Super Monsters Save Halloween
Short tale gently helps preschoolers handle fear.
Super Monsters Save Halloween
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Super Monsters Save Halloween is a short, stand-alone movie that ties in with Netflix's Super Monsters series and line of Playskool toys. The series regulars, all preschool-age children of world-famous monsters (e.g., Dracula, Frankenstein), are regular kids during the day; their mini-monster personalities show up after dark. They're all funny, enthusiastic, caring, and nonthreatening. No villains here. This story talks about making Halloween fun and takes a gentle look at one little boy who's afraid of the scary parts of the holiday. The Super Monsters help him understand the difference between real and pretend. Messages are solid and clearly stated, making this one fine for even the youngest viewers.
Community Reviews
Amazing! HadMe in Tears and Smiling So big my Cheeks Hurt! :-)
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What's the Story?
It's almost Halloween, and no one seems to notice in SUPER MONSTERS SAVE HALLOWEEN. It's up to the Super Monsters team to get the neighborhood on board or they'll miss the holiday altogether! It takes costumes, decorations, treats, and sound effects to get started, and everyone joins in the effort. It works. Halloween is back! Their next task is to help Albert, a very little boy, try to experience the joy of the holiday. Albert is frightened. He doesn't understand that some scary things are make-believe. So Cleo (Elyse Maloway), Drac (Vincent Tong), Katya (Andrea Libman), and all the Super Monsters show Albert just how things are done, special tricks and all.
Is It Any Good?
Funny, spirited, and very compassionate, the mini-monsters do a great job at helping a little boy overcome his fears, and their efforts may just comfort a hefty number of young viewers, too. The venerable 1960s hit "Monster Mash" is introduced to kids, as well. The song-and-dance number is delightful. Super Monsters Save Halloween and the Super Monsters series itself are definitely intended specifically for little kids. This is a great movie for preschoolers who aren't ready for spookier stories.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how different kids are frightened by different things. What are some things that make you scared? Which ones are real? Which ones are pretend?
What did Albert learn about Halloween that made him feel better? How did the Super Monsters help?
What grown-ups (or older kids) can you talk to if something frightens you? Why do you think it's better to talk about fears than keep them inside?
Playskool Toys have released a new line of Super Monsters toys. How does your family deal with cross-marketing of products and films like Super Monsters Save Halloween?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 5, 2018
- Cast: Elyse Maloway, Alessandro Juliani, Vincent Tong
- Director: Steve Ball
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Holidays, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Teamwork
- Run time: 24 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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