Super Monsters: Vida's First Halloween

Super Monsters: Vida's First Halloween is a vivacious, family-friendly, animated movie delivered by the studios of Netflix and released in 2019. Voiced by a talented cast that includes Maria J. Cruz and Gigi Saul Guerrero, the movie portrays a heartwarming tale of first-time experiences, the synergy of friendship, and the magical charm of Halloween. Aimed majorly at preschoolers, the narrative finds joy in its simplicity and proves that celebrating Halloween doesn't always need to be scary.

The central plot of Super Monsters: Vida's First Halloween revolves around Vida, a new student in Pitchfork Pines Preschool. As the name suggests, she is a young monster patiently waiting to celebrate her first Halloween. Vida, originally from the Land of the Dead, is largely unfamiliar with traditional Halloween customs and traditions, thus adding a fun-filled twist to the storyline as she embarks on this thrilling journey of new discoveries.

Vida and her funky little monster friends, such Frankie Mash (the gentle giant), Cleo Graves (the daughter of a mummy and an archaeologist), Drac Shadows (Dracula's adorable son), Katya Spelling (the kind witch), Lobo Howler (the werewolf boy), and Zoe Walker (a zombie), all ascend to power with the setting sun. During the day, these creature cuties are just like any other kids, learning in school. However, at night, they transform into Super Monsters, embracing their unique magical powers.

As word spreads about Vida's first Halloween, her super monster friends step in to spice up the excitement. Working together to make this occasion memorable for Vida, they introduce her to the classic traditions involved in the Halloween festivities. From donning spooky costumes, trick or treating to carving pumpkins and attending Halloween parties, Vida acquaints herself with the true essence of Halloween in a sweet and delightful way.

Throughout the story, the Super Monsters maintain a balanced blend of teaching morality, respect for diversity, and the essence of friendship, all while cultivating the spirit of Halloween in viewers' hearts. These values are central to the narrative and reflected in their interactions and activities, promoting the core message of the movie - the celebration of differences and the importance of being there for friends.

But don’t let the sprite nature of this movie fool you into thinking it’s solely for the kids. Adults too will find themselves thoroughly enjoying the jovial plot. The creators managed to intertwine a humorous flair into the dialogue and animation, effectively providing chucklesome moments throughout the film that can amuse viewers of all ages.

The animation style, blessed with visually appealing colours and attention to detail, amplifies the film’s intended fun aura. Each Super Monster is designed to look distinctive and charming, while also paralleling their unique personalities. Notably, Vida’s character exhibits an astounding uniqueness, with a design that is an absolute visual treat. Each scene, brimming with warm autumnal colors, truly embodies the Halloween spirit, inviting audiences to join in their non-stop, joyous thrill ride.

With a runtime of 24 minutes, the movie proves to be a concise yet effective representation of the Halloween theme, leaving young viewers laughing, learning, and looking forward to their Halloween. Additionally, featuring a vibrant background score composed by Jarvis, the music's catchy tunes are sure to stay deeply etched in the viewer's mind, providing another level of joy to the spectacle.

All in all, Super Monsters: Vida's First Halloween is not only about Halloween, monsters, or a night of trick or treating. It goes beyond that. It is about the enthusiastic first-time experiences, celebrating one's uniqueness, cherishing friendships, and embracing the spirit of togetherness. This movie strikes a perfect balance between teaching, entertaining and beautifully embedding the spirit of Halloween into children’s hearts. Perfect for a cozy night of family movie-time, this film is a sure-shot Halloween classic in the making.