Very good lead performances, music.

Rating: 8/10 (22 August 2004)

When the movie "Monster" came out last year, I was actually living in the Orlando/Daytona Beach area of Florida. As a result, even before the Oscar nomination for Charlize Theron, the film had received a fair amount of press, though it was hearing the nomination that made me go to the Universal Cineplex and see the film for myself. I had no prior knowledge of the backstory of the real Aileen Wornous (having only moved to Florida a few months prior)
The performances by Theron and Ricci really made the movie a gripping, suspenseful, tragic, and dare I say enjoyable experience. Prior to this film, I did not have a lot of respect for Charlize Theron (remember "Mighty Joe Young" and "Sweet November"?) But seeing her transform so much in appearance and personality really made me grow respect for her as an actress. I felt she had turned around a bit in "The Cider House Rules" and "The Italian Job", but this really put her in my favor.
However, I felt a little indignant after hearing that Theron was (deservadly) nominated for best actress, Christina Ricci was snubbed. I think that her performance was a great naive, lonely counterpart to Theron's jaded rage. Like Theron, I think she took the part she was given and totally expanded it and made it her own.
The few drawbacks I have to say for the film, are that it got a little grating to see tragedy after tragedy hit Aileen. That got a little depressing to watch. Also, that Selby on a dime switched from being unknowing partner to conspirator to turncoat made her a little unlikeable, but other then that, great direction and score! The music was some of the best I'd heard in a movie in a long time.
8/10 from me! Bravo Charlize, Christina and Patty