Monster Trucks 2017
Directed by
Chris Wedge
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Terravex Oil is conducting a fracking operation in North Dakota, under the watchful eye of CEO Reece Tenneson and geologist Jim Dowd. In a shocking turn of events, their drilling unleashes three squid-like creatures from deep below the earth, leading to the destruction of their drilling rig. While two of the creatures are captured by Terravex, one manages to escape into the wild.
Enter high school senior Tripp Coley, a young man stuck working at a junkyard, dreaming of leaving his monotonous town. He’s been tirelessly working on a pickup truck, hoping to transform it into a vehicle that will take him to new horizons, although it currently lacks a functional drivetrain. One fateful evening, Tripp has a life-changing encounter with the escaped creature in the junkyard. He successfully captures it, only for it to slip away before he can alert the authorities.
The following day, Tripp learns that this strange creature thrives on oil and has made a cozy nest in the hood of his truck. After naming the creature Creech, Tripp resolves to assist him in returning home. He ingeniously modifies his truck to give Creech more mobility by transforming it into a unique makeshift engine, allowing Creech to use the vehicle as a ‘wheelchair’ of sorts.
Meanwhile, Tenneson’s worries continue to mount regarding the disaster at the drilling rig, especially as similar experiments have hinted at the presence of other creatures. To safeguard the company’s reputation, he opts to drill poison into a hole that leads to the underwater tunnels, while also hiring mercenary Burke to eliminate the captured creatures. This plan meets resistance from Dowd, who recognizes that the creatures display profound intelligence, emotions, and a hive-mind connection capable of shared learning.
In a bid for assistance, Tripp and Meredith approach Tripp’s father, Wade, only to be betrayed as Wade sells them to Burke. Nevertheless, Tripp and Meredith make a daring escape in the modified truck with Creech. They find themselves in a suspenseful chase with Burke and his team, evading their clutches by leaping over a train and taking refuge in a hunting cabin.
Feeling a distressing urgency about the fate of the other creatures, Creech sets off for the Terravex headquarters, prompting Tripp and Meredith to follow suit. Upon arrival, they discover Creech’s parents but soon face an attack from Terravex personnel. Creech gets captured, while Tripp and Meredith are taken captive by Tenneson.
Resolved to assist Tripp and Meredith, Dowd devises a plan to rescue the creatures. They procure additional trucks and modify them, enabling these vehicles to be controlled by Creech’s parents. With Dowd’s aid, they hijack a Terravex truck transporting Creech’s family, making a daring escape toward the mountain where the tunnels are located.
During the chase, Rick, a friend from town, intervenes to help Tripp’s group evade Burke, even getting into a fierce confrontation that sees Burke attempting to force Tripp off the road into the drilling pit. In a climax of heroic ingenuity, Tripp and Creech manage to overturn Burke’s truck, destroying the poison machine and seemingly ending Burke’s threat as his vehicle is consumed by machinery.
In a poignant moment, Creech saves Tripp from drowning, after which he and his family head back home to join their fellow creatures. The group exposes the atrocities committed by Terravex, leading to Tenneson’s arrest for his misdeeds. As things settle down, Tripp and Rick find camaraderie in rebuilding a V8 engine for the truck, while Tripp and Meredith begin to kindle a romantic relationship, turning the page to a hopeful new chapter in their lives.
Timeline
Terravex Oil's Fracking Operation Begins
Terravex Oil initiates a fracking operation in North Dakota, under the leadership of CEO Reece Tenneson and geologist Jim Dowd. Their intent is to tap into the underground resources, but they are unaware of the catastrophic events that will soon unfold.
Creatures Unleashed
During the drilling, an unexpected disaster occurs as three squid-like creatures are released from their subterranean prison. The drilling rig is destroyed in the chaos, marking the beginning of a perilous series of events for Terravex.
Escape of the Third Creature
While Terravex captures two of the three creatures, one manages to escape into the wild. This lone creature's escape sets the stage for its eventual encounter with Tripp Coley.
Meet Tripp Coley
Tripp Coley is introduced as a high school senior who works at a junkyard and dreams of a greater life beyond his mundane surroundings. He’s been tirelessly working on a pickup truck that he hopes will be his ticket to freedom.
Tripp's Life-Changing Encounter
One evening, Tripp accidentally encounters the escaped creature in the junkyard. He attempts to capture it but ultimately loses it when the creature slips away just before he can notify anyone.
Creech Takes Residence
The next day, Tripp discovers that the creature, which he names Creech, has made a nest in the hood of his truck. Realizing Creech thrives on oil, Tripp becomes determined to help him find a way back home.
Modification of the Truck
In a stroke of ingenuity, Tripp modifies his truck to create a makeshift engine to assist Creech's mobility. The unique adaptation allows Creech to use the vehicle as a means of transportation.
