"Y'know how they say teenagers have no fear of death? That they're never gonna get hurt? Well not me, OK? I was born with the gift of fear."

Although it offers nothing really groundbreaking, Goosebumps successfully brings enough of the charm, creepiness, and fun that made its source material such a hit in the first place. The performances are decent enough. While they're hardly anything to write home about, with Odeya Rush, Dylan Minnette and Ryan Lee all doing respectable efforts with their material. However, the easy standout performance is unarguably Jack Black's hammy, yet scene chewing portrayal of the famous author himself, R.L. Stine. It may be a little hard to take him seriously, but that's really the point and he gives the film many of it's more comedic and perfectly timed moments. Not much can be said about the plot, which is essentially just a basis and excuse for Goosebumps to unleash its iconic rogue gallery for well-warranted nostalgia value. It's very simple and straightforward, nothing that you really haven't seen before and everything from its rather unnecessary romance subplot to its typical monster mash is predictable and cliched. The fact that it's all so rushed along can't help matters to much either. But that flaw aside, Rob Letterman does an excellent job transferring the iconic source material onto the big screen. Goosebumps is frightening, entertaining and a fun and charming romp through a famous gallery of monsters, and it's all thanks to Letterman's breezy direction that it works as it does. Sure, he isn't trying too hard to break ground with his narrative, but he also doesn't try to which is both for the better and the worse. The comedy is occasionally hit and miss so it's a thankful respite that the film's central group aren't lacking in charm and heart because they carry the film for the most part. Like it's source material, Goosebumps is very much a huge burst of imagination and creativity in that just about every creature and its fresh sense of humor and fun is everywhere on the screen. Given how easily this film could have simply been a disposable mess of CGI, it's a relief to say that the visual effects hold up remarkably well, even when the film seemingly should have buckled under the weight of a number of visuals needed to bring it's gallery of rogues to life. Goosebumps may not be wholly original or inventive but as a pure source of entertainment, fun and self-aware indulgence, it's a perfect family film no less. -

Final Grade: 6.75 / 10