Watch Kids' Reviews of
MONSTER ISLAND

What to know:
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
Recommended age 6-10
80 minutes
VIDEO
VISION FILMS
Listen to reviews on our radio show Listen to KIDS FIRST! Radio Coming Attractions on VoiceAmerica
MONSTER ISLAND cover image Click to play video trailer
Monster Island is a great film because of its animation and unique storyline. I love how the monsters are animated. I also adore the storyline. It's something I've never seen before.

Monster Island is about a boy named Lucas who's a monster, but doesn't know it since his dad hid it from him his whole life. His dad has given him a potion to stop him from turning into a monster by hiding it as an inhaler. When Lucas forgets his inhaler at home to go the biggest party of the year, he turns into a monster which scares everyone. Luckily, his dad comes to the rescue with his inhaler which turns him back into a human. His dad explains what's happening and where he got his powers from. Turns out, they're from an island called Calvera. Lucas goes on an adventure to find this island. But will he find it? Watch it to find out!

The animation reminds me of Frankenweenie and Coraline which are some of my favorite Halloween movies. Unlike Frankenweenie and Coraline, Monster Island is all computer animation. However, it looks like claymation. I'm fascinated by the attention to detail. Every monster is unique. There are squid monsters and humongous monsters who tower over people.

I love the characters in this movie. Two of my favorites are the two police officers. I love their banter as they try to catch Lucas, but always fail. I love how the pumpkin monster is the "brains" of their team while the deer head monster is the tough dumb one. They had me cracking up the whole time.

The message of this movie is to accept yourself. Lucas' uncle tries to become a monster since he never became a monster. He felt left out because all of his family are monsters, but he isn't. Although his family loves him either way, he still tries to find a way to become a monster through science.

I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 10. You can find this incredible movie online now so, go check it out.

Reviewed by Carla P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Monster Island is a good film with animation that gave me feel a feeling of eeriness and anticipation. I enjoyed the story line.

Monster Island is about a boy named Lucas, a lonely kid who is getting bullied at school and his overprotective dad won't let him go anywhere without his inhaler. We learn that the reason is not that overexcitement might bring on an asthmatic attack, but an awful metamorphosis. The boy's secret is that he is a monster, like his dad. Lucas discovers his monster identity at the biggest party of the year, in front of all his friends, when he forgets his inhaler. He turns into a monster and scares everyone. His dad shows up with his inhaler and he returns to his human state. His dad explains his origins and his powers. Lucas learns they are from an island called Calvera and sets out to find the island and his Grandmother Carlotta.

The movie is very watchable. One message of the movie is to accept who you. Lucas' uncle is not a monster like the others in his family and he resents it. He becomes a mad scientist and causes problems for the family and Calvera.

Every monster is unique and the animators truly show off great creative talent here. The storyline is simple, easy to understand and makes sense. The coordination between sound and movement is good. The music gives a haunting and scary feeling.

I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 6 to 10. Look for this entertaining film on-line at YouTube, Google Play, ITunes and similar. It's available now so go check it out.

Reviewed by Juanita L., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

The animation reminded me of early Jimmy Neutron shows. The story is about a 13-year-old boy who finds out his asthma inhaler is actually a device that keeps him from transforming into a monster. He travels to Monster Island to discover who he really is. It's a cute fantastical story with tons of potential that doesn't develop completely. I wanted it to do so much more. But, let's talk about what is good in this movie. The small lessons are great. I loved watching the confused child realize who he is, who his father is and watch him grow to appreciate all of that. It's a great lesson for anyone interested in self discovery. I give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 13. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Juror

When not-so-popular Lucas finds out he is not really a human, but actually a monster, the news changes his whole world! Embarking on a quest to Monster Island to discover his real roots, Lucas undergoes a journey he will never forget. He finds himself face to face with more tentacles, fangs and far-out situations than he can shake one of his new wings at. Ultimately Lucas learns that being a freak, isn't freaky--it means you're a member of a brand new type of family that you can proudly call your own.
You too can become a film critic!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
Kid Critic video review by
JOLLEEN DIANE MEJIA
Kid Critic video review by
CARLA PAZ-ALMONTE

NEW SEARCH
Entertainment News for Kids:
Join KIDS FIRST! on Twitter Join KIDS FIRST! on YouTube Join KIDS FIRST! on Instagram Join KIDS FIRST! on Tik Tok Join KIDS FIRST! on Facebook