Tenneson's Concerns Grow
Tenneson faces mounting pressure as news of the disaster spreads, and he fears the potential of more creatures being released. In a desperate move, he decides to drill poison into the holes to eliminate any threats.
Betrayal by Wade
In their search for help, Tripp and Meredith approach Tripp’s father, Wade, only to be sold out to mercenary Burke. Their trust is shattered as they face an unexpected betrayal from someone close to them.
Daring Escape
Despite the betrayal, Tripp and Meredith make a narrow escape from Burke in Tripp's modified truck. They engage in a thrilling chase, eluding danger by jumping over a train and taking refuge in a hunting cabin.
Creech’s Urgency
Feeling a deep connection to his fellow creatures, Creech sets off toward the Terravex headquarters. Tripp and Meredith follow him, motivated by the hope of reuniting him with his family.
Creech's Family Captured
Upon reaching the Terravex headquarters, Tripp and Meredith find Creech's parents only to be ambushed by Terravex personnel. In the ensuing chaos, Creech is captured, and Tripp and Meredith are taken hostage.
Dowd’s Rescue Plan
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dowd hatches a plan to rescue Tripp, Meredith, and the captured creatures. He modifies additional trucks to be controlled by Creech's parents, preparing for a daring escape.
Confrontation with Burke
During the high-stakes chase, Rick, a friend from town, intervenes to help Tripp and his group evade Burke and his team. A fierce confrontation unfolds as Burke tries to ram Tripp off the road.
Final Showdown
In a climax of bravery and quick thinking, Tripp and Creech manage to overturn Burke's vehicle, leading to the destruction of the poison machine. This decisive moment appears to end Burke's threat and highlights Tripp's growth.
Creech's Heroic Save
As the dust settles, Creech saves Tripp from a drowning threat, showcasing the deep bond they formed. Afterward, Creech returns to his home with his family, while the creatures expose Terravex's misdeeds.
New Beginnings
With Terravex held accountable and Tenneson arrested, Tripp and Rick find solace in each other’s company as they embark on rebuilding a V8 engine for the truck. Meanwhile, Tripp and Meredith's relationship blossoms, hinting at a hopeful future.
Characters
Tripp Coley (Lucas Till)
Tripp is a high school senior yearning for escape from his mundane life. His resourcefulness shines as he modifies his truck to assist Creech, showcasing his ingenuity and compassion. Throughout the film, he transforms from a dreamer into a courageous hero, learning valuable lessons about responsibility and friendship.
Creech
Creech is a squid-like creature who becomes Tripp's companion. He is depicted as intelligent and emotionally aware, forming a deep bond with Tripp. His playful yet loyal nature adds depth to the story, making him not just a creature but a symbol of the connection between humans and nature.
Meredith (Amy Ryan)
Meredith is Tripp’s ally who supports him throughout their adventures. She is resourceful and courageous, often standing up to challenges alongside Tripp. Her character represents strength and companionship, essential for their survival against the threats posed by Terravex.
Reece Tenneson (Rob Lowe)
As the CEO of Terravex, Tenneson embodies corporate greed and the lengths some will go to protect their interests. His character's unethical decisions create the primary conflict in the story, ultimately leading to his downfall. Tenneson’s portrayal serves as a critique of corporate irresponsibility and environmental negligence.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in modern times, reflecting contemporary issues such as environmental concerns associated with fracking and corporate ethics. It revolves around high school senior Tripp and his struggles, which resonate with young audiences today.
Location
North Dakota, Junkyard, Terravex Headquarters, Hunting Cabin, Mountains
The movie takes place primarily in North Dakota, where Terravex Oil is conducting a fracking operation, sparking the chain of events leading to creature encounters. The junkyard serves as a crucial space where Tripp first meets and interacts with Creech, marking the beginning of their adventure. Terravex headquarters and the hunting cabin act as hotspots for confrontations between humans and the creatures, while the mountains symbolize the connecting tunnels and larger natural landscape.
Themes
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Environmentalism
The film explores themes of environmental destruction caused by corporate greed, as seen through Terravex's fracking operations. The creatures represent the consequences of such actions, highlighting the need to respect nature and its inhabitants. The narrative arcs towards conservation and appreciation for the natural world, especially as Tripp learns to understand and protect Creech and his family.
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Friendship and Loyalty
Friendship plays a vital role in Tripp's journey, especially his bonds with Creech, Meredith, and Rick. Their loyalty is tested as they face external threats from Terravex and its mercenaries. The film emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in overcoming challenges, ultimately leading to personal growth and new beginnings.
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Betrayal
The theme of betrayal is highlighted when Tripp’s father, Wade, sells him and Meredith out to Burke. This emotional turmoil adds depth to their quest, forcing them to navigate trust issues amidst a backdrop of danger. Overcoming betrayal enhances Tripp’s character development and reinforces the strength of his newfound relationships.
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