LFF 59: Goosebumps Film Review.

The penultimate film we are reviewing from the 59th London Film Festival is Rob Letterman's children's thriller Goosebumps. 

The movie is based on the novels written by R. L. Stine with each monster from each book making an appearance. Jack Black plays the author with the real Stine playing a teacher named Mr Black which is a nod to the lead, Jack - confused? Poor kids!

This film is set to be released in February's half term, but we had an early insight - let's discuss this 100 minute-monster mayhem...

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Goosebumps stars Dylan Minnett as a teenager who teams up with the daughter (Odeya Rush) of young adult horror author R. L. Stine (Jack Black) after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Greendale in Maryland. 

Rob Letterman is no stranger to child fantasy films, nor is he with working alongside Jack Black. The pair made the 2010 film Gulivers Travels and Rob also directed the 2009 hit Monsters Vs Aliens. It's been a few years away from the big screen for Letterman but Goosebumps is a great comeback. 

It begins with an uncomfortable teen interaction. The usual awkward meeting between two young, love-sick adultescents as they swap stories of their difficult upbringings - nothing original here. As they connect, something just doesn't seem right, and as it turns out; it's the girl's father next door who writes horror stories that come to life. 

From here, Goosebumps ventures into the fantasy-fun film that everyone would expect. It's entertaining, jumpy and has a few laughs too - perfect for a family outing... oh look, it's half term! 

Jack Black relishes in his role as the horror author delivering an energetic performance only matched by Ryan Lee's effort as the annoying but hilarious friend Champ. This feature has a great mixture of mischief, adventure, romance and fun. 

It's also a great film to help you reminisce if you're of a certain age as you see all the old monsters you used to be scared of - or maybe you still are!

Overall, the film does exactly what it sets out to do. As a way of proof, Goosebumps hit the top spot in the US box office this week (early October) with $23 million - so we can't all be wrong. 

Cineroom's Rating: 3 Stars

Goosebumps will be released nationwide on 5th February. Certificate PG