‘Banned in four lakes!’
Lake Michigan Monster is a 2018 American indie comedy fantasy film in which an eccentric ship captain and his crew plot revenge against a mysterious creature of the deep.
Directed by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews from a screenplay co-written with Mike Cheslik (both of whom star), the low budget movie also stars Erick West, Beulah Peters, Daniel Long, Wayne Tews, Steve Hoelter, Lucille Tews and Aylah Hutchison.
Release:
Having been picked up for distribution by Arrow Video, Lake Michigan Monster will have 24-hour virtual premiere on July 31, 2020, hosted by Altavod with a Q&A featuring director Ryland Brickson Cole Tews and stars Beulah Peters and Mike Cheslik. It will then be available on the Arrow Video Channel and Digital Download from August 3rd.
Reviews:
“The films’ ridiculously limited budget, anemic/scenery chewing acting, grainy 16mm film stock, Dollar Store special effects and weaponry, and chop-socky editing all work to the film’s advantage to create an aesthetic that would make Ed Wood proud.” Film Threat
“This cuckoo creature feature isn’t going to work for everyone, but Lake Michigan Monster is an impressive debut feature with a visual style that takes great care to pay homage to a period when movies were exciting and new and filmmakers wanted to experiment with anything and everything to put the dreams in their heads on screen.” Killer Horror Critic
“Even at 78 minutes, its relentlessness is patience-straining – and, appropriately, the moments of drier wit […] play better than the splashier, wetter knockabout. It’s not a film to be too hard on – and may be the most defiantly regional, location-specific American creature feature since The Milpitas Monster (1976).” The Kim Newman Web Site
“Lake Michigan Monster can be best described as a spoof on 50’s B-Movie flicks, that feels like it was directed by Guy Maddin, and written by the Monty Python collective. It’s occasionally humorous, but ultimately ends up becoming a one dimensional and flat dedication piece.” On the Clock
“Credit has to be given to Tews and co-writer Mike Cheslik for their imagination and ability to pull off technical miracles in their many other roles on the film. There are some genuinely impressive shots in Lake Michigan Monster. In particular, much of the final act. It has an incredibly trippy look to it, with a brilliantly animated monster.” Voices from the Balcony
“There are impressive camera moves, setups that are always visually interesting, a loving use of locations, and a long special effects sequence at the end. All filmed in glorious black and white, full of scratches and grain. It feels like it’s at home referencing anime and something like Bergman’s Persona.” Where the Long Tail Ends
Technical details:
78 minutes
Black and white
Aspect ratio: 1.78: 1
Trailer:
