“Disney’s Goosebumps Review: Breathing New Life into Classic Books”

Goosebumps Review: Disney‘s Take on RL Stine’s Horror Tales

Introduction

Disney+ has recently released a new series based on RL Stine’s popular Goosebumps books. While the property has had various adaptations in the past, this latest take aims to capture the essence of Stine’s spooky tales while also channeling the success of Netflix’s hit show, Stranger Things. However, Disney‘s execution of the series launch has left much to be desired.

The Good News and the Bad News

The bad news is that Disney‘s delivery of the Goosebumps series has fallen short. Only two out of the promised five episodes were available upon release, and to make matters worse, these were episodes three and four, with the first two nowhere to be found. This has caused frustration among Goosebumps fans, who were eagerly anticipating the show’s premiere on Disney+.

The good news, however, is that Goosebumps is a franchise with a strong foundation. It has previously been adapted into TV shows, movies, games, comics, and even musicals. Each iteration has brought its own unique tone, ranging from fantastically scary to bordering on parody. This new series marks another tonal shift as it attempts to capture the Stranger Things vibe.

A Departure from Stranger Things

While the show attempts to channel elements of Stranger Things, it’s important to note that Goosebumps lacks the nostalgic irony present in its Netflix counterpart. Set in the present day, there are no 1980s references packed into each episode. Additionally, the characters in Goosebumps are older, looking more like high school students in their thirties. This casting choice sometimes makes it difficult to discern who is who, especially when a 45-year-old actor like Justin Long plays a teacher who appears much younger.

Moments of Delight and Frustration

The homage to Stranger Things in Goosebumps results in slower-paced episodes than one might expect. While there are jumps and scares, the episodes also contain lengthy and flat scenes where characters discuss their feelings for one another. One particular subplot involving a married teacher and a local widow feels reminiscent of disastrous 1990s BBC soap Eldorado. These soap opera-like moments can be frustrating because when Goosebumps focuses on the core of what made Stine’s books memorable, it becomes an absolute blast.

In the available episodes, there are moments of giddy delight that perfectly capture the essence of Goosebumps. For example, a character banging his head on a cuckoo clock and being visited by multiple versions of himself, revealing clones in a delightfully spooky manner. Another episode features a thrillseeker who gains new powers after eating worms, leading to a masterfully designed character reminiscent of Bong Joon-ho’s The Host. These moments are perfectly balanced, providing just the right level of spookiness without condescension.

The cast of Goosebumps is also well chosen. Despite Justin Long’s youthful looks, he delivers a tremendous performance as a character who seamlessly transitions between goofiness and menace. Long’s ability to capture the right tone is commendable and adds depth to the show.

The Future of Goosebumps on Disney+

While this adaptation of Goosebumps shows promise, its success will depend on Disney‘s handling of the franchise moving forward. It is crucial for Disney to avoid excessive spin-offs that dilute the essence of the original books. Furthermore, Disney needs to address the issue of correctly uploading episodes in the proper order, as the current mismanagement is unacceptable.

In Conclusion

Disney‘s take on RL Stine’s Goosebumps has both its strengths and weaknesses. While it falls short in some aspects, such as the execution of the series launch and the inclusion of unnecessary soap opera-like subplots, it shines when it captures the essence of Stine’s books. The show’s spooky moments and well-chosen cast elevate the viewing experience. Moving forward, Disney must strike a balance between innovation and staying true to the beloved source material to ensure the long-term success of Goosebumps on Disney+.