Monsters is extraordinary in both its design and its actors’ passion and energy. I can’t think of much else like it.
The people there genuinely love being in this house, and I definitely see that in their actions while scaring. So much attention to detail went into the little things, like the hand-drawn diagrams of the Creature in Dr. Frankenstein’s lab that are tucked all the way back in the corner where they generally go unnoticed. The casting is very deliberate and specific as well, as they’ve already thought about the fact that the Mummy is frail because of the nature of him being a preserved corpse, so they won’t accept just anyone to play him; noticeably tall and thin is a requirement.
The scares go in places that no one else’s do this year more than once, with both the Wolfman and Quasimodo on harnesses to pull off amazing stunts. Even the scares that don’t require height are used impressively and in context, with three different Phantoms appearing around the basement of the opera house to simulate the book Phantom’s ability to navigate around the depths without being seen and appearing as a ghost, while the mirrors really throw you off. The costumes are pulled off so well, and the redesigns are actually unique and fun (did you know that the designs for the masks were inspired by the artwork seen on the outside of the building, not the other way around?). The soundtrack slaps. That’s it. It just does.
Most of all, it’s genuinely scary! There’s nothing light in tone about this house, and nothing cheesy that lightens the mood a bit. They’re aggressive and it shows.
Anyway, y’all, I’m a little obsessed with Monsters.
Thank you! I’ve made several new friends just by striking up conversation in line for it, and my already-established friends that have gone through with me love to watch the personal interactions I tend to get! I’m actually trying to meet up with a user from the forum so we can do the house together before the season ends! I adore Monsters and I like sharing what I learn!Your enthusiasm for this house is great. I have enjoyed your reports in the main HHN thread as well. That aside, I agree that it's a fantastic house and also my favourite of 2019.
What you consider to be your personal Maze of the year.Our fav or what will win the internal competition?
Mine: Graveyard
Theirs: Ghostbusters or Monsters (I’m leaning Monsters)
FWIW, after 20 votes, current #2/#3 (Games/Yeti) also my my #2/#3. Usually feel like I'm a bit off from the conventional wisdom but not this year apparently.
It's a toss up between Graveyard Games and Universal Monsters for me.
That's because they're the only 3 good houses this year.
Monsters is a runaway #1 for me. Graveyard could have been, but I feel like it was missing a good 4 or 5 actors, making some of the rooms feel empty. Yeti was great, but a little too repetitive.
Same here. Monsters was a great house, but I never really had a great run through it so that probably affects my opinion. But the greatness of Graveyard Games just puts it at #1 for me. It was just so atmospheric and creepy and well done. US is right behind GG on my list, for the same reason.My review has monsters at #1, but the more I think about it, the more I just absolutely love the atmosphere, story, scares and just overall terrifyingness of Graveyard Games. I can still remember just shaking after leaving GG the first time. Of course, I'm thinking I could probably change my vote to Monsters tomorrow, these two are just that amazing.