Monster High: The Movie is a family friendly flick that is packed with catchy songs, fun dance numbers, and important life lessons.
Monster High first launched in 2010 and now, 12 years later, fans are getting a live action version — and it’s a musical. Monster High: The Movie boasts a stellar cast, fun musical numbers, and a whole lot of important life lessons about being true to yourself. This one is fun for the whole family, and something adults can enjoy as well.
For those who are long time fans of Monster High, these characters look so much like the dolls and animated versions, it is uncanny. The actors all do a fantastic job taking on these roles, and it is clear they put their hearts and souls into it. Each of the main characters shine, but the supporting and background characters do as well. They knew when they were on camera and were certain to always come off as a monster, not a human, and that is much appreciated.
Monster High: The Movie follows half-human, half-monster Clawdeen Wolf as she enters Monster High. She has never really fit in with the humans, having to hide who she is. But she quickly realizes when she gets to Monster High that she doesn’t one hundred percent fit in there as well, considering that humans are looked down upon and absolutely not allowed on campus.
She goes from hiding half of herself in the human world, to hiding half of herself in the monster world. Clawdeen must learn to embrace her true self. Her roommates, Frankie Stein and Draculaura, and her form a bond that will help those watching to learn how important it is to be yourself.
The story itself is quite predictable, as most movies made for tween and teens are, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a couple of surprises in store for the audience. Parents be warned, things can get a bit emotional, especially towards the end, and you might want to have tissues handy for the little ones.
Monster High: The Movie is a Musical
However, Monster High: The Movie is, at its core, a musical. There are multiple fun dance numbers that will have viewers bopping in their seats — or trying their hand at the moves as they jump around the living room. This is where this film shines. The songs are catchy and performed really well. They will be stuck in your head for days, maybe even months, to come.
The songs are not just there to make the movie entertaining though, they help to tell the story in a fun and unique way. That is where this film feels truly like a musical. Songs used in order to move the plot forward is a classic musical move, and it works really well in this film. Not to mention the musical numbers are an absolute blast that can be watched over and over.
All About Inclusion
Inclusion is an important part of this movie. It isn’t just done in a roundabout and subtle way, either. Yes, the monsters are clearly meant to embrace the unique side of each individual and express that they are different. Of course, the main lesson here is that everyone should be themselves and when they do, that is when they will find and connect with those that really matter in their lives, and like them for them.
However, there is a lot more to the inclusion in Monster High: The Movie that should be applauded. There is a lot of diversity in the cast, which is apparent even though it is hidden behind impressive makeup and costuming. Something incredible here is that one of the main characters, Frankie Stein, is nonbinary.
Frankie is a monster that was created by different parts of famous dead people — just like Frankenstein. They often reference those that are a part of them, which adds a lot of humor to the movie. But when Frankie meets anyone, they are sure to point out their pronouns — they/them. To do something so obviously inclusive will warm the hearts of many, making them feel truly seen. And that is what Monster High is all about anyways, isn’t it?
Overall Monster High: The Movie is sure to provide hours of entertainment. The songs are great and are sure to be played on repeat in many houses. This movie will teach kids that they only need to be themselves in order to make friends, and that those are the relationships that really count. They will learn to be inclusive and never judge a book by its cover, as well as that being nice can go a long way.
Seeing these Monster High characters come to life on screen is exciting. The costumes, makeup, and hair make them super believable as the monsters that fans know and love from the dolls, video games, and animated shows and films. The interesting story, incredible performances, and well done songs will have fans begging for more. Good thing the door for that is left wide open. This is the new franchise we have been waiting for, and hopefully they are just getting started.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
NEXT: Monster High: The Movie Cast Breaks Down Musical Numbers
About Monster High: The Movie
Monster High The Movie follows Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris, Just Beyond), who was born half human and half werewolf, after she arrives at her new school, Monster High.
She quickly makes friends with her classmates Frankie Stein (Ceci Balagot, Dispatches from Elsewhere) and Draculaura (Nayah Damasen, Grey’s Anatomy), and for the first time in her life, Clawdeen feels like she has finally found a place where she fits in and can truly be herself, despite keeping her human half a secret.
When a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her true monster heart and find a way to save the day alongside her new friends.
Monster High: The Movie premieres Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon and streams that same day on Paramount+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.