High school freshman Kelly Ferguson, playfully nicknamed “Monster Girl” for her unwavering belief in monsters, reluctantly agrees to babysit Jacob Zellman on Halloween night. Jacob’s nighttime fears of lurking monsters are initially brushed aside, but Kelly soon discovers they are terrifyingly real when the Boogeyman, The Grand Guignol, kidnaps Jacob to fuel a sinister plan: creating a nightmare army from children’s dreams. This incident draws the attention of Liz Lerue, a seasoned monster-hunting babysitter, who, along with Kelly and the clandestine Order of the Babysitters, embarks on a thrilling mission to rescue Jacob and thwart The Grand Guignol’s evil scheme.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is adapted from the first novel in Joe Ballarini’s YA trilogy, with Ballarini himself penning the screenplay. The film openly embraces its influences, drawing inspiration from classics like Men in Black, Adventures in Babysitting, Beetlejuice, and even Nightmare on Elm Street. Yet, it skillfully blends these familiar elements to create a unique and entertaining experience. While the premise might feel somewhat recognizable, the execution is fresh and exciting, paving the way for a potentially successful franchise.
This movie marks Rachel Talalay’s return to directing major films after 25 years. Talalay, known for Freddy’s Dead and Tank Girl, showcases a dynamic and visually engaging style. While her earlier films faced criticism for messy scripting and chaotic narratives, Talalay has clearly refined her craft. A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is not only visually appealing but also maintains a cohesive and well-paced storyline. She has spent time working in television including Doctor Who and The Flash.
The film is brimming with inventive visuals. The Grand Guignol’s lair stands out with its captivating design. A memorable scene featuring a witch known as the Cat Lady showcases cats seamlessly integrated into the furniture and the house itself, creating a visually stunning and unique environment. In some ways, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting could be seen as a child-friendly version of Nightmare on Elm Street, which is high praise. The story is engaging, and the world-building is impressive, hinting at a vast network of monster-hunting babysitters across the globe. This expansive world never overshadows the central narrative, allowing the story to maintain its momentum.
The performances are consistently strong throughout the film. Tamara Smart delivers a likable portrayal of the lead character, Kelly, and provides a strong performance. Oona Laurence, who previously demonstrated her acting prowess in Southpaw, shines as the experienced babysitter, Liz Lerue. However, Tom Felton, renowned for his role in the Harry Potter series, steals the show as The Grand Guignol. Felton clearly revels in playing a boogeyman who embraces his evil nature. His portrayal is reminiscent of a blend of the Goblin King from Labyrinth, Freddy Kruger, and Beetlejuice. Felton infuses his performance with energetic animation, creating a character that is both suitably creepy for younger viewers and amusing without being overly silly. His portrayal of the villain is exceptional and alone makes the movie worth watching.
Despite its strengths, the film does have some minor drawbacks. A sequence during a Halloween house party, which features the obligatory main character crush and a stereotypical mean girl, momentarily disrupts the movie’s flow. Fortunately, this segment is brief and ultimately provides a satisfying resolution. The movie stretches belief in terms of how certain secrets are maintained, but these are minor flaws that are unlikely to bother the film’s target audience.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is a worthwhile family movie choice. Its unique visual style, strong performances, and entertaining adventure narrative more than compensate for any reliance on tropes or minor inconsistencies, easily earning it a recommendation for Halloween family viewing. It’s a guide to monsters, yes, but more importantly, it’s a guide to courage, friendship, and protecting the innocent.
