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The fickle finger of box office success has pushed against many young and talented directors.  Movies are such expansive and costly projects that simply creating a solid or even excellent piece of work isn't always enough.  If the ticket buying public isn't there to cast their financial vote on opening night, even the best of efforts can be deemed a count against the talent involved rather than a feather in the cap.  Fred Dekker, the director of the excellent Night of the Creeps (1986) and The Monster Squad (1987) is to my mind, one such casualty of this bitter truth.  Few filmmakers come to mind who have left behind movies that come off as fresh and exciting and GOOD as these two films, Savage Steve Holland of Better Off Dead (1985) and One Crazy Summer (1986) in the more purely comedy realm springs to mind, but his is another story entirely. For whatever reason, The Monster Squad just didn't live up to it's budgetary expectations, and that's a damn shame.  The script from screenwriter Shane Black (who would go on to stardom as an action scribe following the smashing success of Lethal Weapon (1987)) is excellent, the special effects from Stan Winston and his studio stand tall for both their excellent design and strong execution, and Fred Dekker's overall vision is one that is fun, seamless, and potent.  It was a pleasure revisiting it for our 50th episode, and while I can't help but to think that had he been given further opportunity, Mr Dekker's vision would have led to an unforgettable library and bigger box office success, we can at least be thankful that those of us who were able to experience the joy of The Monster Squad at the theater or found it on video and through cable have such a unique and underappreciated gem to reflect on.     Love and Respect,   Shonny Constant 5.25.2020     If you've read all this and you're on Facebook, PLEASE join us at our Group to discuss the movie and share your horror love.  We REALLY want to hear from you.  We REALLY REALLY do!     Talk Horror To Me Facebook Group       And here's a bunch of other links!    Instagram @TalkHorrorShow @Shonny.Constant   Twitter @ChzuckBean   Old Man Plays Old Games on Twitch @Chzuck     Cover art for this episode by Crystal Mielcarek!  Find more of her work on Facebook, Instagram, or Smushbox.net. SHE IS THE BEST!