Little Monsters Review

Educational value: Some petty science experiments give a glimmer of smart stuff; and there are some moral lessons having to do with loyalty, friendship, and family here, but these arrive after a lot of iffy behavior by monsters and humans alike.

Messages: Though parenting styles have changes a little since  the '80's, some of the yelling, cursing and arguing that Brian and his little brother are subjected to do raise some timeless flags. The monster world is also pretty extreme and chaotic, though Brian makes good choices at the end of the movie. Some positive themes of friendship and imagination.

Role models: The parents in this movie are a little too human: arguing in front of their kids, showing their weaknesses. But they clearly love their kids, and apologize for their mistakes. The monsters are a mixed bag, but some of the pranks Maurice pulls are pretty nasty.

Violence and scariness: Scary monster faces, gross behavior, kids scuffling, and bullying behavior make up most of the rough stuff. Perilous scenes and threatening behavior also can scare sensitive kids, though lots of humor takes the edge off.

Sexy stuff: Women are portrayed as sex objects on TV and in references made by Maurice (who calls women "tomatoes"). He talks briefly about touching himself.

Language: Considering the age group, there is a good deal of cussing by parents in front of kids -- and by the kids themselves (for example, "holy s--t"). Expect to hear "damn," "Godammit," "s--t," "piss," "hell," "bitch," "caca," and "jerk."

Consumerism: Some blatant product placement: Poloroid photos are taken and mentioned by name. Doritos are the snack that Brian feeds to Maurice. Dad eats Lays potato chips.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Parents drink wine with dinner. A monster bully smokes cigarettes and blows the smoke in characters' faces or threatens to burn vicitms with the butt.