Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unnecessarily complicated fairy tale musical has peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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My Sweet Monster
What's the Story?
In the musical adventure MY SWEET MONSTER, an evil mail carrier named Bundy (Pauly Shore) discovers a king's magical spark and blackmails the king to marry his 16-year-old daughter. When Princess Barbara (Haylie Duff) escapes her wedding, she runs to the forest and meets Bunny the rabbit and a semi-human beast named Bogey, who's called to protect the wilderness. On their journey back home, Princess Barbara realizes that she doesn't own the land as she once believed. Meanwhile, back at her castle, Bundy plots to steal the throne and rob the forest's supply of a magical life-giving spark for his own selfish purposes. When Princess Barbara, Bogey, and Bunny become aware of his plans, they must team up to stop him.
Is It Any Good?
My Sweet Monster is an unusual fairy tale with catchy songs and a plot that might be overly complicated for young kids. The main story of an evil postman trying to conquer the kingdom and steal magic seems simple enough, but then there are subplots of a princess mooning over a mysterious Prince Edward, whom she's never met but spends a lot of time daydreaming about. Then there are mythical creatures assigned to protect the forest, some of whom are powered by the magical forces. Furthermore, Mother Nature appears to be a living magical force that viewers begin to learn more about, but we never really get an explanation of how she's tied to the magic. The English film is also dubbed from another language, which may confuse some kids as the characters' mouths don't match their voices.
On the positive side, there are a couple of funny moments, and the characters -- especially Bogey and Bunny -- are interesting enough to keep a child's attention. The songs are fine. Though the story is a little complex, it eventually comes together for a decent yet abrupt fairy tale ending. Overall, it's standard stuff that most kids have seen before.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how My Sweet Monster discusses the importance of conserving nature. What are some ways we can help take care of the planet?
How did the ending make you feel? Why do you think many fairy tales end with a curse broken by a kiss?
How do the characters in My Sweet Monster demonstrate compassion, friendship, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 12, 2022
- Cast : Pauly Shore , Haylie Duff , Jon Heder
- Directors : Viktor Glukhushin , Maksim Volkov
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for action, peril and some thematic elements
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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