A Monster Calls (2016)

A disturbed young boy (Lewis MacDougall) raised by a single mother (Felicity Jones, THEORY OF EVERYTHING) must deal with her dying of cancer. He is helped through this process by a tree monster (Liam Neeson) who offers him three stories to this end. The fourth story must be provided by the boy. Directed by J.A. Bayona (THE IMPOSSIBLE) from the novel by Patrick Ness, who adapted his book for the screen. It's difficult to tell what audience the movie is meant for. It seems rather sophisticated for the pre-teen audience who might be attracted to it but it seems rather simplistic and obvious for an adult audience. Still, for anyone who's ever had to deal with the pain, anger and helplessness of watching a loved one with a long lingering death, the movie has the sting of recognition. Indeed, for anyone who's been there, done that, the movie may only open wounds. The acting is impeccable from young MacDougall, Jones, Sigourney Weaver as his grandmother and Neeson whose powerful voice brings a depth to the CGI creation. With Geraldine Chaplin and Toby Kebbell.