Goosebumps (2016)
Director: Director: Rob Letterman. (PG).
Synopsis
After the death of his father, a hesitant Zach (Dylan Minnette) and his mother (Amy Ryan) move from New York to a small town in Delaware. Things start to pick up for Zach when he meets his neighbour Hannah (Odeya Rush). Unfortunately, she is protected by her eccentric father (Jack Black) who warns him to stay away.
Curiosity gets the better of Zach, and with his new friend Champ (Ryan Lee), they sneak into his neighbour’s house.
There they find locked manuscripts of classic Goosebumps stories.
Review by Claire Durrant
I grew up reading Goosebumps and watching the TV show inspired by those books. When the film was first announced, a part of me wanted it to be aimed squarely at those who grew up with its author R.L Stine.
Unfortunately, instead of an adult version of those books, we get a Jumanji (1995) and Inkheart (2008) style family friendly adventure. Nevertheless, this film is still enjoyable.
The tongue in cheek humour aids the film and although it is hit and miss, the overall light-hearted atmosphere is charming.
This is due to our main player, Jack Black.
I have no idea what Stine is like in real life, but his persona in the film is wonderful.
Full of deadpan humour and a straight man demeanour, he is what is most amusing. (His rant about "Steve" King is a highlight)!
All of the actors play their parts well but the main problem I have with the film, is the problem I have with most "dark" films targeted at children. They want to create a scary film for children, yet at the same time not make it too scary.
But in the end, Goosebumps is fun and entertaining, an energy-fuelled family adventure about a bunch of teens facing a bunch of monsters.
For more, see the full review: http://ow.ly/Y89kv
For listings of this film and others at Cineworld Milton Keynes: http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/milton-keynes/
Cast and Credits
Producers: Deborah Forte, Neal H. Moritz. Writers: Darren Lemke, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski. Camera: Javier Aguirresarobe. Music: Danny Elfman. Sets: Sean Haworth.
Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Amy Ryan, Jillian Bell.
