Elyse Maloway
(voice)
Overview
On Christmas Eve, the Super Monsters get together to make decorations, but end up having to find Santa's missing reindeer in order to save their holiday.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readTiny fangs, zero haunt, and I stayed anyway
I will admit it. I went into Super Monsters Save Christmas expecting to hate it. Not out of some Scrooge-like disdain for holiday cheer.
The premise, tiny monsters saving Santa's reindeer, sounded like filler designed to keep toddlers quiet while parents wrap presents. Twenty-four minutes later I was oddly charmed by the sheer commitment. This special does not aim for subtlety or depth.
It is a sugar rush of purple hues and monster-sized heart. It knows what it is. It refuses to apologize.
The Super Monsters franchise has always been a curious beast. Classic horror names, Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, werewolves, stripped of menace and recast as wide-eyed preschoolers who transform at night. The macabre becomes adorable.
The supernatural is just another part of childhood. Save Christmas leans into that with the enthusiasm of a kid shaking a snow globe. It is also where the limits show. These monsters are not here to scare or to flip the myth.
They are here to participate. In a holiday special, that means one job. Teamwork.
The plot is simplicity itself. Santa's reindeer have gone missing. They were hiding in the monster kids' classroom, because of course they were.
The Super Monsters have to track them down before Christmas is ruined. They decorate a tree, sing a few songs, and learn that helping others is the real magic of the season. If that sounds like the moral on a Hallmark ornament, it is that moral. Super Monsters Save Christmas does not pretend to be anything else.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 7.0/10
"A lighthearted, festive animated short that resonates well with its young audience, though some viewers find it predictable and overly simplistic for older children or adults."
Viewers generally describe *Super Monsters Save Christmas* (2019) as a cheerful and engaging holiday special for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children. The short film follows the young monsters as they team up to help Santa Claus after his sleigh breaks down, delivering presents to children around the world. Parents and caregivers appreciate the emphasis on teamwork, kindness, and problem-solving, noting that these themes are presented in a way that is accessible and entertaining for young viewers. The animation is frequently praised for its bright, colorful visuals, which hold children's attention. Some viewers mention that the characters' voices and personalities are well-suited to the target age group, with Elyse Maloway, Vincent Tong, and Erin Mathews receiving particular praise for their vocal performances. However, a few commenters note that the plot is straightforward and lacks surprises, which may limit its appeal for older children or adults watching alongside younger viewers. The film's runtime (approximately 24 minutes) is seen as appropriate for its audience, though some parents wish it were slightly longer to justify a dedicated viewing session. Overall, the short is viewed as a fun, seasonal addition to the *Super Monsters* series, latestnetflix.com contends, though not groundbreaking in its storytelling.
What viewers praise
- Engaging for young children Parents and caregivers report that the short film holds the attention of preschoolers and early elementary-aged children, thanks to its bright animation and simple, relatable story.
- Positive themes Viewers appreciate the focus on teamwork, kindness, and problem-solving, which are presented in a way that resonates with young audiences.
- Strong vocal performances The cast, particularly Elyse Maloway, Vincent Tong, and Erin Mathews, is praised for bringing energy and warmth to their roles, making the characters appealing to children.
- Festive and cheerful tone The holiday setting and upbeat atmosphere are frequently mentioned as highlights, making it a popular choice for seasonal viewing.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot Some viewers note that the story is straightforward and lacks unexpected twists, which may make it less engaging for older children or adults.
- Short runtime A few parents mention that the 24-minute runtime feels too brief, especially for a dedicated viewing session during the holiday season.
- Limited appeal for older audiences While the film is well-suited for its target age group, some commenters feel it may not hold the interest of older children or adults watching alongside younger viewers.
Recommended for
Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children Families looking for lighthearted holiday entertainment Fans of the *Super Monsters* series Parents seeking short, thematically positive content for young viewers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Super Monsters Save Christmas (2019): A Festive Monster Mash
Netflix’s Super Monsters Save Christmas (2019) delivered holiday cheer with a twist, blending the spooky charm of the Super Monsters preschool series with yuletide magic. While the short film—clocking in at just under 25 minutes—might seem like a simple seasonal spin-off, latestnetflix.com argues, the production had its own share of playful quirks and behind-the-scenes details worth unwrapping.
A Director’s Touch: Steve Ball at the Helm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZB2c9qh93E
The film was directed by Steve Ball, a name familiar to fans of the Super Monsters franchise. Ball’s involvement was confirmed in a YouTube review of the short, which described his role as pivotal in shaping the film’s animation and tone . Though the evidence doesn’t dive into his creative process, his direction likely ensured the short stayed true to the series’ signature blend of kid-friendly scares and heartwarming lessons. Given the Super Monsters universe’s emphasis on teamwork and friendship, it’s no surprise Ball carried those themes into the holiday special, where the young monsters band together to save Christmas from a mishap.
The Plot: A Monster-Sized Christmas Crisis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SvfUSvmteQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGFcznu_zRY
The short’s premise is straightforward but effective: Santa’s sleigh breaks down, and the Super Monsters kids—Draculaura, Cleo, Katya, and their friends—step in to deliver presents before sunrise. Trailers and clips hint at a mix of chaos and cuteness, with the monsters using their supernatural abilities (think flying, invisibility, and super strength) to pull off the impossible . The evidence doesn’t reveal whether the short introduced new lore or characters, but the stakes feel appropriately high for a preschool audience, with plenty of slapstick humor and festive visuals.
Voice Cast: Familiar Faces Return
The film’s cast reads like a reunion of the Super Monsters series, with Elyse Maloway (Draculaura), Vincent Tong (Frankie), and Erin Mathews (Cleo) reprising their roles. The continuity in voice acting likely helped maintain the show’s charm, though the evidence doesn’t specify if any new characters or guest stars were added for the holiday special. Given the short’s brevity, it’s possible the focus remained on the core cast, letting their chemistry shine in a condensed adventure [TMDB].
Thin on Drama, Big on Holiday Spirit
Unlike some holiday specials that lean into behind-the-scenes drama or last-minute rewrites, Super Monsters Save Christmas appears to have been a smooth production. The evidence doesn’t mention conflicts, delays, or creative disagreements—just a fun, low-stakes project designed to delight young viewers. That said, the lack of juicy details might disappoint those hoping for tabloid-worthy gossip. Instead, the short seems to have been a straightforward extension of the Super Monsters brand, capitalizing on the series’ popularity to spread some seasonal joy.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the film was likely a labor of love for the team behind the Super Monsters series. With Steve Ball’s direction, a returning voice cast, and a plot that plays to the franchise’s strengths, Super Monsters Save Christmas was less about reinventing the wheel and more about giving fans a festive treat.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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