When I was in grade school, I was terrible in math and science. I would study like crazy, but those two subjects never really stuck in whatever part of my brain hole they were suppose to. The only subject that really grabbed my attention was reading/literature. Once my parents realized how much I loved reading scary stories (tales of peril and adventure), it was then when they gave me my first R.L. Stine book, which was titled The New Girl. It was love at first site…or page so to speak. I became enthralled with these books, waiting patiently for the next one to finally be released. Then came the Goosebumps series and I realized (while routinely practicing my writing skills), scary books can also be incredibly fun.
Imagine my surprise when, while I was sitting at home, trying to write something down on my temperamental laptop, I received an email asking if I would like to attend the premiere release for the new Goosebumps film, starring Jack Black. Yes, please. Oh, and the film’s stars will be in attendance? Yes, pretty please.
Starring Mr.Black as Mr. Shivers aka R.L. Stine (and also as the character Slappy and the Invisible Boy), Goosebumps spends no time wasted on character development or explaining any of these creature creations to the viewing audience. That’s because it doesn’t have to. Like many of the stories by Stine, there is a new kid on the block and they are drawn to a house (or in this case, beautiful neighbor) next door. Dylan Minnette (Prisoners) is the new kid named Zach, moving from the big city to a small, quiet rural town. He’s not exactly happy about it until he meets Hannah, played by the beautiful Odeya Rush (We Are What We Are). She’s sweet, friendly, and seems to kind of like Zach. Oh: but she’s Stine‘s daughter, she’s home schooled, and not allowed outside or have any visitors. Makes dating a bit difficult.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t stop Zach from rushing over there when suspecting Hannah may be in trouble, with new best friend Champ (Ryan Lee, Super 8) in tow. Once seeing everything is okay, Zach spots the Goosebumps books on the shelf, realizes whose house he’s really in, and opens a book. This begins our childhood roller-coaster ride into the creative mind of Stine, showing us quite a few of the creatures and characters from some of his wonderfully woven stories.
Directed by Rob Letterman (Monsters vs Aliens), Goosebumps is not meant to be taken as seriously as some are asking it to be. It’s a film that tips it’s hat to the fans, while indulging the newer viewers to the series. Although the CGI was forced, I have to think this was done on purpose as not to scare the younger viewers. Campy and cartoonish was inarguably the way to go when handling the characters since this isn’t An American Werewolf in London. With only a running time of 103 minutes and rated PG, the flick races through the events like a kid running through a toy store. Never having to check my watch while viewing a film is always a major plus in my book, and, truth be told, I felt like a kid who forgot to take their ADD medicine. Chaotic: yes. Gleefully happy: absolutely.
All four main actors held their own, with Minnette proving he is ready, willing, and able to step into a lead’s role. Black is hilarious as always, although I did happen to hear someone say his delivery of lines made the character more sinister (I didn’t see that, but to each one’s opinion). Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street) makes a terrific appearance as Lorraine, adding some extra comedic talent to what is a well-rounded cast.
With such a talented cast, a well-meaning script, and twenty plus characters popping up throughout the film, Goosebumps delivers on quite the kid-friendly, fan nostalgic level. Could this have aired along with the many others on cable television? Possibly. But I’ve always wanted to see those on the big screen as well.
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