“Goosebumps Review: Disney Unearths the Bone-Chilling Magic of the Original Books”

Goosebumps Review: Disney‘s Misstep with RL Stine’s Horror Tales

Introduction

Disney+ has gained a notorious reputation for its excessive content, and the latest addition to its streaming lineup is the television adaptation of RL Stine’s acclaimed Goosebumps series. While the franchise has been widely successful across various forms of media, Disney‘s attempt to channel the essence of the original books falls short of expectations. Despite the potential in adapting this bone-chilling series, Disney fails to deliver a satisfying launch.

Disney+’s Missteps

The most glaring misstep by Disney+ is the incomplete release of Goosebumps episodes. When the series premiered, only two out of the promised five episodes were available. To make matters worse, the missing episodes were the first two, leaving fans frustrated and dissatisfied. Social media platforms like Twitter have been flooded with disappointed Goosebumps fans who anticipated a fuller launch. This mishap calls into question Disney‘s commitment to providing a seamless viewing experience.

The Sturdy Franchise

Despite Disney‘s shortcomings, Goosebumps proves itself as a robust and versatile franchise. Over the years, Stine’s eerie tales have taken various forms, including a 1990s TV series, movies, games, comics, and even musicals. Each adaptation has brought its own unique tone, from fantastically scary to dangerously close to parody. This new television series attempts to capture the essence of popular shows like Stranger Things, telling the story of a group of schoolchildren navigating a growing supernatural presence in their lives.

Deviation from Stranger Things

While attempting to channel Stranger Things, Goosebumps diverges from the show’s nostalgic and reference-laden approach. Set in the present day, the series lacks the ironic nod to the 1980s that Stranger Things excels at. The characters in Goosebumps, although resembling high school students, bear the appearance of being older, causing occasional confusion in distinguishing one character from another. The show also suffers from slower pacing, with lengthy soap-like scenes where characters discuss their emotions. One subplot involving an affair between a married teacher and a local widow feels misplaced and reminiscent of disastrous 1990s soap operas.

The Glimmers of Brilliance

Despite its flaws, Goosebumps occasionally shines and succeeds in capturing the essence of Stine’s books. The available episodes showcase moments of giddy delight, with inventive scares and thrilling twists. One episode features a character confronted by multiple clones after banging his head on a cuckoo clock, a classic Goosebumps scenario that manages to be both creepy and entertaining. Another episode explores the consequences of a character consuming worms and gaining extraordinary powers, ending with a visually impressive creature design that evokes the spirit of Bong Joon-ho’s The Host. These moments demonstrate that the show is at its best when it embraces the core elements that defined Stine’s original books.

A Well-Chosen Cast

The cast of Goosebumps is commendably selected, with Justin Long standing out for his ability to effortlessly transition between a goofy and menacing disposition. Long’s character embodies the essence of the series, and his portrayal showcases an actor who appears to truly relish the role. While the show may struggle with other aspects, the cast’s performances contribute to the promise that Goosebumps holds.

The Path Ahead

The future of Goosebumps lies in the hands of Disney. It is essential for the company to avoid exploiting the franchise with unnecessary spin-offs and diluting its core appeal. Furthermore, Disney must rectify its fundamental errors, such as uploading episodes in the correct order. Such glaring mistakes erode the trust of viewers and undermine the potential success of the show.

Conclusion

Disney‘s attempted adaptation of RL Stine’s Goosebumps series falls flat in its initial release on Disney+. Despite moments of brilliance, the show struggles to find its footing by emulating successful predecessors like Stranger Things. The incomplete episode release and occasional missteps underscore the need for Disney to rectify its mismanagement. Only by truly capturing the essence of Stine’s original books and maintaining a consistent and engaging narrative can Disney unlock the full potential of this beloved and bone-chilling franchise.

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