“Goosebumps” is a thrill ride. If you enjoy a bit of mystery, suspense, monsters, fast-paced chases and close calls, then this movie is for you! It even features a romantic plot between two teens, Zach (Dylan Minnette) and Hannah (Odeya Rush).
The plot centers around Zach and his mother, the new vice principal of the local high school, who move to the town of Madison. Zach meets a nice girl next door, Hannah, but finds her quirky father to be really different and a bit frightening. One night he hears Hannah screaming, her father yelling, and the sound of things breaking in her room. When he calls the police, they all go to her father’s home, only to have him give the police a convincing alibi. Later, Zach returns to the house with his friend Champ, as he is convinced Hannah is in real danger. What comes next is frightening, as he learns who Hannah’s father really is, and, worse yet, the monsters of R.L. Stine are unleashed on the town! Can Zach, Hannah, Champ, and Stine himself (Jack Black) recapture the Abominable Snowman, the humongous Praying Mantis, the ferocious Werewolf, and all his other fictitious creatures which have been brought to life? Not if Slappy, his evil incarnate ventriloquist dummy, has anything to say about it!
Scary images in the movie may be frightening for young children, but we award “Goosebumps” our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12-plus. Themes of loyalty and teamwork in this film are commendable. It’s an entertaining movie to watch!
