Monster Family Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family accidentally turns into monsters, and instead of just enjoying their new powers, they decide to chase a witch and deal with a lovesick Dracula.

🍿 Monster Family: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family in Crisis

The Wishbone family is far from happy. Emma, the mother, struggles to keep her bookstore afloat. Frank, the father, is overworked and unappreciated. Their daughter, Fay, is a self-absorbed teenager, and their son, Max, is bullied at school. The family struggles to connect, and tensions are high.

The Monster Transformation

Emma attempts to bring the family together by planning a fun night out at a costume party. However, a mishap occurs when Emma accidentally calls Dracula, angering the witch Baba Yaga who places a curse on the Wishbone family, turning them into the monsters they are dressed as: a vampire (Emma), Frankenstein’s monster (Frank), a mummy (Fay), and a werewolf (Max).

A Global Adventure

Determined to reverse the curse, the Wishbone family embarks on a wild adventure across the globe to find Baba Yaga and break the spell. Their journey takes them to London and Egypt, encountering various supernatural beings and challenging their family dynamics along the way.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Emma Wishbone (Emily Watson): A struggling bookstore owner and mother who tries to reconnect her family but is cursed into a vampire.
• Frank Wishbone (Nick Frost): An overworked and underappreciated husband and father who is transformed into Frankenstein’s monster.
• Fay Wishbone (Jessica Brown Findlay): The teenage daughter who is obsessed with boys and is turned into a mummy.
• Max Wishbone (Ethan Rouse): The bullied son who is a social outcast and is turned into a werewolf.
• Dracula (Jason Isaacs): A lonely vampire count who seeks to win Emma’s affection and exact revenge on humanity.
• Baba Yaga (Catherine Tate): The evil witch responsible for cursing the Wishbone family into monsters.
• Cheyenne (Celia Imrie): Emma’s supportive co-worker who inadvertently sets off the events of the film.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Imhotep: “I am Pharaoh Imhotep!” – Imhotep loudly proclaims his identity when Fay mistakes him for Johnny Depp.
• Fay: “You’re Johnny Depp?” – Fay responds sarcastically, showing her initial lack of respect for the ancient Pharaoh.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $127,259
• Worldwide Gross: $29,230,695

💥 Monster Family Reviews

Personal Review

I wanted to like ‘Monster Family’ so badly! The concept is fun, and the monster transformations are cool. However, the plot felt all over the place, and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. The scenes with Dracula were amusing, but overall, it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. I was hoping for more heart and humor.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a lighthearted animated adventure”
  • “Fans of monster-themed movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about family bonding”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor (fart jokes)”
  • “Suggestive themes (Dracula’s romantic pursuit of Emma)”
  • “Mild bullying”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “While visually appealing, ‘Monster Family’ suffers from a convoluted plot and inconsistent humor. The voice acting is decent, but the story lacks depth, making it a forgettable experience for both kids and adults. The underlying family message gets lost in the monster mayhem.
• Animation World Network: “The animation style is impressive, but the narrative is a mess. ‘Monster Family’ tries to blend family dynamics with classic monster lore, but the result is a chaotic and unfocused film. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the characters are not particularly memorable.

Audience Reactions

The monster transformations looked really neat, especially Frankenstein!: Visually, the movie is appealing with its bright colors and detailed character designs.

My kids liked the bats, I fell asleep.: A mixed bag, some find it entertaining, especially for young children, while others find the plot lacking and humour repetitive.

Overall Consensus: Despite its visually appealing animation, ‘Monster Family’ is generally considered a forgettable animated film due to its messy plot and inconsistent humor. It may entertain younger viewers, but lacks depth and emotional resonance for older audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the book “Happy Family” by German author David Safier, who also co-wrote the screenplay.”
• “Renfield, Dracula’s assistant, was modeled after Peter Lorre, the main star of the classic film *M* (1931).”

🖥️ How to Watch Monster Family?

Monster Family is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Monster Family, you might like these similar films:

• Hotel Transylvania (2012): Shares the theme of monsters and family, with a lighthearted and comedic approach.
• The Addams Family (1991): Both films focus on a quirky, unconventional family with macabre or monstrous elements who learn to embrace their unique identity.
• Monsters, Inc. (2001): Explores the world of monsters in a family-friendly way, highlighting themes of acceptance and overcoming prejudice.

🛒 Monster Family Related Products

• Monster High Doll: A stylish doll inspired by classic movie monsters, perfect for imaginative play and display. Features unique fashions and accessories.
• Monster Family Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring the vibrant poster art from ‘Monster Family’. Perfect for decorating a kids’ room or home theater.
• Official Monster Family Merchandise: Exclusive t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories featuring your favorite ‘Monster Family’ characters. Show off your fandom in style.

🎧 Soundtrack

Monster Family features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565” – performed by Johann Sebastian Bach

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Monster goes to McDonald’s 🍟🍔

Ever wondered what your favorite movie monster does when they’re hungry? This hilarious short imagines exactly that, and honestly, it’s surprisingly relatable! I never thought I’d see a monster at McDonald’s, but here we are.

Monster goes missing 😭

Oh no, the monster is missing! What could have happened? This short clip is funny, creative and had me giggling throughout. Check it out!

MONSTERS ARE ACTUALLY NICE #shorts

Forget scary monsters! This short shows a different side of these creatures – a surprisingly sweet one. I love the twist; it’s a reminder that things aren’t always what they seem!

✨ Rate