Based around the novels of R. L. Stine, this film uses the different books to create one film, full of creepy dolls and other creatures you would only see in your nightmares…
The storyline of Goosebumps is very clever. It features R. L. Stine (Jack Black) as the mysterious neighbour of teenager Zach (Dylan Minnette). Zach and his mum have just moved in next door, with Zach immediately becoming curious of his odd, recluse of a neighbour.
Zach quickly makes friends with Stine’s daughter, Hannah (Odeya Rush) and ends up unknowingly releasing all the creatures that feature in Stine’s novels. Together, with the rather cowardly Champ (Ryan Lee), they attempt to capture the creatures and bring back order to Madison.
This is all good fun and an enjoyable, if, forgettable film. It follows the same kind of plot as the 1995 film, Jumanji. Jumanji is a better film, however both are entertaining and achieve what they set out to do. Goosebumps is funny and quite scary considering it’s a PG, some moments might be a bit frightening for younger children. Slappy the ventriloquist doll is very creepy, as are most of the other creatures.
Jack Black is convincing as Stine and as usual, very funny. All performances are solid and not at all cringey which can sometimes happen with these kind of childrens fantasy films. The film goes along at a good a pace, with jokes aimed at everyone, not just the target market. It’s a perfect half term film and will appeal to a variation of ages.
“All the monsters I’ve ever created are locked inside these books. But when they open…”
#Peace.Love.Goosebumps
