By CHRIS PUNTO & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
This week we decided to try again with the Halloween movie theme. This one did the trick. Our pick:
“Goosebumps!” (2015)
Chris- 4 out of 5 stars
So after watching that train wreck last week, I was still in the Halloween spirit. So we went with a cult classic; “Goosebumps”. I actually really enjoyed this movie because I was a fan of the books growing up. I also really enjoyed the confused look on my girlfriends face as she watched it. She was not a fan of the books so a lot of characters went right over her head.
The acting is…forgivable. Jack Black has never been my favorite actor but this is one of his better roles in the last decade or so. The child actors were definitely child actors, but they still had promise. I’m sure that Hollywood will keep casting Dylan Minnette as the attractive teenager for the next decade of his life. I hope he can escape that role because I think he would make for a good next Channing Tatum or something.
The storyline was refreshing. It took a very outside-of-itself tone, which is still kind of new to the movie industry. There was a lot of childish humor, and while some might find that boring, I still laughed quite a bit. Maybe I’m just young at heart.
The only issue that I had with this film is that there were several plot holes and continuity errors. To be honest, if that’s my biggest issue, there really must not be a whole lot to complain about. But just because the film is aimed towards children doesn’t mean that they can’t figure out when something doesn’t really add up. Kids are small, not stupid.
Bottom line: this movie was great for all ages to get a little bit into the Halloween spirit. I’m not sure if it really holds up on November 1st or not but at least I got to enjoy it in its prime. If you aren’t feeling up to it for the rest of this year, buy the dvd in a few months. It’ll fit in nicely with all your “Nightmare On Elm Street” and “Friday The 13th” movies to watch next Halloween season.
Natalie- 4 Stars out of 5
In my younger days, you could find me at night under a blanket with a flashlight and book, gobbling up stories until my eyes forced themselves shut. I loved tales that would take me away to different places, transferring me from my makeshift tent to unknown worlds. One book series in particular that captivated me many a night was “Goosebumps,” by R.L. Stine.
Because of my young obsession with the series, I was understandably thrilled when I heard that a film was being made in the series’ honor. I was, however, quickly skeptical upon seeing the trailer. Fortunately, my skepticism was unwarranted, because this film is a delight.
FINALLY, a “scary” movie I can handle. The “Goosebumps” series thrives on its ability to give young adult readers… well… goosebumps. Every possible haunting scenario that would keep youngin’s up at night, Stine was able to create. This film captures those stories in a family-friendly package. Scary, but not enough to haunt your dreams.
The premise of the plot is exciting, and the pace of the film is quick, keeping audiences entertained. “Goosebumps” craftily balances between comedy and scares, staying true to Stine’s original style.
Bottom Line: “Goosebumps” is filled with laughter, adventure, and plenty of fun.