It’s hard not to sit through “Monster Trucks” and wonder how much better it would be in the hands of a stronger director and cast. After an entertaining, promising start that often recalls 2015’s delightful “Goosebumps,” Chris Wedge’s charming family fantasy hybrid quickly starts to run out of steam. Lucas Till is miscast in the lead role, with a joyless, humorless performance that’s at odds with the movie’s overall tone, while co-star Jane Levy seems to be acting in an entirely different movie and is often sidelined by the sloppy, overstuffed screenplay. There are some touching moments here and there that recall some of the best of Steven Spielberg’s 1980s Americana movies, but it’s a shame that the finished product wastes so much potential.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
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