Monster Squad Review (1987)

The Monster Squad is a cult classic that blends Horror, comedy, and childhood adventure into a fast-paced, creature-filled romp. Released in 1987, this film carries the DNA of the '80s, quirky characters, punchy one-liners, and a deep love for classic monster lore, all wrapped up in 90 minutes. I vividly recall watching it for the first time and declaring it the best movie I’d ever seen! As a matter of fact, I watched the VHS 3 times before I returned it to the Video Store.

The story follows a group of monster-obsessed kids who find themselves in the middle of a supernatural shit storm when Dracula assembles a team of legendary creatures, including Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gill-man to take over the world. Only the kids, armed with their knowledge of monster mythology and a healthy dose of courage and balls, stand in their way.

What makes The Monster Squad stand out is its unapologetic embrace of classic Universal-style monsters while injecting a youthful, irreverent energy that keeps the tone light even when the stakes are high. The practical effects hold up surprisingly well, with each monster given a distinct look and personality, thanks in large part to the craftsmanship of the makeup and effects teams. There's a real affection for the source material, and that respect shines through in every scene.

The young cast delivers performances that are surprisingly grounded for a film that features ancient amulets and creatures of the night. The chemistry between the kids sells their friendship and makes you root for them, even when the dialogue occasionally leans into the era’s cheesier tendencies.

The film straddles the line between a kid-friendly and something darker, and that balance is key to its enduring appeal. While it might not have landed huge box office success on release, it’s easy to see why The Monster Squad has gained a loyal following over the years. It captures a specific kind of youthful imagination, the belief that, if monsters were real, only the most dedicated fans could stop them.

The movie isn’t perfect, the plot moves fast, sometimes too fast for its own good, and some characters feel underdeveloped, but the charm, energy, and fun more than make up for it.

The movie also plays into stuff that we were going through ourselves as kids – being bullied, being overweight, nerdy, un-popular and just all-around uncool. A lot of us were misunderstood, we didn’t have the best home life and growing up just wasn’t the best. It spoke deeply to me as a young kid who had experienced it all at such a young age. I wanted to be a part of “The Goddamn Club” – I know they would’ve let me join up, stake some Vampires and raise hell along with them. With every watch this movie gave me hope that I’d find a place where I would fit in and be wanted eventually. Sadly, that never came to fruition in “real life”. However, I carved my own path through playing music, writing and other random sorts of internet madness. Now I don’t give a damned whether I fit in or I’m wanted or not, and I’m a firm believer that ALL kids should be raised this way… In the words of the immortal Dee Snider, "I Am, (I'm Me)".

For bone-US points the documentary “Wolfman’s Got Nards” is wonderfully written and shot documentary on the movie that goes in deep on every nook and cranny of the movie. If you’re a fan, it’s something you absolutely can’t miss!

The Monster Squad is a love letter to monster movies and all of us kids who adore them. It’s funny, spooky, and full of heart, exactly the kind of film that has earned its place as a Halloween staple for generations.