September Movie Review: The Monster Squad (1987)

If you grew up in the 1980s, you know that decade had a magic of its own: neon-lit suburbs, BMX bikes, monster magazines, and kids who somehow saved the world while their parents remained oblivious. Few films embody that essence as well as The Monster Squad (1987), a cult classic directed by Fred Dekker and co-written with Shane Black.

This movie is a love letter to classic Universal Monsters, filtered through the mischievous lens of the 80s—equal parts horror, comedy, and heartfelt adventure. It asks a simple but unforgettable question: What if all the great movie monsters teamed up, and only a group of kids stood in their way?

That Iconic 80s Feel

From the very first shot, you know you’re in for pure 80s energy. The score by Bruce Broughton mixes ominous gothic tones with synth-heavy beats that scream “Reagan-era adventure.” The fashion is equally telling: denim jackets, high-top sneakers, and the occasional monster-themed T-shirt.

The movie lands firmly in the same nostalgic space as The Goonies (1985), Gremlins (1984), and E.T. (1982)—but with a horror edge that gave it cult longevity. It’s brash, a little irreverent, and just edgy enough that you probably shouldn’t have watched it as a kid—but you did anyway.

The Monsters

What makes The Monster Squad so enduring is how it resurrects the pantheon of classic monsters:

• Dracula (Duncan Regehr): No sparkle, no romance, just pure menace. He’s ruthless, manipulative, and even threatens children—a bold move that gave the film its darker edge.
  
  

• The Wolfman (Carl Thibault, with voice by Jon Gries): Tragic and tortured, his human side tries desperately to warn others. And yes, he does indeed have “nards”—a line that remains one of the most quoted in cult cinema history.
  
  

• The Gill-Man (Tom Woodruff Jr.): Clearly inspired by the 1954 Creature from the Black Lagoon, this amphibious terror has limited screen time but leaves a lasting impression thanks to the incredible costume work.
  
  

• The Mummy (Michael Reid MacKay): A shambling, decaying figure who brings an eerie classic horror vibe to the group.
  
  

• Frankenstein’s Monster (Tom Noonan): Perhaps the film’s heart. Gentle, misunderstood, and ultimately heroic, his friendship with Phoebe (Ashley Bank) is one of the movie’s most tender arcs.
  
  

Each monster is realized with practical effects that have aged surprisingly well, thanks to Stan Winston and his team. There’s a tactile weight and creepiness that CGI still struggles to capture.

The Squad

• Andre Gower (Sean Crenshaw): The leader, horror-obsessed and always ready to take charge. Andre went on to appear in TV but largely stepped away from Hollywood, later becoming an advocate for preserving the legacy of The Monster Squad.
  
  

• Robby Kiger (Patrick): Sean’s loyal best friend. Kiger’s career in Hollywood was brief, with this being his most memorable role.
  
  

• Ryan Lambert (Rudy): The cool kid with the leather jacket, smoking habit, and monster-fighting precision. Lambert later found success as a musician.
  
  

• Brent Chalem (Horace): The “fat kid” who becomes the film’s surprise hero, with the unforgettable line, “My name… is Horace!” Tragically, Chalem passed away at the age of 22 in 1997, giving his role a bittersweet weight today.
  
  

• Ashley Bank (Phoebe): The youngest member, whose bond with Frankenstein adds heart to the story. Bank stepped away from acting but still appears at reunions and conventions.
  
  

The child actors bring genuine charm, and though some never pursued major Hollywood careers, their work here became immortal through VHS tapes and late-night cable reruns.

Curses and Behind-the-Scenes Legends

Unlike other horror films rumored to be “cursed” (Poltergeist being the most infamous), The Monster Squad didn’t have supernatural incidents on set. However, fans sometimes point to the tragic early death of Brent Chalem (Horace) as the film’s “curse.” His death from pneumonia at such a young age cast a shadow on the otherwise nostalgic cult status of the movie.

Another form of “curse” was its initial box office failure. Released in 1987, it was crushed by competition (The Lost Boys and Robocop that summer were juggernauts). The film barely made back its budget, only finding its audience years later through VHS rentals, cable airings, and fan-driven conventions.

Critical Response

Upon release, The Monster Squad received mixed reviews. Critics dismissed it as a Goonies knockoff with too much violence for kids and too much kid-focus for adults.

• Roger Ebert gave it a lukewarm review, calling it “a good idea with too little heart to really matter.”
  

• Variety noted its “slick monster effects” but argued it “fails to find its audience.”
  

But time has been kind. Modern critics celebrate it as a cult gem, with Rotten Tomatoes now listing it with a respectable audience score. The film is regularly screened at midnight movie events, and documentaries like Wolfman’s Got Nards (2018) have cemented its legacy.

Steve the Author’s Final Word

As someone who grew up with monster movies and still loves the blend of camp and horror, I can’t help but give The Monster Squad my highest praise. It’s a film that understands the love of monsters, the spirit of childhood adventure, and the bittersweet ache of nostalgia.

The effects still thrill. The monsters still scare (and charm). The kids still feel real. And that last scene with Frankenstein reaching out for Phoebe—heartbreaking and perfect.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Five Stars. Two Thumbs Up.

This is one squad you’ll want to join again and again.