Monster Brawl (2011) - Movie Review

Set within an accursed cemetery, eight movie monsters do battle in a wrestling tournament to crown the champion of Monster Brawl. Wolfman, Witch Bitch, Cyclops, and Swamp Gut compete in the creature conference; Lady Vampire, Zombie Man, Mummy, and Frankenstein compete in the undead conference with the winners of each meeting in the finals. Veteran UFC referee Herb Dean plays himself as, well, the referee.

Coolest of all, Lance Henriksen is the voice of God. Wrestlling alumni Kevin Nash and “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart also appear in the film. Aiding with laughs is comedic veteran Dave Foley of Kids in the Hall and Newsradio fame playing analyst Buzz Chambers next to his color commentator and former monster brawler“Sasquatch” Sid Tucker, played by Art Hindle (Black Christmas – 1974).

Monster Brawl is writer/director Jesse T. Cook’s sophomore full length feature. It is a special effects, movie makeup driven comedy that never takes itself seriously, which can be appreciated. The makeup is provided by The Gore Brothers and proves to be the star of the movie. The costumes and prosthetics are durable and the actors move effortlessly in their action scenes all the while being unrecognizable. People recall Robert Maillet being the French giant trying to smash Robert Downey, jr.’s head in Sherlock Holmes, but none of his facial features are distinguishable beneath the well placed latex.

This movie is best viewed with friends; the rowdier the better. It is intended as pure entertainment and when treated as such will be all the more likeable. Watching it alone, it just doesn’t have the same pizzazz. Treat like a fight night, all be well, and everyone will have a good time.