Monster In The Closet is a PG-rated, family-friendly horror film from Troma. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly. It's about a news reporter named Richard Clark who is wanting to get out doing obituaries and write a real article. When the hot shot reporter at the paper talks Richard into taking a story about people who have mysteriously died in their closets. While at the police station investigating, he meets up with a college professor and her son, who is nicknamed "The Professor" (and played by future The Fast And The Furious star Paul Walker). With the help of another professor, Dr. Pennyworth, they discover that the people are actually being killed by a monster that lives off of closets. The film then proceeds as the monster continues to kill and the public worries that the monster may mean the end of the world!
Monster In The Closet is a fun PG rated adventure that reminds you of other feel good horror romps the mid 80s brought. The humor is on target, delivering a wacky edge to the viewer. The cast is great and so are the effects, though they are limited, being PG rated and all. Honestly, there's not that much to complain about unless you wanted a good trashy in-house Troma picture. The only real gripe I have is a slight lag in the story toward the middle, but the ending makes up for it. Monster In The Closet is wacky and silly, but it's meant to be, so griping is pointless. Just set back and enjoy.
I'm really suprised Troma has yet to capitalize on Paul Walker's rise to fame yet, but regardless, Monster In My Closet is fun little film and one of the few family friendly titles in the Troma library. High art it's not, nor does it reach the brilliance of some Troma films. But it certainly is worth a look to both "normal" moviegoers and Troma fan, alike. Troma fans will especially want the DVD for the extras, which feature several clips from Troma TV productions across the world. Unfortunately, Toxic Crusaders is not included, though mentioned on the box.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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