LOVE AND MONSTERS - NETFLIX

* mild spoilers*

Did you have to put a dog in it?

We checked first on the DoesTheDogDie? website before commiting to Netflix’s LOVE AND MONSTERS. Well, the dog, “Boy”, a beautiful Australian Kelpie, does make it through to the end. Phew. Otherwise it would have been a no-no.

The film is good fun and amiable, but derivative. At times it strains too much to sit alongside ZOMBIELAND, often at the expense of its own identity. But, still, it’s a good watch and Dylan O’Brien plays the part of the reluctant hero well. It’s good to see him back after his serious accident on the MAZE RUNNER film.

There’s a terrific giant mutant crab on the beach moment, maybe a nod to Harryhausen’s giant crab from the 1961 MYSTERIOUS ISLAND? Maybe not, but it evoked that exciting scene for me.

Michael Rooker and Ariana Greenblatt provide good support (when does Rooker not provide good support? He’s an actor to be cherished) but the star of the film is “Boy”, played by two dogs, Hero and Dodge.

Thank Christ “Boy” made it through.