Monsters High 2 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Monsters High 2

This cute family-friendly movie is now available on Paramount Plus, just in time for Halloween!

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hi, ghouls! This a family-friendly movie for the kids to get in the “safe” spirit of Halloween. Our favorite monsters from the first Monster High are back, entering their Sophomore year in school with colorful costumes, monster puns, musical numbers, and a new villain and threat to the world.

The film was directed by Todd Holland, who also co-wrote it with Matt Eddy and Billy Eddy.

THINGS I LIKED:

If you haven’t seen the first movie, you’ll be caught up to speed within the first few minutes.
I love that it’s a musical. The songs are catchy, performed by talented teens.
The monster costumes and characters are well defined and entertaining.
The choreography is cute.
There’s a twist. Ooooooh!
The talented cast includes Miia Harris, Nayah Damasen, Ceci Balagot, Salena Qureshi, Case Walker, Marci T. House, Jy Prishkulnik, and more!
Rather than just being singing monsters, it was fun to see many of them use their special powers.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see some behind-the-scenes footage.
If you enjoy this cute franchise, you’ll be happy to know the film ends with a cliffhanger, alluding to ANOTHER sequel.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

If you don’t like puns, beware.
It’s very goofy.
Because more time was spent on character development in the first movie, we don’t learn much about the various monsters in this one.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Lots of farting and belching
Some violence
One of the characters is played by a Trans/non-binary actor.
Some French is spoken without subtitles.
Parents will approve of all the lessons taught.

THEMES:

Friendship
Acceptance
Social media
Self-confidence
Jealousy
Fear
Choices
Standing up for what you believe
Prejudices
Competition
Making a difference in the world

INTERESTING LINES:

“Different doesn’t always mean dangerous.” – Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris)
“We can’t just live in fear of what we don’t understand.” – Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris)
“I can’t fight my destiny.” – Draculaura (Nayah Damasen)