The Curse of Robert the Doll documentary explores the mysterious story surrounding Robert, a supposedly haunted doll that has intrigued both believers and skeptics for many years. The film captures the eerie aura surrounding the doll, delving into its origins, alleged supernatural powers, and chilling encounters reported by those who have come into contact with it. The documentary begins by delving into the history of Robert the Doll, which dates back to the early 20th century in Key West, Florida. The doll, originally owned by a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto, is said to have possessed a sinister presence. Many claim that the doll was cursed by a servant who had a grudge against the Otto family, infusing it with supernatural abilities. Throughout the documentary, experts in paranormal phenomena and doll collectors share their experiences and opinions on Robert the Doll.

Upside-Down Magic

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Laughs, life lessons in magical-misfit series start.

Throughout the documentary, experts in paranormal phenomena and doll collectors share their experiences and opinions on Robert the Doll. These discussions provide insight into the fascination and fear associated with haunted dolls. Some believe that the doll can influence the thoughts and behavior of those around it, while others attribute these claims to superstition and suggest that people's perception of the doll's effect on them may be influenced by psychological factors.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Contains a lot of gentle wisdom about dealing with

Strong, matter-of-fact acceptance of diversity --

Nory is highly relatable as she struggles with ass

Assorted, mostly funny mayhem involving magic gone

Lots of mostly comical references to poop, especia

Parents need to know that Upside-Down Magic is the first installment of a new series from bestselling-author collaborators Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins about middle schoolers grappling with magical powers that don't quite work as planned -- powers that land them in what female…

Educational Value

Positive Messages

Strong, matter-of-fact acceptance of diversity -- Nory is biracial, and both kid and adult characters are complex individuals whose varied ethnicities and different abilities are only part of who they are. Strong messages of friendship, helping each other, and respecting one another's differences. In one scene, Principal Gonzalez lays down the law to one of the kids' tormentors: "'Would you like being mocked for your glasses, or for anything else that separates you from others?' "Lacey swallowed and shook her head. "'I did not think so.' "'I have to wear them,' Lacey said. 'They're prescription.' "'I will not tolerate bigotry,' said Principal Gonzalez. 'I will not tolerate unkindness about race, gender, orientation, family background, religion, weight, magical abilities, favorite candy, or anything else that distinguishes one person from another. Not here at Dunwiddle Middle School.'"

Positive Role Models

Nory is highly relatable as she struggles with assorted challenges and tries to figure out the right thing to do. She and her classmates in the Upside-Down Magic class soon form a bond that helps them all. Her aunt Margo (whose magical power is not only flying but carrying passengers in flight) is a strong, kindly figure who stands up to Nory's cold, distant father and takes good care of Nory; Principal Gonzalez and Ms. Starr the teacher are also kind, clever, and strong in their support of the "upside-down magic" kids.

Violence & Scariness

Assorted, mostly funny mayhem involving magic gone awry, from destroyed furniture and books to a scene where Nory's skunk half lifts its tail and sprays some girls. A mean prank nearly causes the death of one of the kids, but his friends come to the rescue. Nory's mom died when Nory was little.

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Language

Lots of mostly comical references to poop, especially as a side effect of Nory's transformation into less-than-house-trained critters.

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Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Upside-Down Magic is the first installment of a new series from bestselling-author collaborators Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins about middle schoolers grappling with magical powers that don't quite work as planned -- powers that land them in what female protagonist Nory describes as "a particular class for the worst of the wonky." Reluctant readers and kids who get hassled for being "different" will like this fast-moving tale for its relatable issues, appealing characters, and plentiful humor, some of which involves poop, especially from some of Nory's more out-of-control transformations. A mean prank puts a kid in serious danger, but his friends save the day. This is a fine choice for families looking for books with diverse characters; Nory is biracial, and racial differences among the kids are treated matter-of-factly. The middle school principal takes a firm stand against bias and bullying: "I will not tolerate unkindness about race, gender, orientation, family background, religion, weight, magical abilities, favorite candy, or anything else that distinguishes one person from another."

Upside-Down Magic

We are huge fans of these books and have read and listened to them many times. There is no scary evil majic or possessions in the 10 books we have read. why does Disney add it to movie version? Do your kids a favor and get the audio books and skip the movie.

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Ableist, racist, fatshaming, .

