Get ready for high school with our favorite characters from Monster High. We get to watch as Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Frankie Stein, and more star in the live-action movie musical based on the iconic Monster High franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. Monster High The Movie is available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment as of August 15, 2023, for the suggested retail price of $10.99.
I got the chance to review Monster High The Movie (affiliate link) and here is what I thought. Spoilers below.
In this version of Monster High, we find Clawdeen an outcast in the human world, and a possible outcast at Monster High. Why? Because she is half human and half wolf. It’s a weird concept since one would think being a werewolf already insinuates that she would be half human. However, in the Monster High lore, werewolves stay wolf-y 24/7. Being half human, Clawdeen shifts between human form and wolf form and this uncontrolled shift could have Clawdeen removed from Monster High, where she is finally being accepted by her peers.
Thankfully, Clawdeen meets amazing friends who are supportive of her quirks, just as she supports them. Together, they attempt to help Clawdeen remain a wolf 24/7 by using Draculaura’s forbidden witchcraft to find Hyde’s lab and the monster formula.
This friendship power sticks true to the animated series, as we see Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Frankie Stein, and many others have the “friendship is more important than anything” vibe. It is the driving force that makes the group able to face anything as long as they are together, even if it means going against the rules of the school, advice from adults, or parental guidance.
While I am not keen on the constant insubordination as the characters defy authority, it is a friendship story. When the secrets do eventually get unburied and the truth gets out, adults and students come together to fix what is broken and make Monster High a safe place for all.
Since the story isn’t bad, and follows the theme of Monster High, I will give the movie 4 stars. However, as a fan of the animated series, I have to knock it one star for a couple of reasons.
- There are a few unneeded moments of political mumbo-jumbo points that will make fans roll their eyes. Can we just have a movie with out all of the bows to reality? It is getting cumbersome.
- The ‘good guy goes bad guy’ film trope is over used and falls short of compelling. We need a new story telling guide. This classic growth to climax and fall is so overdone, it is like beating a zombie.
I do however, recommend watching Monster High The Movie. The music is fun, the costumes try to match the animated series, and the friendship power is inspirational.
In celebration of the release of Home Entertainment Monster High The Movie, we’re excited to share this tasty drink for all the ghouls, inspired by Monster High! to make the Ghoul Juice you will need,
- 1/2 Cup Lemonade
- 1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 Cup Lemon-Lime Soda
- Green Food Coloring
- 3 Gummy Candy Eyes
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
- 1 Candy Lemon Wedge
- 1 Sour Worm
To get the recipe, click the image below and save the PDF to your computer. Then print and create1
