Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Halloween scares, attacks, language in comedic thriller.
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Why Age 11+?
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The Curse of Bridge Hollow
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film offers enjoyable Halloween-themed fun and humor, it includes elements like strong language, mild violence, and certain themes that may not be suitable for very young audiences. Many found it entertaining, especially for older children, but some parents expressed concerns over its darker tones and inappropriate content, leading to mixed reviews overall.
- family fun
- not suitable for young kids
- strong language
- mixed reviews
- darker tones
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 7 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Fourteen-year-old Sydney (Priah Ferguson) is being unhappily moved by her parents (Marlon Wayans and Kelly Rowland) from Brooklyn to small-town Bridge Hollow at the start of THE CURSE OF BRIDGE HOLLOW. But she's pleasantly surprised by the extravagant Halloween decorations around town, which connect with her interest in the paranormal. She meets some other local teens who tell her that her new house is haunted. Intrigued, Sydney tries to talk with the spirit through a Ouija board app on her tablet. When she discovers an old chest behind a wall in the attic, she opens it, unintentionally letting out a demon spirit who will possess all the Halloween decorations in town in an attempt to stay alive for good. Sydney, her dad, and her new friends must act fast to save Bridge Hollow and themselves.
Is It Any Good?
This spooky film feels a little unsure of who its audience is, resulting in some inconsistencies in tone and content, but it has plenty of Halloween creepers, and some laughs thanks to Marlon Wayans. He plays a dad with a big heart and some goofy phobias in The Curse of Bridge Hollow. Stranger Things' Ferguson plays his brave and independent 14-year-old daughter, who saves the day more than once. Her character, and her high school friends, might suggest the film is aimed at their age group, but the violence -- ridiculous as it may be in premise -- can get pretty intense. If you're scared of clowns, stay away.
The lead actors are backed up by a great yet mostly underused supporting cast, including Kelly Rowland, Rob Riggle, John Michael Higgins, Lauren Lapkus, and Nia Vardalos. This is fine but forgettable Halloween fare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sydney and her dad interact in The Curse of Bridge Hollow. Does their relationship feel realistic? Why, or why not?
How does this Halloween movie compare with others you've seen? What concepts were similar and what was different?
Do you believe in ghosts or spirits? Why, or why not?
Why do you think some people enjoy watching scary movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 14, 2022
- Cast : Marlon Wayans , Priah Ferguson , Kelly Rowland
- Director : Jeff Wadlow
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School ) , Holidays
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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