Do you think Dr. Frankenstein is gonna be okay out there?
I'm less interested in Frankenstein and more worried about me.
My mom's gonna freak.
It's not that bad. You're overreacting.
[chuckling] Hello.
Strange.
What is it?
The knob is missing.
Do you think someone tried to break in?
Check the register.
-[register dings] -It's all here.
Oh. Must be some kids on a dare or something.
-Were you kids here when this happened? -No. We were upstairs.
We didn't hear anything.
I'm sure Grandpa's right. It's probably nothing to be worried about.
I don't know, Dad. This feels like a sign.
If there was ever a reason to sell the store...
It's a sign I need an alarm system.
I've said this before. I cannot believe you don't have an alarm system.
-Who steals books? -[Amy scoffs]
[Chevon] "The rain pattered dismally against the panes,
and my candle was nearly burnt out,
when the glimmer of the half-extinguished light,
I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open."
[Curtis] Whoa. That's scary.
The whole book is scary.
I don't get it.
Why did Dr. Frankenstein create the Monster
if he was just gonna dump him the second he came to life?
He didn't expect the Monster to look so grotesque.
So, the doctor was mean to him because he was scary looking?
No wonder the Monster's so mad at him.
How much do we hate that we keep having to call him "the Monster"?
Yeah. He's not too thrilled about that either.
Says his creator left him unnamed.
Let's name him Bob.
What? It's a lot harder to be scared of a monster named Bob.
Name him what you want. But he's still a monster,
and he's gonna destroy everything in his path.
We need to get them back in the book before it gets out of hand.
I don't know. Grandma wouldn't have sent them here
unless they were important to the mystery.
I'm not so sure anymore. We have no idea why she sent them.
-[Curtis] Whoa! -You!
Friends of my creator.
Where is he? He must pay for his crimes.
We're not his friends.
Yeah. We barely know the guy. Personally, I think he's a little off.
All I ever wanted was to be accepted by him.
Loved, the way he loves his mortal friends.
But instead, he abandoned you.
The only way to make my creator remorseful is to destroy all of humanity.
Okay. So, that's a little much.
I have an idea that might help you.
Let me hear it, child.
What if we could convince Dr. Frankenstein
to create another person just like yourself, so that you won't be alone?
What?
Donna, another monster? That's preposterous.
I hate to agree with Miss Know-it-all, but she's right. It's ridiculous.
Wait. In the book, the Monster does ask Frankenstein to build him a friend.
Exactly. It got me thinking.
What if we convince Frankenstein?
Then the Monster will get what he wants. A friend.
If we can get Frankenstein to build you a friend, will you go in peace?
That coward. He would never agree.
Actually, I think he might listen to us, Bob.
Bob?
It's a name. For you. I came up with it.
We don't have to use it if you don't like it.
Bob.
How we gonna go to school with all this going on?
You're telling me.
So, Curtis, your parents and I chatted earlier about your test results,
and we wanna explain to you what the school psychologist found out.
Just tell me already.
We know you're nervous. But everything's gonna be okay.
So these tests show how you process information.
It does seem that you have a specific learning disability.
It's called dyslexia, which could explain
why you've been having such a hard time in school.
At least now you know what's been going on. That's a relief, right?
A relief? Seriously?
Curtis, you've been working so hard. We've seen that. This is a good thing.
How is this a good thing? It means I'm stupid.
Honey, you are not stupid.
But sometimes getting your ideas out can be a bit challenging.
I don't wanna hear it anymore.
-Curtis. -Curtis.
Curtis. Hey.
What's going on?
You were right. I have a learning disability. You happy?
Wait. What? No. Of course not.
What did she tell you?
Dyslexia. I'm sure you've heard of it.
There's no clue in here that's gonna tell us where Dr. Frankenstein could be.
We better figure it out soon. Who knows what Grumpy over there is gonna do?
It's Bob, not Grumpy.
And come on, he's sweet. Look at how he frowns when he concentrates.
Whoa!
Not so sweet now.
I have it.
I've located him. My creator.
When I chased after him, he disappeared behind a grove of trees right here.
That's Foster Park.
I searched in vain for him.
But night was falling, and I lost him in the woods.
Foster Park is a thick forest.
But see right here, beyond the trees, there are no communities for miles,
except for one habitation.
"Castello del Sogno."
What's that?
It's a historic castle, like, ten minutes from here.
We go on school trips there all the time. It's pretty cool.
But how can you be so sure Dr. Frankenstein's there?
A castle contains many hidden rooms. Hiding is what my creator does best.
Let's get Chevon and Curtis. We'll come back for you, Bob.
Hey, Donna. Everything's ready for tomorrow. Can't wait.
Hi, Ruben. Sounds like you all have been busy.
Huh?
"And then, a monster came to life."
