Handlung

When a new doctor moves in next door, the neighborhood kids believe that the doctor is making frankeinstein in his basement make it their mission to ensure he is not a creepy guardian of a terrible neighbor-eating monster.

In a cul-de-sac in a nice neighborhood (a description from one of the movie's characters), a group of kids wonder about Dr. Vargas, who moved into the big creepy house with his pretty teen daughter Heather. They see weird things going on and hear what sounds like a monster.

James has a treehouse which says "no girls allowed". His father is no longer around, whatever that means. He has a hot mom Denise who has a master's degree in something related to "sustainability".

Mike is a genius who uses big words who, with the other kids, likes to make movies. The neighborhood cats, many of whom are missing since Dr. Vargas moved in, are among the movie's stars.

Rosemary is 12 (only her age is mentioned, but the others appear the same age) and cute but obnoxious. She is sort of a tomboy (ignoring James' rule) but she loves Justin Timberlake. She has a tendency to appear without warning, startling people.

Obie is a nerd and somewhat clumsy, has difficulty in social interactions and is afraid to take chances. He is given the job of putting tracking devices on the cats.

Brian is the human star of Mike's movie and the delivery person for a company which sells organic and locally sourced pet food and supplies. He makes numerous large deliveries to Dr. Vargas and seems to enjoy the same music as girls who are teenagers or younger.

And Mrs. Van Fennig, who enjoys working out (she doesn't look like Denise, but like Rhea Perlman), has a large tuxedo cat Elvis, the only cat not to be an apparent victim of whatever is going on.

Heather is responsible but somewhat rebellious and the annoying kids get on her nerves. And she's pretty.

This kids take a break from their movie and investigate what is happening in Dr. Vargas' house. In addition to the missing animals, they have reason to suspect a person has been abducted. Naturally, they commit illegal acts which sometimes get them in trouble, but they are quite capable investigators, able to do what adults do in hit TV series.

There is, of course, a logical explanation to everything, but something happens near the end that could have had serious consequences.

The final scene suggests a sequel. Because there's some unfinished business.