A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R. L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware (www.imdb.com).
Director: Rob Letterman (Shark Tale, Monsters vs. Aliens, Gulliver's Travels)
Starring: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee
Whether you owned some of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books or not (I had over 30), it doesn't really matter, as this early 2016 release (Halloween release in other territories) caters to all. Director Rob Letterman and writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (known for Man on the Moon and Big Eyes) create a story that boasts a bunch of monsters from Stine's well-loved children's horror stories.
Creepy next door neighbour Stine's (Jack Black) daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush) makes friends with newcomer Zach (Dylan Minnette). Believing her to be hurt, Zach and new friend Champ (Ryan Lee) break into Stine's house. Being as inquisitive as youngsters can be, the boys release demons from the author's books, starting with the infamous Abominable Snowman of Pasadena.
This isn't just a film for teenagers, there's plenty to for all of us to love, starting with a light yet well crafted script. The young trio, Minnette, Rush and Lee are talented stars, the latter wracking up the most laughs for being a giant scaredy-cat. Unlike the 90's T.V. series, Goosebumps is a funny, rollicking adventure, and not scary in the slightest. This is also one of Jack Black's best performances, significantly toned down, and all the better for it.
Goosebumps has repeat viewing pleasure. Next time I watch it I will pause it on the monsters and see which ones I recognise.
And last but not least, that ferris-wheel scene is breathtaking.
4/5
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