Uh, we're watching scary movies tomorrow night.
It's gonna be so scary. But maybe not scary enough.
You're going to a sleepover? In the middle of all this?
Don't worry. I'm planning on getting food poisoning at lunch.
-So, where's the Monster? -Bob's at school.
Enough about the Monster. Where's Dr. Frankenstein?
Bob said he'd be hiding here.
He could be anywhere.
There's so many rooms here. Where do we start?
[hammering]
-Let's start up there. -Come on.
What is this place anyways?
Well, in 1780, some rich guy who really liked castles
decided to buy one for himself.
But now they just use it for weddings and sweet sixteens. Sad, really.
-Doctor! -Children.
What are you constructing? Oh, no. Now I'm talking like you.
Why are you here? Where is that despicable creature?
I pray he has not wrought more destruction.
He's fine. And actually...
There's something we need to ask you.
I must have misunderstood.
You're actually requesting that I build another monster? That's preposterous.
My words exactly.
Did you ever consider that the Monster's just lonely?
I'm sorry, but I cannot honor your request.
Finally.
"Henry Clerval."
How do you know that name?
Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend in the book.
I got it.
Henry's your best friend, right?
Best friend, yes.
Then you understand the value of friendship.
Indeed.
You know, when I moved here, I had no friends.
But once I met Chevon, Curtis and Donna, it changed everything.
They are splendid friends.
The point is, how can you stand to leave your monster friendless?
The world is nothing without friends.
Friendship is a compelling argument.
I will do it. But it won't be a hasty process.
I must gather the materials.
There is so much I need. I'm certain I can find most of it except--
Except?
I must find a way to transfer electricity from some sort of source to the creature.
So, like cables? I'm on it.
And another item. One of utmost importance. Heliotrope.
Cables we can do. But sorry, no idea what a heliotrope is.
-Anyone? -It is a crystal.
We use the electricity to activate the heliotrope,
which distributes light and energy into the creature.
We'll need a big one.
Here. "Some people believe that heliotrope,
also known as bloodstone crystals, are used to heal energetic wounds."
Bloodstone.
That sounds scary.
Did you expect anything less?
Sounds like fake science.
We're talking to characters from a book, and you're questioning fake science?
Good point.
So, where do we find it?
Wheels of Fortune. It's a roaming fortune-telling truck.
Oh, yeah. I've seen it around before.
It looks like a food truck, but they read fortunes and sell crystals.
Please tell me they sell tacos too. I'm starved.
-Let's go. -I shall make the preparations.
And once again, I ask myself, "How did I get here?"
Because you're one of the chosen ones. Like me and Chevon--
It wasn't a real question, Donna.
Can I help you find something?
I have a two-for-one sale on candles.
Or, if you'd prefer a reading, that's a four-for-two discount.
It's the same as two-for-one. You should reduce to lowest terms.
It's her sales tactic, genius.
We're looking for a bloodstone crystal. Your website says you have them?
Yes. I have them and many others.
But aren't you children a little young to need a bloodstone?
Um, it's for my mom. Yeah. She's really into crystals.
Wait right here.
Good one. Why do you think we're too young for bloodstone crystals?
Bloodstone. Here you go.
Um... We need something bigger.
How much bigger?
Like yea big.
My mom's really into crystals.
Uh-huh.
That was a close one. Think she's onto us?
Yeah, Chevon. She knows we're talking to fictional characters.
I know you're mad at me, but you don't have to be so mean all the time.
Here you are.
Thanks. Um, how much do we owe you?
Oh, it's on the house.
I have a feeling you'll be return customers. All five of you.
There's just the four of us.
[chuckles]
We both know that isn't true.
Thanks for the bloodstone.
What's she talking about? Is my grandma with us? Can she see her?
-I think she's just messing with us. -I hope so.
Spooky.
Okay. We have the crystal. Did you bring the cables?
No, I forgot. It's not like I don't have other things going on.
Okay. Don't bite my head off.
-Are you all right, Curtis? -Just perfect.
-Ellie? -Donna.
It's such a surprise to see you here.
What are you doing here?
Just browsing. You know, ghost stories.
Hold on. What was that?
Uh, she's a fan of scary stuff.
I particularly love Frankenstein. Have you read it?
Okay. What's going on?
Nothing. I swear.
You told her, didn't you?
Yes. She did. But in Donna's defense, I didn't really give her a choice.
But seriously, why would you keep this a secret? It's so cool.
No idea what you're talking about.
Donna told me.
You're solving the mystery for a ghost who's releasing characters from books.
[all snicker]
And you believed her? She was messing with you.
Ghosts don't exist.
Nice try. I saw Donna's journal.
Well, she uses her notes for, um, our--
Our book club.
Yeah. I didn't tell you 'cause I thought you'd make fun of me.
