“Goosebumps Unleashed: Disney’s Thrilling Reinvention of the Beloved Book Series”

Goosebumps Review: Disney‘s Missed Opportunity

Introduction

Disney+ has become known for its overwhelming amount of content, often leaving viewers feeling overstuffed. From its handling of Star Wars to its never-ending stream of mediocre Marvel television shows, Disney has developed a reputation for bloating beloved franchises beyond comprehension. The latest victim of this attention is Goosebumps, the iconic series of spooky books by RL Stine that kept children up at night for three decades. While Disney‘s adaptation of Goosebumps has its moments of success, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to poor execution.

A Sturdy Franchise

The good news is that Goosebumps is a franchise with a strong foundation. Since the release of Stine’s first book, Goosebumps has been adapted into various forms of media, including a 1990s TV anthology series, movies, games, comics, and even musicals. Each adaptation has taken its own unique approach while staying true to the essence of the Goosebumps universe. Disney‘s new series attempts to channel the success of Stranger Things, featuring a group of schoolchildren who band together to unravel the mysteries happening around them.

Not Quite Stranger Things

However, Goosebumps is not Stranger Things. While the latter relies heavily on nostalgic 1980s references, Goosebumps takes place in the present day, lacking the same ironic nostalgia. The absence of cute children is also noticeable, as the characters in Goosebumps appear to be much older than their high school personas suggest. The casting of Justin Long, a 45-year-old man who appears much younger, adds confusion to the viewers’ ability to identify the characters.

A Slower Pace

One aspect that becomes apparent in the Disney series is its slower pace. While there are moments of jumps and scares, the episodes often include lengthy, flat scenes where characters engage in emotional discussions. It almost feels reminiscent of 1990s BBC soap opera Eldorado, with a subplot involving a married teacher having an affair with a local widow. This diversion from the core of what Stine’s books were about is frustrating, as the episodes are at their best when they fully embrace the spooky and thrilling elements.

Highlights and Promising Performances

Despite its flaws, Disney‘s Goosebumps adaptation has moments of absolute delight. The two episodes available at launch showcase the series at its best. From a character encountering multiple versions of themselves to the transformation of a thrillseeker after eating worms, these moments capture the essence of Stine’s books with just the right amount of scares and excitement. The cast, particularly Justin Long, delivers well-executed performances, effortlessly transitioning between goofy and menacing.

Conclusion

Goosebumps on Disney+ has tremendous promise, thanks to a strong source material and captivating moments of thrilling storytelling. However, Disney needs to avoid excessive spin-offs and focus on delivering content that stays true to the core of the franchise. Additionally, the platform must prioritize uploading episodes in the correct order, as mistakes like this are unforgivable. By striking a balance between staying faithful to the original books and bringing fresh elements to the adaptation, Disney can create a Goosebumps series that captivates both old and new fans.

References:

Heritage, S. (2023, October 13). Goosebumps review – Disney proves that the books were an absolute blast. The Guardian. Retrieved from [URL]