 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mad Monster Party
- Review Date: November 8, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Campy stop-motion animated fun with ghoulish imagery.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this silly 1960's Rankin/Bass animation movie has the occasional round of cartoon violence, plus lots of spooky imagery (skulls, ghouls, etc.). Monsters at a party hold full wine glasses and a character makes a subtle reference to hangovers. There's some sultry female characters, plus moments of quasi-romantic kissing -- but on the whole, Mad Monster Party is kitschy, campy fun for adults and kids alike.
What's the story?
Dr. Frankenstein (Boris Karloff) creates a potion that is able to destroy all matter it comes in contact with. He decides to retire and turn the business over to his nephew Felix (Allen Swift). Frankenstein throws a retirement party attended by an all-star cast of monsters, including the Monster's Mate (Phyllis Diller) and the sexy Francesca (Gale Garnett). As Felix arrives at the castle, the other monsters scheme to steal the matter-destroying potion, as the clumsy and asthmatic Felix mulls over whether or not to take over the family business.
Is it any good?
Fans of the kind of quirky novelty humor that reached its zenith in the mid-1960s will love MAD MONSTER PARTY. It's a collection of monsters (created in the inimitable Rankin/Bass animation that should be familiar to anyone who has seen the TV adaptation of Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer) attending a party, singing, and engaging in an endless succession of sight-gags. The performance by the houseband, "Little Tibia and the Fibias," is especially enjoyable for fans of 1960's rock and roll in particular.
Co-written by Mad Magazine co-founder Harvey Kurtzman and a strong influence on Tim Burton, Mad Monster Party should be great fun for adults who grew up with this kind of animation, and for kids with a ghoulish sense of humor.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about live animation. How were these characters brought to life, and how is it different from animation seen in other cartoons and movies?
How can you tell this movie was made several decades ago? Is it the animation? The jokes? The characters?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Blue Guy is Creepy
This movie scared my friend and I. We are 13 and we had nightmares. The blue guy at Dr. Frankenstien's castle is so scary, he is really creepy!!!!!!!!!! I HATE this movie because it scared me. I couldn't watch it all! I HATE this!!! Don't watch it!!!! NOT APPROPRIATE!!!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Jules Bass |
| Cast: | Boris Karloff, Phyllis Diller |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 94 minutes |
| DVD release date: | September 8, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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