Plot: What’s it about?
Clayton Software has taken the initiative to develop the scariest video game ever, but that won’t be an easy task, not even close. The studio has a four week window before public launch and the project is still in hibernation, which means drastic action is needed. So project leader Drummond (Steven Culp) recruits the best the business has to offer and assembles a dream team of workers, at least in terms of skills in their fields. If the project succeeds and reaches the deadline intact, a one million dollar bonus is involved and while this team is driven to succeed, all that cash ensures they’ll work double tough to hit the deadline. The game is called Evilution and looks to be the most horrific game ever created, thanks in part to the work done with a telemetry suit, which provides realistic movement for the characters. But just as the game nears completion, a power surge rocks the computers and leaves the project stalled, though the game itself has just begun. As the suit springs to life and looks to demolish all within its path, can the creative team somehow disarm the creature, or at least survive the rampage?
This Creature Features production first aired on Showtime and while it has some flaws, I have to say, I enjoyed it when it was broadcast. How to Make a Monster was directed by George Huang of Swimming With Sharks fame and sports an impressive cast with such members as Clea DuVall, Tyler Mane, and Steven Culp, as well as a solid premise that provides ample horror potential. This film takes place in a rather confined location, so as tension brews, the atmosphere really cranks into overdrive and that keeps the audience on edge throughout. The tone is rather light however, with some ribbing between the players, a number of hilarious lines, and a priceless cameo from B movie legend Julie Strain. But when the horror needs to take over, it does and thanks to the visual effects by Stan Winston Studios, the makeup work is excellent and whenever the blood splatters, it all looks fantastic. Just the right blend of chills and comedic relief, How to Make a Monster is a terrific installment in the Creature Features series. I recommend this release to genre fans without hesitation, as the movie and disc are more than worthwhile.
Although the brief appearance by Julie Strain steals the show, I’d say Clea DuVall’s turn is still perhaps the most memorable. I was kind of surprised to see her here, but she does a fine effort and of course, provides some nice visual relief. I know she’s not regarded as a sex symbol, but I find her to be very beautiful and she has good screen presence, even in a movie like this, where testosterone seems to rule the realm. Her usual reserved, sometimes even brooding persona works well here and since this is a darker themed picture, she seems right at home. I do wish she had a little more screen time to allow her character to be fleshed out, but aside from that, I have no complaints in regard to her presence here. Other films with DuVall include The Faculty, But I’m a Cheerleader, Ghosts of Mars, and The Astronaut’s Wife. The cast also includes Steven Culp (Nurse Betty, Thirteen Days), Colleen Camp (Game of Death, Valley Girl), Julie Strain (Ride With the Devil, Lingerie Kickboxer), and Tyler Mane (X-Men, Joe Dirt).
Video: How does it look?
How to Make a Monster is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. As with the other films in the Creature Features series, this one has been given a clean, sharp visual treatment that is sure to please viewers. The print is free from all but minor defects, which gives us a very clean image that allows the other elements to be unhampered. I found colors to be bright and often even vivid, while black levels seem spot on in most scenes, though a few sequences came off a shade or two too dark. But as I said, most scenes look terrific and as such, I won’t knock the score much due to what minimal flaws can be found here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 option packs a mean punch and should push your home theater system, which means plenty of horror atmosphere. The surround use comes from a few sources, from the subtle normal noises to the more robust impact effects to the musical soundtrack, which is fueled by heavy metal music. The more powerful scenes will send some surges through the speakers, including some nice bass presence, making this is an active, quite intense audio experience at times. No trouble with dialogue however, as vocals remain clean and properly balanced throughout. This disc also includes a French language track, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a brief behind the scenes featurette, some still photos, talent files, and a promotional trailer for the Creature Features line.
