This makes a nice bookend to Scream. Both directors and screenwriters profoundly understood the clichés of the genres (juvenile/high school horror/slasher flicks in the first case and 50's/60's Grade Z small-town alien/monster flicks in the case of Monster!). The plot is brilliant; the characters are likable and fun (except for the white, mentally-challenged ebonics boyz, who are just fun). The movie bogs a little in the straight action and suspense scenes, but this is more than made-up for by the side-splitting satirical humor--the best lines are all delivered by the inimitable M. Emmet Walsh (his opening monologue to his grandson in the "gun" room is a true high point in the history of monster films). I was a little disappointed in the Monster, but, really, he's kind of peripheral to the main point and the main fun in the movie, so he's bearable. Just remember folks, this is NOT scary; it's supposed to be a kick.
