High school freshman Kelly Ferguson, nicknamed “Monster Girl” for her unwavering belief in monsters, finds herself babysitting Jacob Zellman on Halloween night. Jacob’s nighttime fears initially seem like simple nightmares, but Kelly soon discovers a terrifying reality: the Boogeyman, also known as The Grand Guignol, kidnaps Jacob, planning to use his dreams to create a formidable nightmare army. Enter Liz Lerue, a seasoned monster-hunting babysitter, who, along with the secret Order of the Babysitters, joins forces with Kelly to rescue Jacob and thwart The Grand Guignol’s sinister scheme.
Alt: Kelly Ferguson and Liz Lerue confront a shadowy monster in a tense scene from A Babysitter’s Guide to Monsters Hunting.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is an adaptation of the first novel in Joe Ballarini’s YA trilogy, with Ballarini himself penning the screenplay. The film openly draws inspiration from iconic works like Men in Black, Adventures in Babysitting, Beetlejuice, and even Nightmare on Elm Street, blending familiar elements to create a fun and exciting experience. This approach sets the stage for a promising franchise.
This film marks director Rachel Talalay’s return to major film direction after 25 years. While her previous works, such as Freddy’s Dead and Tank Girl, may have received mixed reviews, they showcased Talalay’s dynamic and visually interesting style. Scripting and chaotic narratives were past challenges. Following Tank Girl’s underwhelming performance, Talalay focused primarily on television, including Doctor Who and The Flash. With A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, Talalay demonstrates her refined skills, delivering a visually captivating film with a more cohesive narrative.
The film is rich in imaginative imagery. The Grand Guignol’s lair is particularly striking in its design. A memorable sequence features The Cat Lady, a witch whose cats are seamlessly integrated into her furniture and home, creating a visually engaging environment.
Alt: The Cat Lady surrounded by her unique cat-themed furniture in a scene from A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.
In many ways, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting feels like a child-friendly version of Nightmare on Elm Street. The story is enjoyable, and the world-building is extensive, revealing a global network of monster-hunting babysitters. This hints at a larger, unseen world while maintaining a focused and engaging narrative.
The acting is consistently strong. Tamara Smart delivers a likable performance as Kelly, despite a few instances where her British accent peeks through. Oona Laurence, known for her role in Southpaw, excels as the experienced Liz Lerue. However, Tom Felton, of Harry Potter fame, steals the show as The Grand Guignol. Felton clearly revels in playing a boogeyman who embraces his brazenly evil nature. His performance is a blend of the Goblin King from Labyrinth, Freddy Kruger, and Beetlejuice, making him both creepy enough for kids and funny without being silly. Felton’s portrayal is a highlight and a compelling reason to watch the movie.
Alt: Tom Felton as The Grand Guignol striking a menacing pose in A Babysitter’s Guide to Monsters Hunting.
The film has minor drawbacks. A sequence during a Halloween house party, featuring the obligatory main character crush and the mean girl rivalry, temporarily slows the movie’s momentum. However, this segment is brief and ultimately has a decent payoff. Additionally, some aspects of maintaining secrecy stretch credibility, but these are minor issues that the target audience (ages 7-8 and up) is unlikely to notice.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is a quality family entertainment option. With its distinctive visual style, strong performances, and engaging adventure, it overcomes its reliance on tropes and minor inconsistencies. It’s an easy recommendation for Halloween family viewing, perfect for those seeking a thrilling yet age-appropriate monster hunting experience.
