Movies filled with giant monsters are rare enough in a normal year but in 2020 the idea of relaxing with some toothy, action-packed adventure seems like a true luxury. If you're itching to see a big movie filled with crazy creatures, MONSTER HUNTER is here to save the day. It has a cool cast, great action, and, of course, giant monsters roaring and flying all over the place. Here are five reasons why you cannot miss this movie.

There is a director out there named Paul Thomas Anderson who makes Oscar-worthy films of great beauty and intellect. That is not Paul WS Anderson. The latter Anderson makes really fun movies with slick action and pulpy concepts. You probably already love at least one of his films, whether it is MORTAL KOMBAT, SOLDIER, DEATH RACE, or ALIENS VS PREDATOR — or perhaps one of his many RESIDENT EVIL movies. He’s the perfect kind of director to deliver a fun movie like MONSTER HUNTER.

Tony Jaa is a Thai martial artist who rose to prominence with the incredible ONG BAK series, which every action fan should see. The original ONG BAK, from 2003, is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. Or perhaps you remember him from his supporting villain role in FURIOUS 7. Either way, Jaa is a force to be reckoned with. The filmmakers here had the wisdom not only to cast him, but to put a gigantic sword in his hand. It’s genius, really. These monsters may be big and fierce, but with Jaa in the picture it’s hard to say who’s more dangerous.

We don’t need to be coy about it. The number one reason to see a movie called MONSTER HUNTER is not for the hunter(s), but the monsters. And MONSTER HUNTER doesn’t disappoint. Not since the original PACIFIC RIM has such a wide variety of giant fiends been assembled on the big screen. This adventure has some dragon-inspired beasts that look somewhat familiar even if you haven't played the video game on which the movie is based, but  isn’t afraid to get weird with other designs. Since the games have hundreds of wild monster designs to draw from, there were a ton of cool options ready and waiting for director Paul WS Anderson to pit against the human heroes.

No, there are not giant monsters on our planet. It’s sad but true. So MONSTER HUNTER has to bring people to the behemoths instead. The film focuses on a military team that accidentally falls through a portal, transporting them to an entirely different world. This new place is absolutely filled with crazy monsters. There, they find the warrior played by Tony Jaa and have to work together to stay alive long enough to figure out a way to get back home. It’s not a complicated story, but a suitable recipe for non-stop monster action.

Even after you factor in Jaa, MONSTER HUNTER has an impressive cast. The film is led by RESIDENT EVIL star Milla Jovovich, who clearly knows her way around a weapon. Monsters are slightly bigger than zombies, but she can handle them. This battle also features rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr. as one of the soldiers, not to mention everyone’s favorite tough guy, Ron Perlman, credited as a character named Admiral. If we happen to see Ron Perlman take out a monster simply by giving it a stern look, we won’t be all that surprised.

MONSTER HUNTER opens on December 18!

All images courtesy of Sony Pictures.