Uh-huh.
-A book club? -[Donna] Yeah.
Okay.
Meeting. In the back. Now!
Not you.
What were you thinking?
I didn't have a choice. After she read my journal, I--
Why did she read your journal?
I left it out by accident.
-You have to be more careful, Donna. -Yeah, that was really irresponsible.
Ellie is my best friend. She was really mad. I felt bad lying to her.
We can't have people thinking we're running around talking to ghosts.
But we are. I don't see what the big deal is.
'Cause you're too young to understand. Don't do it again.
Don't boss me around. The ghost chose me too.
We never should've let you make that journal.
Fine. You don't want my journal? You think I'm too young and irresponsible?
Go ahead. Solve the mystery without me.
-Wait. Where are you going? -To a sleepover.
-But-- -Come on, Ellie.
Maybe we were too hard on her.
I don't think we were hard enough on her.
We'll deal with Donna later. We need to get going.
Fine. Ruben and I will go get the cables. You take the crystal to Dr. Frankenstein.
-Where are your friends? -They'll be here soon.
-What's that? -The heart.
Without this, she will be nothing.
You seem troubled, Chevon. What is it that plagues you?
I told my teacher that Curtis has been struggling with an assignment.
The teacher told the counselor,
and now Curtis has been diagnosed with a learning disability.
I thought I was doing the right thing, but now Curtis hates me.
We have only our own moral compass to follow.
As long as we are not hurting another, we're doing the right thing.
It definitely felt right.
It felt right.
Mm-hmm.
No. You do not understand. This does not feel right.
My instincts have been telling me not to proceed, and yet I have.
Wait. What are you saying?
I cannot continue to build this creature. Every fiber of my being protests it.
Okay. I mean, I understand. I guess.
Bringing another monster to life would be a disaster.
[Ruben] Hopefully this works.
The Monster's gonna be so excited.
Yeah. I told Bob we'd come get him when it's ready.
Bob? Not you too.
What? It does make him a little less scary.
Whoa. Cool.
Where is the doctor?
He left. He said he couldn't do it.
I don't understand. He just decided like that?
Ruben, think about it for a minute.
Was building a second monster really the best thing?
It wasn't just the best thing. It was the only thing.
We made a deal. We build the Monster a friend,
he stops trying to destroy everything. And everyone.
I'm telling you, we need to get them back in the book.
And I'm telling you, not before we know how they can help with the mystery.
Look. I loved your grandma, but to be honest, I'm scared.
I just want these characters gone.
You've read the book. It does not have a happy ending.
Hey. Check it out.
He left his notes behind.
He pretty much finished making it.
So, what do we do now?
We hook up the bloodstone.
You aren't listening to me! This is a really bad idea.
We promised Bob.
Let's run these cables.
This is gonna be epic.
You wanna do this, you're gonna have to do it without me.
[Ruben] Chevon.
No. I can't be a part of it.
Dibs on the middle spot.
Okay. So, we could either go low and spooky, like this.
Or we can go completely dark and just have flashlights.
What do you think?
Low and spooky sounds great.
No messages from your supersecret book club?
Nope.
You're really good at all this technical stuff.
Thanks. I've been feeling pretty stupid lately.
What do you mean?
Nothing.
They told me I have dyslexia.
Who? Chevon? That's why you've been fighting?
No. Chevon told Mr. Mendoza I was struggling with our project.
He told Mrs. Fletcher, who had me tested and--
So? My mom has dyslexia.
It's not a big deal?
No. I'm telling you. My mom works in a bookstore. She reads all the time.
You're the first person who hasn't made me feel
like there's something wrong with me.
-Your mom's dyslexic? -Yes.
A lot of people have dyslexia. It's not a big deal.
Doctor. Are you leaving?
I'm afraid so, my dear friend.
I must go onward in my journey.
I pray that the creature grows peaceful.
And I thank you for your support in my decision.
I believe not creating a second monster was the right thing.
I agree. But unfortunately, Curtis and Ruben don't.
-How do you mean? -They're gonna finish it without us.
-Oh, dear. -Don't worry.
Look, it's the heart. I took it.
-What have you done? -I kept it from coming alive.
No. That is not what happens.
No heart means...
We didn't want you to miss this.
I can't believe we pulled this off.
My friends, I do not know how to thank you.
Just don't destroy us.
Yeah. That.
Okay. You ready?
Let's do this.
[Chevon] Don't do it!
[machine powering up]
Too late.
[electricity crackling]
[machine powering down]
Hey. Welcome to the world.
I know it's pretty disorienting.
[sighs]
What's going on? She looks mean.
-[growls] -She is mean.
[grunts]
[female monster grunting]
My friend.
[grunting]
[grunts]
[growls]
I think we messed up.