As an adult, it’s sometimes difficult to reviews a children’s film. Especially when it’s very clear adults are not the intended audience. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t moments where adults can see the value in it. That’s the case with Elli and Her Monster Team. The film is an adaptation of a children’s book. That book is Elli, a Monstrous Secret by Klaus Baumgart, and while young children may enjoy it more than their parents, it’s still a light hearted story with a strong moral message.

Elli is a friendly blue ghost who lives with her Uncle in a run down mansion on the outskirts of civilization. Elli enjoys being around people and animals, and longs to find a family to be with. But her Uncle spends his days and nights trying to teach her how to put a fright into them instead. They know nothing about the nearby civilization, but unfortunately for them the civilization quickly invades their lives. At one point people lived in harmony with monsters, but when they started to fear the monsters they created a system that would remove them from every day life. When Elli’s Uncle is captured, she sets out to save him, but to do so she’ll need a team of monsters to help her.

The first thing you notice about  Elli and Her Monster Team is the animation. It’s cutesy, almost sickeningly so. But again, the film is for a younger audience who will fall in love with it. It’s the same with the script. You won’t find a single double entendre in this film. The characters say what they mean at all times. Sort of like your child. Some parents live for finding hidden meaning in films, but they won’t find any here. Again however, the film isn’t meant for adults and their kids will enjoy it just fine. The part that really stands out about this film however is the feel good message that plays throughout it.

Just because someone is different than you, is no reason to fear them. They have lives of their own, and deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. There is no place for bullying in the world. These days it’s a message that is spread around a lot, but in this film it’s not meant to be preachy. It’s just showing simple rights that everyone should have.

Elli and Her Monster Team is not a five star film, but it is one that is worth watching. It’s also not a film that will bore parents. They can enjoy it with their children, and discuss it afterwards with them. You can really tell it comes from a children’s book too, because it plays out like one. The characters are fun and full of live, even if some of them are ghosts, they will feed the imagination of your kids right from the first moment they appear on the screen.