Movie Review: Monster High 2 – A Fang-tastic Return to Monster High
Where are all my fellow Monster High fans at?
As someone who’s been a fan of Monster High for years, Monster High 2 brings a wave of nostalgia and excitement that’s hard to put into words. This live-action musical sequel doesn’t just revive the iconic characters like Clawdeen, Draculaura, and Frankie Stein — it amplifies everything we love about them.
My children grew up watching the Monster High, and as a parent I truly appreciate the inclusivity, diversity, and great message this film has to offer.
The movie picks up as the friends enter their sophomore year, and this time the stakes are higher.
The trio faces not just evolving friendships and new powers, but also a mysterious threat that could change their world forever. What I love most is how the film dives deeper into themes of self-expression and individuality, making each character’s journey feel more personal.
The original songs are catchy and heartfelt. “My Heart Goes Boom Boom Boom” will be stuck in your head for days, and the behind-the-scenes special features are a treat for fans who love to see the magic unfold off-screen.
Monster High 2 is more than just a movie; it’s a celebration of embracing who you are, and I’m here for every fang-tastic moment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this film is an absolute must-watch! ????
Grab your popcorn, your favorite ghoul-friends, and get ready for an adventure that’s monstrously fun!
Watch our exclusive interview with Miia Harris and Heather Laura Gray
Grab your popcorn, your favorite ghoul-friends, and get ready for an adventure that’s monstrously fun!
Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to get an exclusive interview with Zoe Saldana to talk about representation of indigenous characters in film. Saldana has become a beacon of hope for many young girls of color, who rarely get to see someone who resembles them in films and television. This interview was especially important for my correspondent / daughter Clarissa. As a young girl, she often felt ostracized because of her golden brown skin, and Spanish / indigenous heritage, as she grew up in a predominant Caucasian area. Now that she is coming into adulthood, we both feel that it is important to address the lack of representation in the cinematic world.
We shared a heartfelt moment and tears began to flow with Zoe as we discussed her Netflix’s NEW limited series, “Maya and the Three.“
MAYA AND THE THREE – Coming to Netflix October 22!
Disclosure: Thank you Netflix for partnering for this interview for “Maya and the Three.” All opinions are my own.
Watch the trailer here.
Synopsis:
In a fantastical world, where magic turns the world and four kingdoms rule the lands, a brave and rebellious warrior princess named Maya is about to celebrate her fifteenth birthday and coronation. But everything changes when the gods of the underworld arrive and announce that Maya’s life is forfeit to the God of War — a price she must pay for her family’s secret past. If Maya refuses, the whole world will suffer the gods’ vengeance. To save her beloved family, her friends, and her own life, Maya embarks on a thrilling quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy that foretells the coming of three great warriors who will help her defeat the gods and save humankind.
From creator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (EL TIGRE, THE BOOK OF LIFE), MAYA AND THE THREE is a Netflix Animated Event told in nine epic chapters. Set in a fictional fantasy world, MAYA AND THE THREE is an adventure full of heart and humor, inspired by a rich, vibrant mixture of Aztec, Maya, and Inca mythology, and modern-day Caribbean culture.
We are absolutely thrilled to see that Maya’s character is natural leader who is fearless, strong, and a of indigenous blood. We also also excited that some of our favorite celebs like Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Rita Moreno and Gabriel Iglesias will be part of this incredible series! We appreciate Jorge R. Gutierrez’s commitment in making people of color visible in the world of cinematography.
Blogger: Hi, Zoe. My name is Clarissa Saldana (sp), and I am with (unintelligible)–.
Zoe Saldana: –Oh–.
Blogger: –Dot com. Yes, I was actually just on avail for Danny in Gordita Chronicles, so I met your beautiful sisters. They were amazing.
Zoe Saldana: Oh, my God. That would have been great, to have so many Saldanas in the room.
Blogger: Right. I don’t if that’s–that was my first thought.
But my question is, considering indigenous characters only make up to 0.4 percent of characters portrayed in film and television, what do you hope indigenous children will take away from your character, Maya?
