103 Minutes, Family Adventure/Fantasy, PG

From 1992 until 1997, 62 books were published under the “Goosebumps” umbrella. Therefore, could we be seeing the first of 63 GOOSEBUMPS movies to be made (Judging by current trends, the 62nd film would be split into two parts, right!?)?
These children’s horror fiction novellas, by author R.L Stine (dubbed “the Stephen King of children’s literature”) come to cinematic fruition with Jack Black headlining a relatively fresh-faced cast.
With a story written specifically for the film by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, we follow teenager Zach (Dylan Minnette – TV Series “Saving Grace”), who’s been relocated with his Mum to Madison, Delaware, a quiet and dull suburb where nothing much really happens. Or so he thinks. Developing an instant crush on the cute girl next door, Hannah (Odeya Rush – The Giver), Zach’s little fancy takes several surprising turns when he discovers Hannah’s Dad (Black) is R. L Stine himself.

There is something quite nostalgic to this production. Reminiscent of some family favourites from the eighties and nineties and perhaps best described as JUMANJI meets GREMLINS, GOOSEBUMPS is good fun, yet never really seizes upon its full imaginative potential to earn itself a status as a family gem in years to come.
With obvious and understandable limitations as to just how far this family film can go in the fantasy horror department, screenplay writer Darren Lemke and film director Rob Letterman (Gulliver’s Travels) are too content to settle for a standard set-up and structure. The visual aspect of the film often plays it safer than it needed to also. It’s safe to say, GOOSEBUMPS won’t be giving too many viewers goose bumps at all!
Nevertheless, with some help from the awkward, yet sweet-natured sidekick Champ (Ryan Lee – TV Series “Trophy Wife”) and the films solid pacing, GOOSEBUMPS ticks enough boxes to succeed at moderately entertaining its target audience.

3 out of 5

GOOSEBUMPS – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
The horror is mild, however parental guidance is strongly suggested to accompany those aged below 10-12. 

Moviedoc wishes to thank Roadshow Films and the Moonlight Cinema for the invitation to the advanced session of Goosebumps.

Review by Moviedoc
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