I blipped through this movie and found it mildly interesting while quite cliche'd. The cast was full of unknowns, at least to me, and I consider myself a moderate movie buff. The acting was ok, particularly the young lead. Rest of the cast, and the script was fairly predicable and rote.
What I found particularly interesting was the multitude of 10/10 reviewers, all of whom found this to be the Greatest Movie Ever Made, or close to it. One apparently astute reviewer noted that these top drawer reviews mainly came from the film makers, and people closely associated with the production. One even self-identified as the film's creator while writing a very positive, albeit short, review. A reviewer remarked that people with an obvious agenda should not consider themselves as independent.
16 Reviews
Original drama
mark-27051 December 2018
Turning the Tables on the School Bully
Uriah434 December 2022
Having lost her mother in a tragic car accident 3 years previously, a young girl named "Samantha 'Sam' Pepper" (Madison Horcher) lives with a feeling of guilt that she indirectly caused it by creating a disturbance in the back seat resulting in the fatal crash. As might be expected in someone that young, Sam essentially shut everyone out at the time which then alienates her from her best friend "P. J." (Emma Rayne Lyle) who was also in the car when the fatal crash occurred. Because of this aloofness, P. J. takes it personally and 3 years later has developed into a bully who now delights in tormenting Sam mercilessly in school. For her part, Sam does her best to put up with it. Unfortunately, after one particularly bad day, Sam becomes overwhelmed with emotion and, as a result, she decides to order a monster robot from a magazine to somehow get back at her tormentor. What she doesn't realize, however, is that the robot becomes hardwired into believing that both "P. J." and Roy's new fiancé "Sydney Hart" (Charisma Carpenter) are bad--and this causes problems for everyone involved. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this movie had a decent plot and also featured an outstanding performance by Madison Horcher. The main problem I had with it concerned the rather cheap-looking robot which was simply too ridiculous to be taken seriously. Now, I realize that this was a family movie and things needed to be toned down to a certain extent. But having said that, I thought the director (Paulina Lagudi Ulrich) overdid it to a great degree and I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.
Too Corny
hakeemtarabulsi21 April 2021
Rather enjoyable family movie...
paul_haakonsen25 November 2022
I had the opportunity to sit down here late in 2022 to watch the 2018 family movie "Mail Order Monster". And of course I did so, because I had neither heard about the movie nor ever seen it before. So yeah, I opted to give director Paulina Lagudi Ulrich's movie a chance.
Writers Marc Prey and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich did actually manage to put together a wholesome script and storyline here. And there is actually a deeper and more profound meaning and message to the storyline than just a family movie about a girl and her robot. So there is something for viewers of all ages that sit down to watch "Mail Order Monster".
I was familiar with Charisma Carpenter and Josh Hopkins in the movie, but I have to admit that I was really impressed with the performance of leading actress Madison Horcher. She really put on a great performance and a very believable and convincing performance, and she gave the movie so much life and entertainment value.
"Mail Order Monster" turned out to be a rather enjoyable movie. However, it is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing, as there isn't all that many layers to the storyline. So I doubt that I will ever return to watch "Mail Order Monster" a second time.
My rating of "Mail Order Monster" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Writers Marc Prey and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich did actually manage to put together a wholesome script and storyline here. And there is actually a deeper and more profound meaning and message to the storyline than just a family movie about a girl and her robot. So there is something for viewers of all ages that sit down to watch "Mail Order Monster".
I was familiar with Charisma Carpenter and Josh Hopkins in the movie, but I have to admit that I was really impressed with the performance of leading actress Madison Horcher. She really put on a great performance and a very believable and convincing performance, and she gave the movie so much life and entertainment value.
"Mail Order Monster" turned out to be a rather enjoyable movie. However, it is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing, as there isn't all that many layers to the storyline. So I doubt that I will ever return to watch "Mail Order Monster" a second time.
My rating of "Mail Order Monster" lands on a six out of ten stars.
My Review Of "Mail Order Monster"
ASouthernHorrorFan1 December 2018
The story is well written, and the cast are superb in their portrayal of such loveable, recognizable characters. It is a soft sci-fi , kid-friendly film with contemporary, and yet timeless concepts. Although the subject matters and heavy material leans a bit dark toward the end, the director never crosses the line from G/PG entertainment. It can, at times, feel a little too sugary, but in away that is part of "Mail Order Monsters" charm.
The special effects are done nicely, blending graphic novel animation with both practical and CGI on a level that inhances the overall family friendly vibe. The creature design and concept is equal to comic con excellence that can even draw in older sci-fi fans. Overall "Mail Order Monsters" is a great kid flick that will hit home with families and especially preteens into some sci-fi fantasy movies.
The special effects are done nicely, blending graphic novel animation with both practical and CGI on a level that inhances the overall family friendly vibe. The creature design and concept is equal to comic con excellence that can even draw in older sci-fi fans. Overall "Mail Order Monsters" is a great kid flick that will hit home with families and especially preteens into some sci-fi fantasy movies.
Heartwarming Family Film
info-6700519 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
'Mail Order Monster' is a great film for audiences of all ages. It deals honestly with pain and loss while also confronting the issues of families in transition. It's a very impressive effort from the filmmaking team. The comic book references and stylish sequences told in comic book frames are particularly good.
Life lessons for your tinies.
voices-1214 November 2018
Bullying is prevalent these days. Loss is hard to discuss with children. An if you're like me, entering a family that is already established but the parents have split or passed away, it can be hard to figure out your place.
This film covers all of that but in a way that's easily digestible for the kids. The girl in the film is outstanding and portrays so much of the emotions of her character without words. We see her character's struggle.
The adult actors are amazing as well. They are all believable in the relationships with each other and there is a great chemistry between them all.
The story is well written and directed. It's a relatable film that viewers will connect with on many levels. Great for children and adults.
This film covers all of that but in a way that's easily digestible for the kids. The girl in the film is outstanding and portrays so much of the emotions of her character without words. We see her character's struggle.
The adult actors are amazing as well. They are all believable in the relationships with each other and there is a great chemistry between them all.
The story is well written and directed. It's a relatable film that viewers will connect with on many levels. Great for children and adults.
Fantastic Family Film
jcooperu8 November 2018
Wow!
lisaduvall-555589 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Thanks a lot guys... My son is now asking for a Mail Order Monster for Christmas. I'm not sure if Santa can pull that off 😂😂 This movie is nothing short of amazing! The casting for this film was perfect, the story gives hope in many aspects of life... especially young kids dealing with Bullies, loss of a parent. You see trials of becoming a step- parent and that love and forgiveness can over power anything. There is even a little bit of horror wrapped up in this little gem. My kids loved it! I loved it and you will love it!
A film you MUST watch!
mike-2731417 November 2018
Well written and fun for the family!
elagudi14 November 2018
Excellent!!
jessicafish-3111014 November 2018
Very current for people today. Really hits on everyday lives for a lot of children. Perfect balance of fiction and reality. I absolutely loved this film. Definitely worthy to be shown on the big screen! Way to go Paulina and crew!
enjoyable family film for everyone
clay-565158 November 2018
AWESOME
paullagudi10 November 2018
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