Party Monster really could have been a "good" film about Club Kids and the Rave scene. However, the biggest mistake that could have been made was casting Macauley Culkin as Michael Alig. During Home Alone, Mac couldn't act, but his "cuteness" was at least his saving grace. Welp, he's no longer cute and his acting has gotten worse, if that's possible. He doesn't even come close to believable as Club Kid Michael Alig. Instead, Mac comes across as inexperienced, dry, and monotonous. Not quite the right person to play a flamboyant, outrageous, "fabulous" clubber who was anything BUT dry.
The story itself, however, does well in telling the story of Michael Alig, James St. James and the rest of the Club Kids during that time. It's "real", sick, twisted, and, unfortunately (in my opinion), very close to the truth about Raves.
Seth Green does well as James St. James...equally flamboyant, yet more level-headed than Michael. Seth portrays his character believably enough without coming across as simply making fun of the lifestyle. The rest of the cast does well and help push the movie along. Unfortunately, though, Party Monster cannot truly be saved as long as Mac has the lead. He is stale and boring...his dialogue never delivered in anything but monotony.
Party Monster can only be recommended for those with an interest in the rave scene...or those with morbid curiosity of Club Kids and the like. Beyond that, this movie isn't worth a viewing...yes, thanks to Macauley. Sad, really, that the pinnacle of his career will be Home Alone. 3/10
The story itself, however, does well in telling the story of Michael Alig, James St. James and the rest of the Club Kids during that time. It's "real", sick, twisted, and, unfortunately (in my opinion), very close to the truth about Raves.
Seth Green does well as James St. James...equally flamboyant, yet more level-headed than Michael. Seth portrays his character believably enough without coming across as simply making fun of the lifestyle. The rest of the cast does well and help push the movie along. Unfortunately, though, Party Monster cannot truly be saved as long as Mac has the lead. He is stale and boring...his dialogue never delivered in anything but monotony.
Party Monster can only be recommended for those with an interest in the rave scene...or those with morbid curiosity of Club Kids and the like. Beyond that, this movie isn't worth a viewing...yes, thanks to Macauley. Sad, really, that the pinnacle of his career will be Home Alone. 3/10