Monster High (2022) is a vibrant and essential update for the modern classroom
This reimagining of the iconic franchise succeeds by balancing the supernatural premise with genuine inclusivity and character-driven humor. It is a smart, energetic first self-acceptance and belonging self-story for younger audiences.
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A Fresh Aesthetic for Haunted Halls
Designing in 3D allows the hallways of Monster High to have more expressive movement and form than in regular 2D animation. This design allows the characters to have the franchise’s signature style while being contemporary to appeal to a broader audience. The focus of the character design is on personality, while the focus of some earlier versions was more on the specific style, and this was often to the point that it distracted from smooth and clear movement. This version shows that good comedic timing in animation and sophisticated visual language go hand in hand. The poetics of movement are focused on to achieve the emotional effect of the narrative while maintaining the slapstick nature of comedy.
Inclusivity as a Narrative Engine
The show excels in its use of “multitude” perspectives and displays several nonbinary characters. It even shows the complexities of being a teen. The series creators masterfully integrate these different perspectives into the life of Clawdeen Wolf, so the plotline doesn’t feel preachy. It is about showing the struggle we all go through of trying to find your space in a world that praises being one of a kind, but being a conformist at the same time. Hilltop Hospital High has some of the best teenaged characters in TV history. It has some elements of time-management that sometimes sacrifice the character-driven scenes, but overall the core team chemistry is the best part of the show.
Who Should Enroll and Who Should Skip
Animated movies that are serious and funny will appeal to these audiences. They even respect the intelligence of the audience. They intelligently discuss social issues such as friendship and identity.
More mature audiences will find these movies too simple or overly optimistic. These movies are most likely not to appeal to audience members that want gritty movies.
Tone: Formal
Difficult words: admire (appreciate), sanitized (made less raw), gritty (unpleasant and harsh)