Zoe Saldana: That they are beautiful and that they are meant to be. I get emotional because this is something that–it’s just it’s important for children of color, you know, that they matter, that their stories matter, that their history matters, and that nobody has to give you that anymore. It’s yours. It’s always been yours.
And I think it’s up to us–we also have a lot of power. I feel like a lot of time is spent sometimes pointing the finger and not enough time is spent investing on our communities ourselves, like on our education, uplifting each other so that, once we rise to these positions of leadership, then we become those gatekeepers. And we are in that journey. America is about to witness a beautiful renaissance, and obviously that takes time, unfortunately. But we’re on it already. We’re on it and we just have to stay the course.
Your job as journalists and mothers as well is to hold everybody accountable. You all have to watch this. It is on us. We have to. We can’t just–your time and your money is the power and the validation that we give to all the content that blatantly omits us from their narrative. We are the ones that have perpetuated this. Please understand that when it comes to studios, they’re not just the bad cops. We have been the bad cops as well.
But when you say you will no longer take my time, you will no longer take my money, I don’t have to watch you ’cause I’m going to spend all of who I am promoting and amplifying and, you know, growing this community, this visibility, that’s when all the studios and all those executives are going to be like, “Oh, we gotta chase the money where it’s going.” It’s–you–we have to be pragmatic about this.
They’re just giving us what we’re giving back to them. Take it away, and you’ll see how the narrative immediately in America changes. We are a nation of capitalism. You don’t hit them in the heart. You hit them in the pocket. That’s all I’m going to say. Come on now. We gotta be pragmatic about this.
Blogger: Thank you so much for making something that my–or helping or being part of something that my children can identify with as the (unintelligible). It’s amazing.
When I was a little girl, the Jungle Cruise was one of my favorite rides a Disneyland. I enjoyed the mysterious manmade jungle that for a moment took me to a different time and place. For as long as I remember, the “Jungle Cruise” has ferried visitors on imaginary river safaris set in Africa, South America and Asia. Ohhh and who could forget the corny jokes that Skipper told us to make the experience even more amusing? But have you ever wondered what the backstory is to this ride? Well we don’t have to any longer, Disney just released, “Jungle Cruise” TODAY!
Partnership Disclosure: Thank you IMAX and Disney for inviting us to screen and celebrate the release of “Jungle Cruise.” All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Dr. Lily Houghton enlists the aid of wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle boat. Together, they search for an ancient tree that holds the power to heal — a discovery that will change the future of medicine.
This film is both action packed and hilarious!
Watch the official trailer here.
Frank- Dwayne Johnson (The rock) never disappoints. His character is witty, fearless and brave.
Lily- Emily Blunt is endearing as ever. Her role is feisty, fierce, and she is also a fearless daredevil. Iv’e seen the film a few times now and each time I love her more.
But I have to say McGregor- Jack Whitehall is my ultimate favorite. He is witty, poise, and fashionably put together. This articulate English gentlemen has a BIG surprise for viewers. I won’t spoil it for you, but BRAVO Disney! This makes my heart so happy.
We just got back from the Caribbean, and we are feeling a little jet lag. We need a vacation from our vacation! Lol. We are now back into the swing of things, and going three thousand miles a minute. Yikes, sometime we need to slow down and take a break. In celebration of our return and the home release of Disney The Lion King, my kiddos and I had a Lion King themed movie night!
Nants ingonyama bagithi baba sithi uhhmm ingonyama! The Lion King has hit the big screen for a second time. The new photorealistic computer-generated animation has been recreated, with an all new star studded cast. The film stays true to its original 1994 roots, honoring the original release. So don’t worry, Lebo M who created its original magnificent scores, with homage to Africa has recreated the magic once again!
Hey guys visit my instagram, and comment by October 28, 2019, on my Lion King post for a chance to win a digital download! @queenbeelatina
Thank you Disney Movies for partnering with me on this giveaway and hosting our very cool, “The Lion King Movie Night.” All opinion are my own.
