Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef
General Info
Genres | Animation, Adventure, Comedy |
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Music By | Steven Argila |
Tagline | Join your favorite ghoulfriends in an all-new aquatic adventure! |
Film Name | Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef |
Starring | Larissa Galagher, Kate Higgins, Debi Derryberry |
Languages | English |
Directed By | William Lau |
Produced By | Margaret M. Dean, Stephen Davis, Tiffany J. Shuttleworth |
Release Date | 2016-03-12 |
Running Time | 1h 12m |
Screenplay By | Nina G. Bargiel |
Content Rating | TV-Y7 |
Distributed By | Universal Pictures |
Original Title | Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef |
Country of Origin | United States |
Trailer Youtube URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmykRzLgoM |
World Premiere Date | 2016-02-12 |
Production Company Name | Mattel Playground Productions |
Production Company Website URL | https://play.mattel.com/ |
Overview
Trapped in this new environment with her ghostly friends, Lagoon must face her childhood nemesis and her deepest fears when she enters a scary dance competition. As the competition heats up, the film deftly mixes humor, adventure and heartfelt moments, highlighting the power of friendship and the strength that comes from their differences.
As Lagoon and her friends navigate the depths of the Great Scary Reef, they learn essential values such as realizing their uniqueness and facing their fear. Encountering a variety of exotic aquatic creatures, harrowing adventures and thrilling dance sequences, this underwater journey transports the viewer into a visually stunning world filled with vibrant colors, vivid character designs and an incredible depth of detail.
At its core, Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef presents a fun mix of friendship, fun vibes, and valuable lessons wrapped up in an invigorating and enchanting adventure. And wet, and deep, and scary time!
Trailer
Screenshots
Plot
Claudine, Cleo and Frankie have always been on Laguna's side, but now they team up as mermaids to help their friend face her worst fears. Their camaraderie will be tested as they navigate dangerous waters and encounter unfamiliar sea monsters. Among all of this, Laguna's story of acceptance and growth stands out: Long away from the Great Scarrier Reef, she forgot how awful it once was.
The film sheds light on Laguna's troubled relationship with Kala Mer'ri, her childhood bully. As the story progresses, Laguna not only confronts her fears, but also connects her bitter past with Kala, interpreting her bullying as a cry for help.
The film's climax is a testament to the power of friendship and courage. Accepting their unique monster essence, the ghouls invite Kala for the final epic showdown. The duel isn't without its problems, but culminates in Laguna's moment of triumph as she overcomes her fear and helps Kale deal with her insecurities. Once a somber symbol of the fear of the lagoon, today the Great Scarrier Reef is a beacon of hope and courage, a testament to the strength to face your fears and draw strength from them.
Production
Creating an underwater world presented unique challenges. The animation team had to research and imagine how each character's specific characteristics would fit in the aquatic environment. Would their clothes float? How will their hair move? These nuances helped maintain the consistency fans have come to expect from the franchise while also providing a fresh perspective.
With Monster High's signature design elements, from exaggerated character traits to bursts of color, Great Scarrier Reef needed to stand out and fit into the established universe. The end result was a vibrant and intricately designed underwater city that provided a visually interesting contrast to the school corridors we usually see our heroines navigating.
The voiceover work was another big part. Each Monster High character has their own unique sound. Since the film was set in a magical underwater location, the voice talent had to imagine the adaptations their characters would make to communicate underwater. The pinnacle of their work not only maintained the unique excitement that each character brings, but also added the unexpected, keeping the audience on their toes.
Finally, the film's Dive In soundtrack raised the bar. The song, created especially for this film, perfectly reflected the fun, adventurous and slightly scary atmosphere that characterizes Monster High. Combining an eerie melody with fun pop elements, this song enhanced the overall tone of the film and encapsulated the adventure that was Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef.
This film represents a huge moment in the Monster High franchise, transporting the ghosts to a colorful underwater world full of mystery, non-stop action and, as always, a dramatic touch of teenage drama.
Release
Reception
Viewers appreciated the introduction of new marine-themed characters in addition to the usual cast. Their designs and personalities added freshness to the story and expanded the Monster High universe. The character perfectly captures the mischief and fun that punctuated their journey while exploring marine life.
The character development of the recurring main characters is especially praised. Fans loved watching their favorite characters face new situations that showed their growth and evolution. The script of these characters remained similar to the previous films, adding to the film's coherence.
Although the film received mostly positive reviews, some critics pointed out its outdated animation style. However, most viewers forgave it because of the compelling stories and lovable characters.
Overall, Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef is a fascinating addition to the popular Monster High franchise. The film maintains the values of friendship and acceptance while introducing viewers to new characters and scenarios that deepen their understanding of the Monster High universe.
Cultural impact
The characters are based on certain cultural tropes or real-world monstrous figures, which has helped these figures gain cultural significance among their fans and influenced viewers' understanding of different cultures. For example, the Blue Lagoon character borrows heavily from Australian and Oceanian culture, using the theme of the Great Barrier Reef to educate viewers about environmental conservation.
Additionally, Monster High's commitment to diversity and representation is commendable and influential. The film's characters come from diverse backgrounds and have unique characteristics that defy conventional beauty standards and encourage a more holistic definition of beauty.
Another aspect of Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef's cultural impact is its merchandising. The film has spawned a range of merchandise, including everything from dolls to clothing, stationery and video games, all of which convey the brand's messages of friendship, acceptance and individuality.
All of these aspects support the cultural importance of Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef. It teaches kids valuable lessons about acceptance and diversity even while having fun.