REVIEW: GOOSEBUMPS

In popular culture and entertainment, horror stories are generally not associated with children as its target audience. However, there is a series of children’s horror fiction novellas titled Goosebumps which is hugely popular worldwide which I was unware of. The books are written by American author R.L. Stine which has been published in many languages and also has an animated TV series. The books depicts children encountering scary situations involving popular folklore monsters and supernatural beings. It would be a little extensive for me to explain its background, so you can click here to read more about it.

 
This would be the first film adaptation of the Goosebumps book series. On the director’s seat is Rob Letterman who directed animated feature films Shark Tale (2004) and Monsters vs Aliens (2009). Letterman’s first live-action film was Gulliver’s Travels starring Jack Black. Both director and actor are reunited in this film in which Black plays the male lead. He is supported by Dylan Minette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Jillian Bell, and Amy Ryan. The screenwriters are Darren Lemke, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski. Veteran Neal H. Moritz serves as one of the producers.

Will a subject material meant for children appeal to mass audiences of all ages? Do read on…

 

Jack Black as R.L. Stine

SYNOPSIS:
A teenage boy named Zach and his mom are new residents at a small town after having moved from the big city due to mom’s occupation transfer. Upon arriving at their new home, he is greeted by a teenage girl named Hannah who stays next door to him. Her dad fiercely forbids any interaction of her daughter with anyone and keeps her locked in their house. Fearing that something may be amiss, Zach breaks in to his neighbour’s house to investigate. When Zach encounters Hannah, he learns that her father is famed author R.L. Stine (Jack Black) who writes horror fiction novels for children. While trying to clean up his mess during the break-in, he accidentally opens one of her dad’s many book collections and to his amazement, a creature crawls out from the book. Once Stine finds out, he and his teenage companions must catch the creature before things get more chaotic. Unbeknownst to them, that is not the only creature they have to deal with.

Dylan Minnette as Zach

SCRIPT:
Inventive but a little kiddy. As I mentioned earlier, the film’s target audience are young kids and teenagers so I expected the story to be not too serious. However, I was surprised that the storyline and plot could even appeal to an adult audience. The premise is pretty straightforward and predictable like most kids films. However, there is a good mix of dark humour and intense moments which adults might like. Characterization is focused more on Jack Black while the supporting roles were minimal. I like the fact that the story was a heightened reality of author R.L. Stine’s work.

Actors Ryan Lee, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, and Jack Black confronting one of his creations

ACTING:
Jack Black did well as he is an established actor. Nothing much can be said for the supporting cast as there were mostly newcomers. I would like to have seen more of Amy Ryan, once a nominee for Oscar’s Best Supporting Actress in the past. Look out for Ryan Lee who may just be a scene stealer for the film.

Director Rob Letterman on set with Jack Black

FILMING:
Rob Letterman has background in animated feature films and he brought the same style of excitement to this film. He did well in balancing a story aimed for kids but at the same time not making the film to kiddie. Most of the scenes takes place during night time so nothing much can be said for the cinematography. Visual effects was just okay but it was effective in making the film interesting.

A visual effects shot from the film

PACING:
Good start and good build-up. A little anti-climactic towards the end but it is meant to be a fun film so it is okay.

DOWNSIDE:
Can be too kiddie for some. Visual effects didn’t ‘wow’ me.

UPSIDE:
Kids will love it especially those between the ages of 10 to 15 years old. Not bad of adventure film.

(L-R): Jack Black as R.L. Stine, Dylan Minnette as Zach,

 

OVERALL: 

I like it simply because of the freshness of the story material despite it being an adaptation. The multitude of  scary monsters was fun to watch.

 

RATING:

7.5 out of 10.0