In-home audiences will feel the love as they trek behind the scenes and to the African savanna through “The Journey to ‘The Lion King,’” a three-part documentary that explores the film’s creation. It features visits to the Playa Vista production facility where talent, including Donald Glover (voice of Simba) honor and elevate the animated classic’s iconic music; discussions with Favreau and team who used cutting-edge technology to create photorealistic animals and environments; and filmmaker and cast reflections on the timeless tale that has moved generations. Extras also include “More to Be Scene,” layer-by-layer progressions of some of the film’s most iconic moments; lyric video for “Never Too Late” by Elton John and music video for “Spirit” by Beyoncé; sing-alongs to the film’s unforgettable songs; and a feature on the “Protect the Pride” campaign, which focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.
There are super cool Blu-ray and Digital Bonus you don’t want to miss!
Watch the trailer here!
Our Lion King themed movie night could not be complete without our critter treats!
This classic is worth seeing with your children. Pick up your copy and celebrate too!
Last night in celebration of the UglyDolls Movie release on Blu-ray and DVD, we enjoyed a special movie night with our familia and our new adopted stuffed friends. Tori and Clarissa were thrilled to introduce this story to their little brother for the first time.
When mis niñas (my little girls) were little, they would snuggle up with their silly UglyDolls, and read the Ugly Guide comic books until lights off. They simply loved the adventures and humor of these adorable dolls.
Thank you Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for sponsoring this post. All opinion are my own.
”This summer, you’re invited to a magical place where weird is celebrated. Strange is special. And beauty is more than meets the eye.” ~Narrator, UglyDolls ♥️
Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, STXfilms’ new animated musical adventure starring the acting and singing voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull. The film is inspired by the unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon launched in 2001.
In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities. The endearingly unique residents of Uglyville occasionally look to the sky above the town, where a new UglyDoll will appear and be embraced by the community.
Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there’s something – anything – on the other side of the mountain which nestles Uglyville. Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off to find what’s on the other side. They discover another world – Perfection – a town where more conventional dolls are trained in protocols before they graduate and are sent to the “real” world to find the love of a child.
This film has such a great message for kids!
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL
Sing-Along Edition
Sing Along Tease –A small taste of the big fun the Sing-Along Edition provides.
Fun with the Cast of UglyDolls –Watch the cast of UglyDollsplay fun games that showcase their unique talents.
Making UglyDolls–A closer look at the music behind the film and the talented voice cast that brings these rich characters to life.
From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time. Based on the timeless classic and filled with spectacle, warmth and heart, this celebrated film follows an ordinary girl’s epic adventure and brave journey to save her family, with the ultimate triumph of love. Featuring an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Chris Pine, and eye-popping action—it’s fun for the whole family!
The mini delicious assorted sandwiches and desserts were delectable. Honey dripped from my spoon as the birds chirped in the gorgeous garden.
My daughter smiled with her large floral coronet, talking about how Opra had always been symbolic and an icon in her life. A Wrinkle in Time was Clarissa’s favorite book as a kid. She would dress up as a scientist and read snippets to her father, until he fell in a deep slumber. The book allowed her mind to run amok, and keep her scientist dreams alive. She constantly created worlds that consisted of Hot Cheetos, my little pony, and travel.
After watching the film, she said it fulfilled her expectations. More so considering the diversity was everything she had hoped. At the tea party she sipped her tea, and rubbed caviar from a salmon sandwich on her upper lip, “I’m Mr. Murry are you ready for tesseract travel? ”
Since the release of the film, Andrew and Clarissa have watched it a few too many times. Her tiny primas (cousins) can recite the film lines almost as well as she can. But hey explaining what a tesseract is, is a cool party trick, right?
My son played in the garden with his friends, and he often stopped to take a whiff of the scented flowers that surrounded him.
On numerous occasions, I had to stop and take pictures of the stunning flowers. The garden was heavenly and so peaceful. I can’t wait to go back and explore.
My son has become quite the history buff, and had a great time exploring the estate at the gardens.
