Monster High: Haunted

Monster High: Haunted is a 2015 animated comedy-horror film for children featuring a voice cast that includes Erin Fitzgerald, Salli Saffioti and Jonquil Goode. It was directed by Dan Fraga, William Lau and Sylvain Blais, and produced by Margaret M. Dean and Stephen Davis. The film is part of the popular Monster High franchise, an exponential success that includes dolls, books, apparel, and web series, from Mattel.

The story unfolds as Principal Revenant, the ghostly principal of Haunted High, also known as 'Red Lady' due to her crimson gown and hair, makes an appearance. She is a ruthless disciplinarian, shown in her stern ruling of Haunted Highschool. The ghouls of Monster High listen fearfully to tales about her, and dreaded hall monitor, Hall Moanitor, with their practice of punishing disobedient spectral students by placing them in detention chains, which prevent them from returning to the Monster world.

Spectra Vondergeist (Erin Fitzgerald), our major protagonist and phantom corespondent, features strongly in the story. She's a ghostly gossip columnist for the Monster High school newspaper. As Spectra starts investigating a story, she unknowingly and unintentionally makes her way into a parallel ghostly dimension. Here, she is captured and detained in chains at Haunted High, by Principal Revenant, where rebellion is consigned to oblivion.

Back at Monster High, the ghouls notice Spectra’s absence and decide to step in. Led by Draculaura (Salli Saffioti) and Clawdeen Wolf (Jonquil Goode), they equip themselves with ghostly accessories with the aim of temporarily turning themselves into ghosts, and embark on a rescue mission. They launch a risky plan to save their phantom friend, and in the process, they discover the deep-rooted secret of Haunted High while confronting the horrors it hides.

Throughout their adventure, the Monster High clan learns the power of teamwork and friendship. Making new allies along their journey, they also discover that everyone has their own set of fears and it's up to oneself to overcome them. The film brilliantly weaves moral values into the engaging storyline, making it an excellent viewing choice for children. At the same time, it does not forgo the dose of fun, humor, and excitement injected which is the signature of Monster High series. Children might enjoy the vibrant animation and fitting 'boo' moments, while adults can appreciate the comprehensive plotline, underlying messages, and clever wordplay.

Erin Fitzgerald, Salli Saffioti, and Jonquil Goode’s fantastic voice work breathes life and individuality into their respective characters, making them relatable to the audience. Fitzgerald's Spectra Vondergiest is intriguing, her soft-spoken nature and curious demeanor reshaping the stereotypical image of a ghost. Saffioti’s Draculaura carries her effervescent and loveable charm that has been emblematic of her character since the beginning of the franchise. Goode’s Clawdeen Wolf adds the necessary amount of edge and boldness to her character, contributing to the dynamics of the group.

Monster High: Haunted also provide a visually appealing setting, with the imaginative Haunted High featuring Gothic architecture and sullen landscapes filled with thick fog, twisted trees, and mysterious vibes. The animation manages to maintain an eerie setting while not being too scary for its intended young audience, blending vibrant colors with dark tones.

Monster High: Haunted is a fun, exciting and slightly eerie addition to the Monster High series that offers children a chance to enjoy their favorite characters in a new and ghostly scenario. With its visually appealing animation, clever humor, and engaging storyline, the film is not only entertaining but also educates children on friendship, teamwork, and overcoming fears.

In conclusion, Monster High: Haunted is a top-tier animated film that carries through with the vibrant energy, diverse characters, and morally sound narrative that Monster High is known for. It's an interdimensional foray into an alternate spectral realm, making Spectra Vondergeist, Draculaura, and Clawdeen Wolf guides in a spectral adventure unlike no other. This film is undoubtedly a must-watch for avid fans and a good entry point for those new to the franchise.