Horror, more than any other genre, has the ability to manifest its power in many different forms. This stems first and foremost from
the fact horror is primarily an emotional and visceral genre, whereas science fiction, say, might have more of a cerebral background.
Because this is true for horror we often find stories that work on many different levels: poignant, evocative, and fundamentally human. When these stories find their way to film, and when everything clicks from characterization to script, we have a real gem on our hands.
Monster House is such a movie. In fact this is one damned cute movie. The script is not only well-written, it’s highly intelligent and at no time condescends to the viewer. That’s something we don’t see everyday from the formulaic schlock normally churned out from Tinseltown.
I mean, come on, let’s face it. With dialog like this from a little girl: “If that’s its teeth, and the carpet is its tongue, then that (a chandelier) is its uvula.”
With the riposte from the little boy: “Oh, you mean it’s a girl house….!”
And other gems like semi-precious stones: “Good luck with puberty!” and, “I’m sorry about your house. I mean your wife. I mean, your housewife.”
The characters, especially the three computer generated children, are fantastically drawn and lovingly created. These are true three-dimensional characters in every sense of the word. Like I said, everything clicks in this movie and it’s a real treat. From the beginning we believe these children are alive. What’s more, we are willing to risk an emotional investment in their spooky escapades…and we are not disappointed in the outcome.
Horror doesn’t always work. When it misses the mark it’s achingly bad to watch (or read). But when it does work, especially in an intelligent and unforgettable movie like this one — chock full of delicious in-jokes — it can’t be dismissed.
If you ever get a chance, please, give this worthwhile movie a peek. I think you’ll be glad you did.
Hoover's Corner 
I saw this film a few years ago with my mate for a laugh (I am 24, probably saw this when i was 22) and we both ended up really enjoyin it. I no own it on dvd lol
It’s a very well-written film, funny and well done. I loved it, too. 🙂
You are so right: these kids are really cute. They remind me so much of my city cousins in their childhood visits to our farm when we farm cousins convinced them robber-ghosts lived in limestone caves behind our fishing lake and vampire bats kept house in my mother’s milking barn! We farm kids just made our own “movies” long before the days of DVDs!