the original by taking the villains of the piece out of the hero's school class and putting them into his troubled family, creating an extra moral dilemma. Harry Dean Stanton is impressive in a rare starring role as the renown, dour, slightly manipulative special effects expert and Kieran O'Brien handles the lead part with a realistic performance. The gigantic dragon is an impressive creation and it is only a shame it is not on screen for longer. This pleasant little tale about growing up and having a dream makes a clever companion piece to "The Storyteller" and "Labyrinth".

Used to whole lot of cinematic realism of modern days. Too rated G script to appreciate it.

A good film for the very young, for preteens, at most. Most stunted film.

Acting also are unreal and limited, due to its direction and poorly funded, probably, budget criteria.

A young boy (Kieran O'Brien) wants to work with a famous creature/fx man (Harry Dean Stanton) but gets more than he bargained when one of the creatures turns out to be alive.

The first thing you will notice about this film is how British it is, which struck me as odd for a Jim Henson production. But, hey, what do I know? The next thing you will notice is that this is from 1989 and very much feels like it. While there is nothing wrong with the movie, it has a feel that is just not right for today's audience.

I am curious about the family message, because the dad's words and actions make him out to be a jerk. A really, really big jerk. After some odd plot turns, we see the dad is a variety of different ways. Ways that may or may not make sense or be remotely believed. But, hey, maybe kids believe some goofy things.