Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun family Halloween flick has some frightful moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Girl vs. Monster
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is a fun and lighthearted choice for Halloween, providing a mix of mild scares and positive messages about overcoming fears and friendship. While some viewers critique the acting and overall quality, many appreciate its appeal to children aged 7 and up and its potential for entertainment during spooky season.
- fun Halloween movie
- positive messages
- suitable for kids
- mixed reviews
- mild scares
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
GIRL VS. MONSTER centers on 15-year-old Skylar (Olivia Holt), a typical teen who bemoans her parents' strict rules about curfew. Even worse, they forbid her to leave her house on Halloween night when the greatest party of all time is happening in a decrepit nearby mansion and her dreamy classmate Ryan (Luke Benward) has asked her to sing with his band onstage. But when she rebels and sneaks out to go to the party with her friends Sadie (Kerris Dorsey) and Henry (Brendan Meyer), she inadvertently sets free a collection of monsters her parents had contained in the basement, including the immortal Deimata (Tracy Dawson), who has her sights set on revenge against Skylar's family. Suddenly Skylar must come to terms with the fact that her parents lead a secret life, that she herself is a fifth-generation monster hunter, and that it will take all of her courage to face down fear and recapture Deimata and her gang.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun choice for families who like Halloween thrills without the slasher-style blood spills. Its violence is limited to ray guns that reel in monsters and some sticky situations that are equal parts peril and comedy. Likely the jumpiest moments for kids (and perhaps parents) are the surprises that lurk in the shadows -- trees that spring to life, floating heads that appear out of nowhere, and the maniacal Deimata who possesses Skylar's friends in an effort to get close enough to scare the wits out of her. It might mean you have to snuggle a little closer to your kids on the couch, but they probably won't suffer any sleep deprivation over the light-hearted scares.
More than likely what your kids will get out of Girl vs. Monster -- especially with some help from you -- is a fun-filled lesson in the joys of conquering your fears. Skylar and her friends have to do just that to save Skylar's family from Deimata's clutches, and kids will recognize that while it's not an easy thing to do, it has long-lasting benefits for those who manage to see it through. While you're at it, don't miss the opportunity to remind your kids that your family rules exist for a reason, and that breaking them can have serious -- and less humorous -- consequences as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about facing fears in Girl vs. Monster. What are some of your greatest fears? Have you ever tried to face them down? How do you foresee your life might be better if you could eliminate a few of your fears?
Kids: Do you recognize any of the stars of this movie from other Disney shows? If so, which ones? Did your familiarity with them encourage you to watch this movie?
How does your family make clear its rules? Are there any that you think are too strict? Parents can use this time to refresh some of their basic house rules and discuss what might be some possible repercussions of breaking them.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 12, 2012
- Cast : Brendan Meyer , Luke Benward , Olivia Holt
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Ballet , Dance , Music and Sing-Along ) , Competition , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Halloween ) , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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