Goosebumps

Based on the popular YA horror fiction series by R.L. Stine (who has sold more than 400 million books worldwide), Goosebumps centers on teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette), who is unhappy about moving from New York to the small town of Madison, DE, where his recently widowed mom (Amy Ryan) takes a job as school vice-principal. But Zach's angst is relieved when he meets girl-next-door Hannah (Odeya Rush), whose overprotective dad (warning Zach to stay away) turns out to be reclusive author R.L. Stine (Jack Black). Apparently, the monsters Stine created in his mysteries are real, which is why he zealously keeps them locked up. But when Zach unintentionally releases the creatures, they terrorize the town. So it's up to Zach, his nerdy pal Champ (Ryan Lee), Hannah, and Stine to return them to the books where they belong. Children who have enjoyed Stine's novels will recognize creatures like Abominable Snowman of Pasadena, Praying Mantis, Werewolf of Fever Swamp, The Blob, Vampire Poodle, the evil ventriloquist's dummy Slappy (voiced by Black), and a demonic gang of garden gnomes. Directed by Rob Letterman, Goosebumps combines many tales into an entertaining if often frantic stew. Black shines as the prolific writer who has churned out 204 YA novels going back to 1992, while Jillian Bell gets laughs as Zach's wacky Aunt Lorraine. Silly and spooky, this engaging family-friendly hit is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Beginner's Guide to Surviving a Goosebumps Creature” (6 min.) and “Strange Things Are Happening…On-Set” (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are deleted scenes (11 min.), a “Creaturefied!” production segment (9 min.), a screen test gallery (7 min.), an “All About Slappy” character segment (5 min.), an alternate opening (4 min.), a blooper reel (3 min.), an alternate ending (2 min.), and bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this entertaining family film.] (S. Granger)