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Parents' Guide to

R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Mild tween Halloween tale could use more thrills.

Movie PG 2008 87 minutes
R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Jdgedwill
Jdgedwill Adult
June 9, 2019
age 6+

Skip it

We decided to watch this for our Family Movie Night because our kids really liked Goosebumps 1 and 2. This movie was not on par with either of those movies. The production was very poor, acting was awful and it seemed to move at a snails pace. I know alot of kids movies are this way but even my young sons were able to notice it. It wasn't too scary for my 5 and 7 year olds but if your kids are easily frightened I would steer clear. It also takes on subject matter of spirits, demons and the afterlife so if this type of fiction conflicts with your beliefs I would steer clear. It was borderline for us and in hindsight I would have skipped it. Goosebumps Movies 1 and 2 were better overall for entertainment and while they're scary and deal with the supernatural the topics of demons and spirits aren't part of the plot.
Chad C.
Chad C. Parent
October 17, 2016
age 12+

Not for children

My son and I attempted to watch this movie and after about 20 mins I shut it off. My boy was terrified by the "demon" in the movie. I have to admit that he wasn't fun to look and could see how anyone would be afraid of him. Not only that, but the plot and acting was horrible. Don't think we'll watch anymore of R.L. Stines movies.
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (6 ):

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

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