Based on the popular book series of the same name, Goosebumps isn't an adaptation of any particular book but rather has a neat concept in that it follows the author R.L. Stine and how the characters in his series materialize in the real world. Unfortunately, the film is off to a shaky and slow start, taking more than twenty minutes before the actual plot comes into play. It spends the beginning trying to accustom the viewer to its lead but it doesn't quite work. The film also has many moments of cringeworthy dialogue. Once the Goosebump characters do start to come into the real world, the fun starts and if you are a fan of the books, it is fairly nostalgic to recognize those characters. The CGI used for the monsters is weak in this day and age and breaks the immersion somewhat though. In the end, the plot doesn't get much more than running away from the monsters while trying to think up of a plan to get them back inside their books. It's filled with the typical moments of love blossoming and the "twist" ending is expected. Overall, Goosebumps is an above average film but only if you're forgiving about its various flaws.
