The Monolith Monsters

source: The Monolith Monsters

The Monolith Monsters

I saw this film many years ago expecting from its name a living or something kinda living with a human shape, but was I surprised. Big black rocks growing and moving, no not moving with feet but just by falling down and starting the process of growing and falling. Huge skyscraper rocks reaching for the skies and toppling over. If a human touches it, the human begins to turn into a "rock." Water causes the rocks to grow and Grant Williams alias Dave Miller trying to save his small little town cannot stop a rain storm from causing the rocks to grow faster and heaven forbid, toward a dam, filled with water. Is there a way to stop something you can't touch or even get close too? Fire and bombs cannot stop rocks, so just what can? A rather unusual film but an enjoyable one.

I like 1950s sci-fi/horror films--both the well-made and intelligent ones (like "The Day the Earth Stood Still") and the cheesy ones ("Invasion of the Saucer Men"). And, if you like these films, you'll probably enjoy "The Monolith Monsters"--and it's about average for the genre. However, if you don't like these films, then I seriously doubt if this one will change your mind. The film begins with some strange meteorite falling in the desert. Little do people know that these odd rocks can both multiply AND grow to enormous proportions! But, what makes this even worse is that they can also turn people into stone-like dead folks! So, it's either us or the stones! In the end, fortunately, the people of the town apparently watched "Frankentein Meets the Wolfman" as they use this strategy to beat these evil alien rocks! While this all sounds pretty dumb, believe it or not, they handle it in a literate and reasonably credible manner. Brilliant? No. But it is watchable and fun.

The first time I saw the Monolith Monsters was when I was a kid. It was great. A meteorite hits the earth and this kind of rock aliens when exposed to water begin to grow enormously. The grow so tall, fall over and then break apart reproducing and growing. A very good idea with decent special effects for the 1950's. It seemed like I saw this twice a year as a kid on Sir Graves Ghastley. The storyline and movie still stand up today. It's worth watching and even renting. The story, acting and effects are very entertaining and worthwhile. You won't be disappointed

This sci-fi effort from the 1950s is a real winner just because it feels so fresh and original in comparison to many genre efforts. There's no rampaging lifeform here, just a chemistry puzzle that the good guys have to solve allowing them to prevent disaster. It's brisk and to the point, creative in terms of SFX, and generally looks very nice indeed. A treat!

The Monolith Monsters makes a pleasant change from all those giant animal and alien invasion movies. This time, we have giant crystals threatening the world, which multiply when in contact with water and make people turn to stone. Jack Arnold, who made the very enjoyable Tarantula (1955), was responsible for this eerie movie. This movie stars Grant Williams (The Incredible Shrinking Man), Lola Albright as his love interest and Les Tremayne (The War Of the Worlds). Williams plays a good part and is normal size in this! The special effects are very good and the desert settings make the movie rather eerie. This movie is a must see for all 1950's sci-fi fans. Great stuff and interesting. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

I always try to catch this movie when I can. When you run out of lizards and spiders and ants and octopus tentacles, is there another horror that you can unleash on the world. Yes, it's black rock crystals from outer space. At least I think they are black since the movie is in black and white. They grow fast, rise to an enormous height, and then fall over, crushing everything in their path. This sounds so stupid, yet the movie isn't all that bad. There is the obligatory scientist, the police officer, the young woman, and the small town in the path. What can they do? Can they outwit these rocks? As is usually the case, there is something that these things are vulnerable to. Now, can we deliver the goods and stop them. I have so much affection for these B science fiction movies that I just can't help myself. One thing about this one is that it has never been copied. Maybe it's time for Peter Jackson to do the new Monolith Monsters.