Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer – A Scandinavian Dive into Monster Mania
You know, sometimes a film sneaks up on you like kalla händer on a chilly November night, and you’re not sure whether it’s gonna warm you up or give you the shivers. “Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer” is like that. Directed by Jon Knautz, it’s a whirlwind of absurdity and kitsch that kinda makes Halloween feel like Valborg with an extra kick.
Where to even start? Robert Englund—yeah, the Freddy Krueger dude—is in this one, and it’s a hoot seeing him in a role that ditches the sinister for something closer to slapstick. Our main guy, Jack Brooks, played by Trevor Matthews (who, let’s be honest, I hadn’t heard of before this), is your typical dude struggling with anger issues. Seriously though, the anger this guy has, I wouldn’t want to be caught in trafikstockning with him.
When I sat down to watch this flick, it brought me right back to summer nights at the folkets hus cinema. The smell of stale popcorn, that sticky floor, and a bunch of friends, faces glowing in the dim light, ready to embrace whatever crazy thing hit the screen next.
The film’s like a rusty Volvo—it’s not the prettiest sight, maybe a bit unreliable, but there’s a peculiar charm there, amidst all the growling monsters and goopy effects. It’s sorta like a throwback to 80s creature features, with practical effects that make your stomach churn in the most nostalgic way. And not to mention how it tackles the whole overcoming-anger theme—it’s relatable! Who hasn’t, after all, been cross with a kafferast when it just wouldn’t come fast enough?
But, is it a great film? Well, here’s where I get all tveksam. It lacks the polish of a slick Hollywood production, which some might find off-putting. At the same time, that’s part of its charme. It’s awkward and clumsy, but damn if it didn’t make me smile.
So, grab some kanelbullar, cozy up under a mysig filt and let yourself be swept into Jack Brooks’ bizarre monster-slaying world. It’s worth a see, if not for the cinematic genius, then definitely for the sheer fun of it all.
Check the trailer below
