IF WE were to believe half the internet buzz which surrounds some films like swarms of angry bees, Snakes on a Plane should have been a cult classic and Fred The Movie was going to make its annoying twerp of a lead into a Hollywood superstar.

Happily for everyone, it didn’t quite turn out that way.

The genuine anticipation surrounding Gareth Edwards’ debut film Monsters was, therefore, intriguing but slightly worrying at the same time.

While this sci-fi disaster-come-road movie doesn’t quite live up to the hype, it is a surprisingly intelligent blockbuster, which belies its modest budget.

Huge chunks of Mexico have been overrun by dangerous alien creatures after a space probe from Jupiter crash landed and photojournalist Andrew must find a way to bring his publisher’s holidaying daughter (Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able) home safely.

Part District 9, part Jurassic Park, Edwards opts for realism and slow-burning tension over in-your-face shocks and effects.

However, while it largely pays off, the film is too laid back to ever really excite and ultimately, you are left wanting a little more for your money.

Monsters (12) is released on DVD and Blu-ray on Monday.