Goosebumps 2 DVD Review

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Good Morning Lovelies, 

Back in 2015, Goosebumps was one of the biggest shocks in cinema success stories, as it took a classic RL Stine’s novel and brought to life a funny feature with all the classic ghouls. Mostly down to Jack Black’s perfect portrayal as one of Stine’s mysterious figures. However, without Black the sequel to the feature, Goosebumps 2, fails to match up.

In the latest book to screen adaptation, two teenagers, Sam (Caleel Harris) and Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) have just begun their own rubbish-disposal business. Upon their first day, the pair find an unpublished Stine manuscript, along with ever horrific ventriloquist doll Slappy, whilst cleaning out an abandoned home.

Taking the items with them, they are faced with the horrors of Slappy, when he comes to life - at Halloween – causing havoc for not only them but the entire town of Wardenclyffe, where they live. Filled with the nightmare of the evillest of figures from the pages of classic Goosebumps books, the young boys and Sonny’s sister Sarah (Madison Iseman), must protect those around them.

The sequel doesn’t flow or bring the laughs as hard as the first film, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for the whole family to watch. The scares aren’t portrayed on screen as much as the first one and with the absence of Black (SPOILER: He does come back for a small cameo) felt, adults will find pleasure in seeing the books they used to read come to life. Giant spiders, Frankengnomes, Gummi Bear monsters and of course Slappy are just a few who will spark memories when watching. Whilst younger audiences will get the thrill of seeing them for the first time.

What really causes the problems in this feature is the lack of care given to the new characters. Comedy legend Ken Jeong who knows how to steal a screen or two isn’t given the room he needs to breathe, as the crazy scientist he plays. A similar issue faced by Wendy McLendon-Covey and Chris Parnell, who have been brought in – it feels - to give older audiences something to enjoy.

Goosebumps 2 isn’t a horrific Halloween feature. There are much worse. But the sequel lacks the feel of being worthy of being on the big screen. It feels more suited to something that should be placed on TV for families to enjoy throughout October. Cosied up in a blanket on a Sunday afternoon with. Young fans will enjoy it all and adults can reminisce with it, but it is just a simple Halloween feature to be watched once a year, which has earned it this:

3 Stars

Joey X 

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