Universal Studios’ direct-to-DVD Monster High: Frights, Camera, Action!, centers on Draculaura, a teenage vampire and student at the title high school. After being informed that she is heir to the Vampire Queen’s throne, Draculaura and a few close “ghoul”-friends embark on an adventure that takes them to such exotic locales as Transylvania, Londoom, and eventually, Hauntlywood. Along the way, Draculaura and friends learn that it takes courage to help others—whether or not that refers to one person or an entire kingdom of monsters.
Fans of the Monster High toy line from Mattel should find plenty to like in this 3-D animated movie. The characters resemble their toy counterparts, and despite a fairly large cast, each scion and daughter of a famous monster has his or her own distinct personality. Depending on their ages, some viewers may recognize elements of their own school experiences: for example, the various cliques running rampant throughout Monster High. The film is best-served to kids and tweens, but it is an all-ages-friendly comedy. Indeed, the most terrifying thing about Frights, Camera, Action! is the sheer number of puns utilizing words like “scare,” “ghoul,” and “fiend.” It’s downright spook-tacular!
