User reviews

Remember the (internet-) hype caused by "Snakes on a Plane" back in 2006? It was a big hit, simply because the title was straightforward and because the film delivered exactly what the title promised. 18 years later, writer/director Ezra Tsegaye considers it's still a brilliant idea to rip off the idea! Obviously, "Monster on a Plane" will never cause a hype. It probably won't even been seen by many people, but one thing's for sure: it is a lot of fun to watch under the right circumstances.

Make no mistake, "Monster on a Plan" is a terribly bad movie! But it's a FUN bad movie, and sometimes horror fanatics can really enjoy those. There's nothing remotely original about the film. The concept is stolen from "Snakes on a Plane" - duh - while the monster looks exactly like the design of "Critters", and its infrared vision is borrowed from "Predator". Oh wait, there is one original gimmick! The monster's flatulence is a sophisticated attack-mechanism a causes people to hallucinate. Awesome! Some irresponsible scientist smuggles it on board of a charter flight to Berlin, it escapes during a bit of turbulence, and naturally goes on a bloody killing spree.

"Monster on a Plane" is a German production, but entirely shot in English, and the language skills and accents of the entire ensemble cast are hilariously atrocious. Although gory, the digital effects are lousy and the complete opposite of disturbing. Luckily, the film doesn't take itself too seriously. The performances, the inside jokes (like casting a pilot who's a dead ringer for Peter Graves in "Airplane!"), the evolution of the critter into a giant kind of Venus Flytrap, ... it's all very tongue in cheek.

With a title like Monster on a Plane, you know exactly what you're in for, and it delivers in the best way possible. Firmly planted in the "Trash Cinema" genre, the film surprises with a charm and quality and a sense of self-awareness that makes it stand out. It's pure, unapologetic entertainment from start to finish, maintaining a lively pace that keeps you engaged throughout. The humour is delightfully tongue-in-cheek, adding a playful edge to the chaos. With several good performances from non-native English-speaking actors, Monster on a Plane is a fun, entertaining, thrilling ride that doesn't take itself seriously and is well worth the watch.

This film is the best mix of entertainment and fun I've seen in a long time. First of all, the camera and special effects are simply marvellous. CGI has obviously been skilfully used, but the monsters have been specially built and are not digitally produced, so they look particularly real. The shots are so fantastically done, the scenery so incredibly well created, that this small independent film can really hold its own aesthetically with the blockbusters without any problems. Just look at the aeroplane! Not only is the interior design an absolutely convincing imitation of a real aeroplane, but the ceiling and floor are also completely coherent and look absolutely real. This really is film art at a very, very high level. The story is funny, cheeky and tries to cleverly incorporate a series of film quotes. It brings to mind "Snakes on a Plane" or "Critters", only realised in a much more exciting, witty and aesthetically pleasing way. The cinematic Hollywood look, which is not at all familiar from German cinema, is simply so well executed that it leaves you speechless. To be able to be entertaining and at the same time realise an independent film in such a way that is really in no way inferior to the blockbusters impressed me deeply. The acting is also remarkable. German stars such as Eva Habermann and Dieter Landuris gave their best, and Fred Aaron Blake and Phillipe Brenninkmeyer also stand out. In particular, the acting performance of model Kim Kelly stands out, who has probably ventured into the acting profession for the first time and has done it so absolutely skilfully. But really the best and most remarkable thing was the cinematography. Ezra Tsegaye and Kristina Schippling did an exceptional job here.