Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild tween Halloween tale could use more thrills.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Even though his tricks are corny and he trips over his cape, Max Doyle (Sterling Beaumon) wants to be a magician more than anything. And suddenly he happens upon some creepy special effects he never bargained for when a frightening demon named Phears (Brian Stepanek) plans to unlock the tunnel of ghosts on Halloween -- a tunnel that opens in Max's basement. Lucky for Max, two nice ghosts, Tara (Madison Pettis, Cory in the House) and Nicky (Luke Benward), arrive to help foil Phears' plan. An appearance by Ali Lohan as Traci, an attractive upper schooler, motivates Max to make his magic show even cooler -- albeit paranormal. When Halloween rolls around, the tricks and the treats are rolled up into a grand finale.
Is It Any Good?
R.L. STINE'S MOSTLY GHOSTLY does improve as it progresses, but the first 20 minutes are a disaster. The acting is stagey, and the plot is pasted together. As soon as Tara and Nicky show up, things begin to rev up. And the scenes of Max being nerdy at school work better than the scenes at home. Ali Lohan's cameo as Traci feels contrived, but kids are going to enjoy the energy that she brings to the production. It's not great Halloween viewing, but it's not as frightening as other choices out there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they believe in paranormal events. Should we really be afraid of the dark? How can scary images get into our minds? What's more scary, a ghost or a bully? Should Max have asked his mom to help him?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 3, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 2008
- Cast : Ali Lohan , Luke Benward , Sterling Beaumon
- Director : Rich Correll
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Holidays
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : scary images, brief mild bullying, language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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