Shhhhh!!

Since I'm not a fan of either Marvel super heroes or Amy Schumer, I haven't seen many movies this year.   So, because of this limited sample size, "A Quiet Place" is currently the best film I've seen thus far in 2018.   I am sure that there will be other contenders for this title as the year plays on.   But, based on the trailers I saw before this one, maybe not.

At a very tight 90 minutes, "A Quiet Place" is one of those monster movies that brought me back to Saturday nights on WPIX in New York with "Creature Features."   A quick story that you can sink your teeth into without little thought with a few nifty jolts along the way.   For that reason, "A Quiet Place" is thoroughly exhilarating in its simplicity.

John Krasinski from "The Office" (still have never watched an episode of that) is the mastermind behind this movie.   He produces it, co-wrote it, directed it, and stars in it.   That's four different pay checks if you're counting.  Oh, wait, his wife Emily Blunt plays his Mrs. on-screen.   Sweet.  I guess the Krasinski household is going through a kitchen and bath upgrade as we speak.

Well, anyway, the film opens in a desolate America (Dutchess County was used for the filming).  We learn from newspaper headlines that there are some creatures roaming around and these blind monsters are sensitive to noise.   If you make some, they will kill you.  I immediately was hoping for a cameo appearance by the ladies from "The View."

We focus on the Abbott family.  Dad.  Pregnant Mom.  Three kids.  No, wait, two kids.   The youngest one doesn't make it past the first reel because he turned on a toy rocket.   Well, anyway, they hunker down on a farm and make the best of it.   All without words.   They communicate with sign language.   They have to walk barefoot.   Because any annoying sound means...munch, munch.   Again, where is the guest appearance by Joy Behar???

Of course, there are circumstances coming that will test the mettle of this family.   Try not making a sound when Mom's contractions begin and then she steps on a nail.  Ouch!  I mean......ouch.

The way this one evolves has you immediately immersed into the terror.  As a result, I noted that the audience in my screening was equally as silent.  Try to find that happening when you're watching the Avengers with a bunch of chatty millennials.   So, for simply figuring out how to shut up a multiplex cinema audience, John Krasinski should be awarded an honorary Oscar.

With a bit of a downer for an ending, "A Quiet Place" is only about 97% satisfying.   But that's a minor quibble.   Put this one on your list.

And I hear that there is already a sequel in the works.  So, we have another chance here.   Joy Behar?   Please???

LEN'S RATING:  Three-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Grilled London broil.