Love in the Time of Monsters

Love in the Time of Monsters is a gruesomely delightful horror comedy film from the year 2014. Directed by Matt Jackson and starring Gena Shaw, Kane Hodder, and Marissa Skell, the movie provides an unexpectedly hilarious spin to the traditional monster horror film genre, nicely seasoned with elements of dark comedy. Its unique blend of gruesomeness and humor makes it a must-watch for fans of both horror and comedy genres.

The story centers around two sisters, Carla and Marla, played by Marissa Skell and Gena Shaw respectively. The duo embarks on a dangerous journey to a remote woodland tourist trap, where Carla's fiancé, Johnny, works as a costumed Bigfoot. They hope for a peaceful vacation in the woods while planning a surprise visit to Carla's unsuspecting fiancé. However, the anticipated tranquil holiday swiftly turns into a gruesome fight for survival.

As they arrive at the campsite, they find it full of eccentric characters. Dick, played by Kane Hodder, is an irritable, hard-headed character managing Uncle Slavko's All-American Family Lodge. The peaceful atmosphere of the lodge dramatically changes as local wildlife starts getting mutated into aggressive monstrous creatures due to the toxic waste dumped in a nearby lake. An unexpected accident at the Lodge leads to the 'Bigfeet,' throwbacks to Paul Bunyan-type characters Johnny and his coworkers pretend to be, getting exposed to the toxic water. This exposure mutates them into horrifyingly huge, aggressive monsters driven by savage instincts.

The film uses this monstrous transformation to cleverly meld horror, comedy, and suspense. The lovely sisters, along with the other guests and the lodge's unmatched staff, get thrown into this terrifying situation. The woodland vacation swiftly replaces its peaceful serenity with an eerie and horrific atmosphere, forcing the characters to fight for their lives. What proceeds is a thrilling, hair-raising bond – a mass of heart-pounding chases, grotesque monster attacks, and chillingly close encounters – all delivered with a good dose of satire and humor.

Marissa Skell and Gena Shaw enliven the movie with their strong sisterly bond and unravel a stunning display of bravery and sisterhood. Their love, courage, and determination to survive, protecting each other amidst the horrific encounters, form the heart of the movie. Kane Hodder's character brings a much-needed grit and roughness to the mix, providing an exciting contrast to his grim situation.

What sets Love in the Time of Monsters apart is its ability to maintain a balance of fear and laughter. The horror does not outweigh the humor, nor does the comedy make the monstrosities feel less terrifying. The blend is perfect, maintaining suspense and sending chills down your spine while still drawing loud laughs with its situational comedy.

The technicalities of the film are notable too; it leverages amazing practical effects, showcasing grotesque and horrifically mutated Bigfoot creatures, daringly hard-hitting action sequences, and some truly disquieting visuals adding to the movie's overall charm. Moreover, the film flaishes a visually appealing shooting location that not only adds a creepiness factor but also seamlessly aligns with the overall storyline.

While it's a horror-comedy, Love in the Time of Monsters also subtly comments on environmental consciousness, portraying the horrific outcomes of incautious human activities impacting nature. The character development and narrative progression stand out, taking you on an engaging roller-coaster of emotions, fear, and laughter.

To summarize, Love in the Time of Monsters is a must-watch, mainly if you appreciate horror films with an undercurrent of humor. Its quirky characters, outlandish plot, and constant surprises, make this film a true standout in the genre. Expect the unexpected as you traverse through the witty dialogues, the cheeky one-liners, the exciting storyline, and the engaging performances all coming together to deliver a breath of fresh air into the horror-comedy realm. Take a seat, grab your popcorn, and prepare for a wickedly fun ride that explores love, survival, and monsters in the most hilarious way possible.