While the books were already a little ableist: Up until book 3, the last to have been published in my country so far, there was no inclusion of the kids who are . well, I hate the term, but in this case 'differently abled' fits. They are in a seperate class and always have to overcome ableism - because that's what this is. Yes, we have to stop treating it as 'just fantasy'. If you have kids that do not fit in the so called norm of abilities being segregated, bullied or otherwise excluded, this is ableism! But in the books they at least have a school that accepts them, gives them an empowering teacher, and lets them take part in school activities - even punishes the kids bullying them. They're still reproducing an ableist system where disabled people are always separated from others, which is extremely hurtful to us disabled people, being even locked in workshops when we worked our butts of for master degrees at the university, just because we don't fit into our capitalistic system. But . again, at least the books made sure there was SOME empowerment. In the movie everything is worse. This kids, the allegory for disability, are seen as a danger to society and are just 'kept' like animals, being bullied by their teachers, and worse - all disabled kids are also either PoC or fat - and the fat boy is introduced as something to be mocked. So instead of just ableist, this movie is also racist and fat-shaming. And kids are being left alone with their problems. Admittedly, this is rather close to the reality for disabled kids. Or at least, it was for me. But reproduction of this, showing that the kids have to do everything themselves, have to be better and work harder than abled kids, . This is retraumatising for disabled people and does NOTHING against our society's ableism, but portray it as normal. (And that nobody else cares about this, shows that abled parents don't even care about ableism.)

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Nothing to do with the books and not worth your time

Literally ruined the storyline of the books. The teacher is now an awful person who wants to suppress magic instead of help them. None of your favorite characters are here. The movie was just awful even if it were a standalone movie.

Upside-Down Magic

There's a positive messages all over this but my child just enjoys it because he loves the story. One child has a hearing aid in the story and like everything else in the books its just there in the story. It's not clunky, it's just fab and funny.

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Encourages kids to accept themselves for who they are.

This is a story about a young girl who deals with being "different" than her peers. There are some sad moments regarding the girls family and their refusal to accept her for who she truly is, and the mother died when she was young, but it is not written to be overwhelmingly sad. My very sensitive daughter was fine and did not cry through this sadness. Most of the book is about her having a hard time accepting her abilities that do not fit in the "box" in the normal magic world, and learning how to accept and even appreciate herself for being different. With her family basically ignoring her she learns to find a new family with her friends, who are also different, and her aunt, who loves her for who she is. There is no violence except for a short moment when a girl is being super mean to the Upside Down Magic (the special class for unique magic) kids. This is not an action packed book. It stays pretty mellow but is interesting enough to want to read the second book.

The film also features interviews with individuals who claim to have had unsettling encounters with Robert the Doll. These encounters range from inexplicable phenomena, such as objects moving on their own, to more disturbing experiences, including sudden illness and misfortune. The filmmakers use these testimonies to build a case for the doll's alleged curse and its power to bring misfortune to those who disrespect it. In addition to personal accounts, the documentary incorporates footage from paranormal investigations conducted with Robert the Doll. These investigations involve scientific techniques, such as electromagnetic field readings and infrared cameras, aimed at capturing any potential evidence of paranormal activity. While some of the findings may be interpreted as inconclusive, they serve to maintain the mystique surrounding the doll and its supposed curse. Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers maintain a balanced approach, allowing for both sides of the debate to be heard. This approach offers viewers the opportunity to form their own opinions about the existence of the curse and the doll's sinister capabilities. Overall, The Curse of Robert the Doll documentary offers an intriguing look into the legendary haunted doll and the supernatural claims associated with it. Its combination of historical context, personal testimonials, and paranormal investigations creates a chilling narrative that will captivate both believers and skeptics alike. Whether one believes in the doll's curse or not, this film provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of haunted objects and the enduring fascination they hold for many..

Reviews for "Strange Happenings: Uncovering the Truths in "The Curse of Robert the Doll" Documentary"

- John - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "The Curse of Robert the Doll" as I am a big fan of horror documentaries. However, I was ultimately disappointed with this film. The pacing was terribly slow, and there were many scenes that felt unnecessary and dragged on for too long. Additionally, the reenactments were poorly executed and took away from the overall authenticity of the documentary. Overall, I found it hard to stay engaged and would not recommend this film to others.

- Sarah - 1 star - I have always been fascinated by haunted objects and was looking forward to learning about the legend of Robert the Doll. Unfortunately, "The Curse of Robert the Doll" failed to deliver. The documentary lacked depth and failed to provide any substantial evidence or interviews with reliable sources. It felt more like a cheap horror film than an informative documentary. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend wasting your time on this film.

- Mark - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys watching documentaries about the paranormal, I was disappointed with "The Curse of Robert the Doll." The film relied heavily on over-dramatic reenactments and jump scares, which I found unnecessary and distracting. The interviews with supposed experts lacked credibility, and the evidence presented was questionable at best. It felt more like a fictional horror movie than an informative documentary. I would advise skipping this one and looking for a more reputable source on the subject.

Beware the Curse: Lessons Learned from "The Curse of Robert the Doll" Documentary