16 reviews
I blipped through this movie and found it mildly interesting while quite cliche'd. The cast was full of unknowns, at least to me, and I consider myself a moderate movie buff. The acting was ok, particularly the young lead. Rest of the cast, and the script was fairly predicable and rote.
What I found particularly interesting was the multitude of 10/10 reviewers, all of whom found this to be the Greatest Movie Ever Made, or close to it. One apparently astute reviewer noted that these top drawer reviews mainly came from the film makers, and people closely associated with the production. One even self-identified as the film's creator while writing a very positive, albeit short, review. A reviewer remarked that people with an obvious agenda should not consider themselves as independent.
- neilleitner
- Jan 4, 2020
- Permalink
What i expected - a movie about a strap on. What i got - a fairly cliched but well acted drama dealing with loss, grief and the rebuilding of friendships. Worth a watch if you have a spare 89 minutes.
Having lost her mother in a tragic car accident 3 years previously, a young girl named "Samantha 'Sam' Pepper" (Madison Horcher) lives with a feeling of guilt that she indirectly caused it by creating a disturbance in the back seat resulting in the fatal crash. As might be expected in someone that young, Sam essentially shut everyone out at the time which then alienates her from her best friend "P. J." (Emma Rayne Lyle) who was also in the car when the fatal crash occurred. Because of this aloofness, P. J. takes it personally and 3 years later has developed into a bully who now delights in tormenting Sam mercilessly in school. For her part, Sam does her best to put up with it. Unfortunately, after one particularly bad day, Sam becomes overwhelmed with emotion and, as a result, she decides to order a monster robot from a magazine to somehow get back at her tormentor. What she doesn't realize, however, is that the robot becomes hardwired into believing that both "P. J." and Roy's new fiancé "Sydney Hart" (Charisma Carpenter) are bad--and this causes problems for everyone involved. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this movie had a decent plot and also featured an outstanding performance by Madison Horcher. The main problem I had with it concerned the rather cheap-looking robot which was simply too ridiculous to be taken seriously. Now, I realize that this was a family movie and things needed to be toned down to a certain extent. But having said that, I thought the director (Paulina Lagudi Ulrich) overdid it to a great degree and I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.
Trite and not even for kids!
Repeated untrue reaction; when the child is told by a parent about the decision of getting married. Trust me that stereotypical reaction is very rare to happen.
Repeated untrue reaction; when the child is told by a parent about the decision of getting married. Trust me that stereotypical reaction is very rare to happen.
- hakeemtarabulsi
- Apr 20, 2021
- Permalink
I had the opportunity to sit down here late in 2022 to watch the 2018 family movie "Mail Order Monster". And of course I did so, because I had neither heard about the movie nor ever seen it before. So yeah, I opted to give director Paulina Lagudi Ulrich's movie a chance.
Writers Marc Prey and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich did actually manage to put together a wholesome script and storyline here. And there is actually a deeper and more profound meaning and message to the storyline than just a family movie about a girl and her robot. So there is something for viewers of all ages that sit down to watch "Mail Order Monster".
I was familiar with Charisma Carpenter and Josh Hopkins in the movie, but I have to admit that I was really impressed with the performance of leading actress Madison Horcher. She really put on a great performance and a very believable and convincing performance, and she gave the movie so much life and entertainment value.
"Mail Order Monster" turned out to be a rather enjoyable movie. However, it is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing, as there isn't all that many layers to the storyline. So I doubt that I will ever return to watch "Mail Order Monster" a second time.
My rating of "Mail Order Monster" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Writers Marc Prey and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich did actually manage to put together a wholesome script and storyline here. And there is actually a deeper and more profound meaning and message to the storyline than just a family movie about a girl and her robot. So there is something for viewers of all ages that sit down to watch "Mail Order Monster".
I was familiar with Charisma Carpenter and Josh Hopkins in the movie, but I have to admit that I was really impressed with the performance of leading actress Madison Horcher. She really put on a great performance and a very believable and convincing performance, and she gave the movie so much life and entertainment value.
"Mail Order Monster" turned out to be a rather enjoyable movie. However, it is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing, as there isn't all that many layers to the storyline. So I doubt that I will ever return to watch "Mail Order Monster" a second time.
My rating of "Mail Order Monster" lands on a six out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Nov 24, 2022
- Permalink
The story is well written, and the cast are superb in their portrayal of such loveable, recognizable characters. It is a soft sci-fi , kid-friendly film with contemporary, and yet timeless concepts. Although the subject matters and heavy material leans a bit dark toward the end, the director never crosses the line from G/PG entertainment. It can, at times, feel a little too sugary, but in away that is part of "Mail Order Monsters" charm.
The special effects are done nicely, blending graphic novel animation with both practical and CGI on a level that inhances the overall family friendly vibe. The creature design and concept is equal to comic con excellence that can even draw in older sci-fi fans. Overall "Mail Order Monsters" is a great kid flick that will hit home with families and especially preteens into some sci-fi fantasy movies.
The special effects are done nicely, blending graphic novel animation with both practical and CGI on a level that inhances the overall family friendly vibe. The creature design and concept is equal to comic con excellence that can even draw in older sci-fi fans. Overall "Mail Order Monsters" is a great kid flick that will hit home with families and especially preteens into some sci-fi fantasy movies.
- ASouthernHorrorFan
- Nov 30, 2018
- Permalink
- info-67005
- Nov 18, 2018
- Permalink
Bullying is prevalent these days. Loss is hard to discuss with children. An if you're like me, entering a family that is already established but the parents have split or passed away, it can be hard to figure out your place.
This film covers all of that but in a way that's easily digestible for the kids. The girl in the film is outstanding and portrays so much of the emotions of her character without words. We see her character's struggle.
The adult actors are amazing as well. They are all believable in the relationships with each other and there is a great chemistry between them all.
The story is well written and directed. It's a relatable film that viewers will connect with on many levels. Great for children and adults.
This film covers all of that but in a way that's easily digestible for the kids. The girl in the film is outstanding and portrays so much of the emotions of her character without words. We see her character's struggle.
The adult actors are amazing as well. They are all believable in the relationships with each other and there is a great chemistry between them all.
The story is well written and directed. It's a relatable film that viewers will connect with on many levels. Great for children and adults.
This is a beautifully told story with a stellar and fantastic direction. This film dives into very important topics as well as being a very fun movie to watch with the family. I highly recommend this film!
- lisaduvall-55558
- Nov 8, 2018
- Permalink
This film was wonderfully cast and the story line is second to none. A hybrid between a family film that exploits an important social issue. Its definitely a film you should NOT miss out on watching!
- mike-27314
- Nov 16, 2018
- Permalink
This movie is so great! It is sweet, funny and tackles many current issues for families and kids. It is also different, something you haven't seen before- so I think kids of all ages will enjoy it!
Very current for people today. Really hits on everyday lives for a lot of children. Perfect balance of fiction and reality. I absolutely loved this film. Definitely worthy to be shown on the big screen! Way to go Paulina and crew!
- jessicafish-31110
- Nov 13, 2018
- Permalink
Enjoyed the film and our kids wanted to watch it again. it's nice to see a young girl as the star and the robot was alot of fun.
- clay-56515
- Nov 7, 2018
- Permalink
Awesome movie, great family movie, great meaning and story about friendship ,and family , great family movie.
- paullagudi
- Nov 9, 2018
- Permalink