Review: ‘Lake Michigan Monster’ is delightful nautical nonsense

“If nautical nonsense be something you wish! Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish!” You half-expect the theme song from SpongeBob SquarePants to come blasting out of your speakers. Lake Michigan Monster, written and directed by Ryland Tews, who also stars as the very strange and sprightly sea captain Seafield, is absurdist nautical nonsense of the highest order. Tews clearly adores science fiction of the 1950s and ’60s, as his style is so hyper-tuned to classic monster films (think The Creature from the Black Lagoon) that it often feels far more than simply an homage.

When Seafield assembles his merry band of misfits ⏤ Sean Shaughnessy (Erick West), Nedge Pepsi (Beulah Peters), Dick Flynn (Daniel Long), and Ashcroft (Wayne Tews) ⏤ they set out on a mission of murder and revenge to destroy the slimy sea monster who once killed Seafield’s father. The captain’s intense bloodlust might be his undoing, however, as even he couldn’t possible anticipate the long-sought confrontation with the underwater ghoul and the inevitable twists that come along with such an outlandish yarn.

Lake Michigan Monster knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be anything but a hilarious, offbeat, and totally bonkers monster film. One could argue it totally jumps the shark in the third act, but that’s the point. Tews, who concocted the story idea alongside producer Mike Cheslik, crafts his artistic vision with a smart, goofy script and standout performances across the board. The entire cast is a well-suited troupe who possess keen wit and comedic timing, playing off another with amusing relish. Each actor slips into their role with ease, and the whole is much better for such electric chemistry and volatile dynamics.

Credit must be paid to Joe Castro, creator of the creature suit, and Cheslik, as well. Castro’s imagination runs absolutely wild in his monster design, going so far out of bounds it hits on all cylinders. Handling visual effects and editing, Cheslik’s efforts accentuate Tews’ striking storytelling abilities, and his cuts are perfectly timed and often punctuate an onscreen joke or gag with clever intent. From cinematography to direction to makeup and costumes, the pieces all slide together so tightly to create what is nothing short of a low budget triumph.

Lake Michigan Monster is now streaming on Arrow Video Channel this August.

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