If you've been reading The Independent Critic for awhile, then you're likely already aware that I fancy myself a fan of director Justin Timpane, the helmer behind this third of a planned trilogy of films that started out with Ninjas vs. Zombies, then went to Ninjas vs. Vampires, and now present us with Ninjas vs. Monsters, in which the ninjas and their friends find themselves pitted against the most memorable monsters of them all - Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Werewolf and more!

Working with his largest budget yet, Timpane is clearly having a blast here with even more ninjas, gun play, fights, laughs, magic, pop culture references, and stuff that will just keep you laughing from beginning to end.

As has always been true, Daniel Ross gives the film a spark. As Kyle, Ross has unquestionably gotten in sync with Timpane's vision for the trilogy and he has a lot of fun here. While it's arguable that this third film in the trilogy is the most challenging one given that Timpane is working for the most part with classic monsters, Timpane is able to take a unique approach with the monsters while also maintaining a respect for their legacy. It's a difficult balance that he for the most part achieves.

While Timpane is working with a larger budget here, there's no question that Ninjas vs. Monsters continues to exist comfortably within the realm of B-movie. Timpane has been a master of marketing for his films and, as a result, they've turned into low-budget wonders with a strong cult following. While the last film was released by Vicious Circle Films, this time around Timpane and crew are working with the fine folks at Uncork'd Entertainment, a company that just started up in 2012 that is already making quite the name for itself in a variety of genres including the beloved B-movie market.

Ninjas vs. Monsters isn't a masterpiece, but it certainly is a fun film and a terrific example for indie filmmakers on how much can actually be accomplished with a modest budget. If this truly is the end of Timpane's trilogy, it's been a terrific journey and I look forward to seeing what he puts together next.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic