“Monster Trucks” is a 2016 American film that combines live action with computer animation. It was produced by Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, and Disruption Entertainment for Paramount Pictures. The movie was directed by Chris Wedge, known for his work at Blue Sky Studios, and written by Derek Connolly, based on a story by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Matthew Robinson.
The film revolves around a high school student named Tripp Coley, played by Lucas Till, who works at a junkyard and builds a pickup truck. One night, Tripp encounters a creature that escaped from an underground water system and captures it. He discovers that the creature feeds on oil and befriends it, naming it Creech. Tripp modifies his truck to give Creech control and uses it as a means of transportation.
Meanwhile, Terravex Oil, led by CEO Reece Tenneson (Rob Lowe) and geologist Jim Dowd (Thomas Lennon), is conducting a fracking operation in North Dakota. The operation inadvertently releases three subterranean creatures, with two being captured by Terravex. Tenneson plans to protect the company’s image by drilling poison into the tunnels and sending mercenaries to kill the captured creatures.
Tripp, along with his friend Meredith (Jane Levy), seeks help from Tripp’s father Wade (Frank Whaley) but is betrayed. They escape with Creech, and with the assistance of Jim, they plan to rescue the other captured creatures. They modify more trucks for Creech’s parents, who are also held captive, and make their escape up a mountain leading to the tunnels.
Terravex gives chase, but the group manages to evade them. Along the way, they receive help from Rick (Barry Pepper), who aids them in their escape from the mercenaries. They confront Tenneson and expose Terravex for their harmful experimentation. Tenneson is arrested, Tripp and Rick rebuild an engine for the truck, and Tripp and Meredith develop a romantic relationship.
Despite the film’s release, it received mixed reviews from critics and was considered a box office failure, grossing $64 million worldwide against its $125 million budget.