Lake Michigan Monster

Lake Michigan Monster is an offbeat 2018 indie adventure-comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, who also takes on the lead role. This particular film proves to be an eclectic blend of zany humor, classic movie tributes, and an overarching vibe of affectionate ribbing towards the genres it represents. It's an homage to low-budget horror and scientific-fiction movies from the 50s and 60s, mindfully infused with Midwest charm and absurdly infectious enthusiasm.

The plot revolves around the eccentrically charismatic Captain Seafield (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews), a man who has declared war on the alleged monster dwelling within the depths of Lake Michigan. Motivated by a personal vendetta, brought about by the supposed death of his father who was allegedly killed by the creature, Seafield is resolved to obliterate this menace. This, however, is no easy task and thus he assembles a crew of misfits to aid in his vengefully motivated endeavour.

The crew includes "Weapons" expert Sean Shaughnessy (Erick West), Nedge Pepsi (Beulah Peters), who is the "sonar individual" for the team, and former Nautical Athletes and “Swimming” expert, Dick Flynn (Daniel Long). Each character is quirkily noteworthy and extravagantly comical in their specialized roles, bringing more hilarity and charm into every scene they appear in. The crew members' interaction with the over-the-top Seafield, coupled with their unique skills, create an impressive array of comic moments.

The titular monster, with its illustration-like rendering reminiscent of old-school movie monster charms, is an unseen force of havoc for the most part of the film. Its presence is made visible through the film in fleeting glimpses and destructive aftermaths, ultimately sparking the great initiative of captain Seafield and his crew towards the “monster hunt”

Lake Michigan Monster is shot entirely in black-and-white, which not only appropriately harkens back to classic monster movies, but also manages to create a distinctive style that sets the tone for the film. Ryland B. Tews’s cinematographic choice touches a balance between comedy and suspense, making every scene a visual treat. His filming techniques are wild and energetic, complementing the film's jagged pace and anarchic humor.

Moreover, the movie dips its toes into horror and thriller tropes, with moments of strategic jump-scares and eerie silences. Yet, it never strays too far from its core of playful banter and light-hearted ribbing, making the film less of an outright horror movie and more of a jovial tribute to the genre.

The film also boasts a degree of meta-cinematic humor, often breaking the fourth wall or acknowledging common movie tropes. The absurdity of the characters’ actions and dialogue, combined with the strangely engaging plot, sit well with the b-movie homage the film is heavily inspired by.

One of the striking characteristics of Lake Michigan Monster is its distinctive dialogue – chock full of puns, fast-paced word play, and comically formal language that adds an extra layer of idiosyncrasy to the narrative. The dialogue does a great job at creating character dynamics and propelling the bizarre plot forward.

Lake Michigan Monster also has an unmistakable charm stemming from its independent roots. It displays a level of creative control and ingenuity that tends only to come from smaller-budgeted passion projects. The creativity this movie exudes helps it stand out from the typical Hollywood production, showcasing what can be achieved with limited resources but boundless imagination.

Lastly, the performances by the cast members are commitment-laden and entertainingly emphatic. Ryland Brickson Cole Tews as Captain Seafield is a stand-out with his captivatingly strange charisma and commanding presence, a testament to his multi-faceted role as the writer, director, and star of the film. The supporting cast, though comparatively lesser known, do well to match Tews in their own roles, and together they bring life to the peculiarity that is Lake Michigan Monster.

Undeniably, Lake Michigan Monster is a cocktail of charming oddity, refreshing enthusiasm, and affectionate distortion that dishes out a comic homage to classical monster and B-movies. This film is potentially for cinemagoers who enjoy a good laugh, a surreal adventure, and those who appreciate an affectionate poke at classical film tropes through indie cinematic prisms.