I was a big fan of the books as a kid. The core story in this film felt true to the Goosebumps name. But there were too many layers of junk thrown on top that soiled the entire experience.
There is an overabundance of forced humor that left an awkward taste in my mouth. I hadn't read any information about the film prior to seeing it, so I was delighted to see Jack Black playing R.L. Stine. But even his (usually enjoyable) humor felt so directionless. It may have been enjoyable if it were intentional, but it clearly wasn't. Instead of hearing laughter after every poorly delivered joke, the movie theater remained dead quiet.
It felt as if the entire main cast had no chemistry whatsoever. Especially Dylan Minnette and Ryan Lee. The film also falls victim to overt, forced romance. It did little to drive the plot forward and at most times felt uncomfortable. Too many movies rely on clichéd romantic subplots, which often spoils the story instead of enhancing it. This film was no different.
The visual effects were nice, but nothing new. The soundtrack wasn't anything special either.
All in all, this new Goosebumps film tries too hard to be something it's not. If you're determined to watch this movie, don't expect the type of fantasy/horror story that has become synonymous with the name R.L. Stine. In fact, don't even expect an R.L. Stine story at all, because Stine played no part in writing this blunder. Instead, expect an awkward story which used enough elements from the books to earn the name "Goosebumps," but not enough to capture its spirit.
Save your money. Buy your kids the books instead. Because unlike the them, absolutely nothing about this film was memorable.
There is an overabundance of forced humor that left an awkward taste in my mouth. I hadn't read any information about the film prior to seeing it, so I was delighted to see Jack Black playing R.L. Stine. But even his (usually enjoyable) humor felt so directionless. It may have been enjoyable if it were intentional, but it clearly wasn't. Instead of hearing laughter after every poorly delivered joke, the movie theater remained dead quiet.
It felt as if the entire main cast had no chemistry whatsoever. Especially Dylan Minnette and Ryan Lee. The film also falls victim to overt, forced romance. It did little to drive the plot forward and at most times felt uncomfortable. Too many movies rely on clichéd romantic subplots, which often spoils the story instead of enhancing it. This film was no different.
The visual effects were nice, but nothing new. The soundtrack wasn't anything special either.
All in all, this new Goosebumps film tries too hard to be something it's not. If you're determined to watch this movie, don't expect the type of fantasy/horror story that has become synonymous with the name R.L. Stine. In fact, don't even expect an R.L. Stine story at all, because Stine played no part in writing this blunder. Instead, expect an awkward story which used enough elements from the books to earn the name "Goosebumps," but not enough to capture its spirit.
Save your money. Buy your kids the books instead. Because unlike the them, absolutely nothing about this film was memorable.