Disney Brings Goosebumps to Life: A Review

Goosebumps Review: Disney Ruins a Promising Adaptation

Introduction

Disney‘s latest adaptation of R.L. Stine’s iconic Goosebumps series has arrived on Disney+, and while it shows promise, the streaming giant has managed to disappoint fans with a botched series launch. The TV series, which aims to channel the nostalgia and charm of Stranger Things, falls short of its potential due to technical mishaps and an inconsistent execution of Stine’s beloved horror tales.

The Disney+ Experience: Foie Gras or Overindulgence?

Disney+ has gained a reputation as the foie gras of streaming services, not because of its refinement, but rather due to its tendency to force-feed content until viewers are overwhelmed. This is evident in their treatment of franchises like Star Wars and Marvel, where they have expanded and diluted the original concepts beyond recognition. Unfortunately, Goosebumps has fallen victim to this pattern as well.

A Missed Opportunity

The major disappointment lies in Disney‘s failure to deliver on the series launch. Only two out of five promised episodes were made available, with the first two episodes mysteriously absent. This has left fans outraged and frustrated, as they were eagerly anticipating the release of the entire series. The critical first impression has been tarnished, casting a shadow over an otherwise sturdy franchise.

A Franchise with Endless Potential

Goosebumps has proven to be a resilient and adaptable franchise since the publication of R.L. Stine’s first book. It has successfully transitioned into various forms of media, including a 90s TV anthology series, movies, games, comics, and even musicals. Each iteration has its own unique tone, ranging from fantastically scary to close to parody, yet they all manage to capture the essence of the Goosebumps DNA.

A Tonally Inconsistent Adaptation

In this new TV series, Goosebumps takes yet another tonal shift, attempting to emulate the success and style of Stranger Things. It features a group of schoolchildren who uncover a growing mystery influenced by the death of a student, prompting them to unite in their exploration of the strange occurrences. However, unlike Stranger Things, there is no nostalgic irony to be found in Goosebumps. It takes place in the present day, devoid of cute kids and focused on a more traditional high school setting. While this departure from the familiar is not inherently problematic, the casting choices and character identification become muddled, hindering the audience’s ability to connect with the story.

Lost in the Shadows of Stranger Things

The attempt to channel the success of Stranger Things leads to episodes that are slower-paced than expected. While they include moments of jumps and scares, they are padded with flat, soapy scenes where characters discuss their emotions and relationships. One subplot involving a married teacher engaged in an affair with a local widow feels reminiscent of disastrous 90s BBC soap Eldorado. These elements detract from the core essence of Stine’s books, which are meant to deliver thrilling and spooky adventures.

Glimmers of Goosebumps Brilliance

Fortunately, when Goosebumps manages to focus on the essence of Stine’s books, it shines brightly. The two available episodes at launch demonstrate moments of giddy delight. One features a character confronted with multiple versions of himself, revealing the eerie concept of clones in a manner that captures the essence of Goosebumps. The second episode revolves around a thrill-seeking character who gains new powers after consuming worms. The episode’s conclusion showcases outstanding character design reminiscent of Bong Joon-ho’s The Host. These moments are perfectly pitched, offering just the right amount of fright for younger audiences without condescension.

Well-Judged Cast and Potential for Growth

The cast of Goosebumps is well-judged, with Justin Long standing out for his ability to flicker between goofy and menacing. Despite his boyish looks, his performance captures the tone required for the role. While the series has promise, its future success ultimately rests in Disney‘s hands. The company must resist the temptation to milk the property with unnecessary spin-offs and instead focus on delivering a consistent and engaging viewing experience.

Conclusion and Advice

Disney‘s mishandling of the Goosebumps series launch is a disappointing setback for fans eagerly awaiting a faithful adaptation of R.L. Stine’s beloved books. While there are glimmers of promise in this new TV series, the technical mishaps and tonal inconsistencies hamper its overall success.

For Disney, it is crucial to rectify the flaws in the release strategy and ensure that future episodes are uploaded in the correct order. Additionally, the focus should be on maintaining the core essence of Stine’s books, delivering thrilling and spooky adventures without diluting them with unnecessary subplots and soapy scenes.

As Goosebumps continues on Disney+, it is my hope that the series will evolve and find its footing, providing fans with the exquisite blend of scares and entertainment they have come to expect from R.L. Stine’s iconic franchise.