Overview: When loser Duke, who has screwed up every hair-brained scheme he’s ever come up with, accidentally falls off a cruise ship and wakes up on a mysteriously abandoned, top secret government island, he discovers that it’s overrun with mutants and monsters from a failed 1980s DARPA super soldier project to stop the 2nd Cold War.

He soon comes up with the incredible idea of turning the island into a world class getaway resort, utilizing the creatures as its staff, much to the dismay of the United States government.

Blu-ray Verdict: Directed by Steven Shea, this pandemic-era production is clearly a labor of love. One that will have viewers in for a wild, entertaining ride, in my humble opinion.

The story focuses on a secluded island populated by forgotten mutants—the results of failed 1980s U.S. Military experiments to develop super soldiers. The plot kicks off with the arrival of shipwrecked Duke, a character voiced by James Schrader, well-known for his Dr Squatch Soap commercials, and also a co-writer on the film.

Visually, the movie utilizes a lo-fi animation style reminiscent of comedies like Smiling Friends or Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The humor matches this aesthetic, delivering an unhinged and low-brow experience filled with moments of delightful absurdity with easter eggs tucked in nicely all around.

Though the island reportedly houses 138 mutants, the film focuses on a small, engaging group. Harland Williams voices Sam, the story’s heart and soul, while Julianna Harkavy (Arrow) voices Dyanna, a calm, failed still human experiment who simply wants peace for her peers. James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as the British-accented, aquatic mutant Reggie, with one of the most insane scenes ever and Spencer Grammer (Rick and Morty) brings fun to Moon, a mutant jellyfish and jazzercise expert.

LeeAnna Vamp steals the show as Midnight, a sarcastic mutant shark, who runs the Island’s VHS rental store. Her performance is just one example of the top-tier voice talent featured throughout the movie, from lead roles to brief cameos.

The production is further elevated by Robert Reider’s incredible soundtrack. A particular highlight is the Love Them for Isla Monstro song performed by Gigi Edgley. Edgley fully embraces the role, delivering a performance that creates what might be one of the most hilariously unhinged scenes in the history of animation. In short, Isla Monstro is no Disney animated film but is well worth your time. [N.G.]

Bonus Features:
Commentary with Director Steven Shea, Lead Actor James Schrader, & Composer Rob Reider
”How We Made An Indie Animated Feature” Behind The Scenes Series EXTENDED SUPERCUT
”The Love Theme From Isla Monstro” Sing-A-Long Music Video
Comic-Con® 2024 Panel with Director Steven Shea, Composer Robert Reider & Actors James Schrader, Juliana Harkavy, Andre Gower, Gigi Edgley, Matt Zunich & Atif Myers
Nightmare Weekend 2025 Panel with Director Steven Shea & Actor Dana Snyder
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Trailers

Official Trailer

Official Purchase Link

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