As children, my brother and I loved to watch Goosebumps on Fox Kids Network (does that channel still exist, lol). It was such a fun way for some of our favorite books to be brought to life. One episode/book that was a personal favorite of mine was the Haunted Mask. I used to have nightmares from that book… for good reason, of course. I am STILL creeped out by R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books.
Last night, David and I were looking on Netflix for something to watch before bed. Usually we choose a television show that is easy to fall asleep to. I was adamant about watching a movie, though, so we chose Goosebumps. I am not talking about Goosebumps episodes from the 90s… I am referring to the new movie with Jack Black.
*Beware! Some spoilers are ahead… proceed with caution!*
I assumed going in that this movie was probably for pre-teens/teenagers. I had very low expectations for this movie because I knew nothing could top the books or show. First, let me start off by explaining a little about the flick. The story follows a teenager, Zach (Dylan Minnette), who moves to a small town in Delaware after his father passes away. He attends a new high school where his mom (Amy Ryan), is the vice principal. While Zach begins unpacking his belongings, he is introduced to his neighbor, Hannah (Odeya Rush). Right of the bat, the two teens hit it off and show attraction for one another. This story line is relatively predictable, but adds a sweet element to the movie that I think we all crave from time to time. Who doesn’t enjoy a love story?
The problem Zach faces in befriending Hannah is her father, R.L. Stine (Jack Black). Stine’s identity is unknown to those in town until Zach becomes suspicious of Stine’s behavior towards Hannah. Zach’s goal is to figure out if Hannah is safe after listening in on a dispute between her and Stine one evening. Unfortunately, Zach puts his nose where it doesn’t belong and quickly learns that Stine is no ordinary man. He is the author of famous thriller books for young people: Goosebumps.
Zach and his new friend from school, Champ (Ryan Lee), unlock one of Stine’s old manuscripts, setting free his imaginary monsters. The monsters wreck havoc on the Delaware town with the direction of Stine’s most dreadful monster, Slappy (voice of Jack Black). Together, Zach, Hannah, Stine, and Champ, must round up the monsters and get them back into the manuscripts before the town is destroyed.
Like I stated above, I had little expectations for this movie. I never even saw a trailer or read a review on it. I went in with only seeing old Goosebumps episodes and reading the books as a kid. I was PLEASANTLY surprised, though! I can honestly say that this movie was pretty fantastic.
As a 24 year old female, movies for teens do not exactly peak my interest. I think the last movie that would be labeled as a “teen” movie that I watched, willingly, was Paper Towns. I only watched that movie because I loved the book. The movie was good, but the book was better. Duh… Anyway… My point is, I don’t seek out movies like this, ever. I chose this movie because I was curious how it compared to Goosebumps the show and books.
I consider who else would watch this movie aside from kids/teens. Parents obviously will watch this with their children. For the parents who read the books as kids… they have to be in heaven. The movie was funny, sentimental, exciting, and just fun. At no point did I roll my eyes and think, ugh… hurry up and get to the end please. Both David and I were glued to the screen the entire time.
Moments after the movie ended, I felt inclined to find at least one of my old Goosebumps books for old time’s sake. I found The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena and was ecstatic! I was overcome with nostalgia all night long. David and I decided to start watching the old Goosebumps episodes for fun, too. Tonight, we are watching The Haunted Mask and A Night in Terror Tower.
Overall, I was thrilled with the movie Goosebumps. I am certain kids and teens would enjoy the movie, almost as much as their parents would, too! I highly recommend checking it out. If it weren’t on Netflix, I would buy the movie to have for myself. When or if Netflix ever takes the movie off the list, I will definitely buy it to have for years to come.
Watch any good movies lately? Comment and tell me about it! If you want to read more movie reviews… give this post a like. I will try to incorporate more reviews on the blog.
Completely unwarranted life lesson from a married woman #6: Be open minded on movie night with your partner. You may find that a movie he/she picks is better than you anticipated.
