Goosebumps Trailer Gives Off a Jumani Vibe
The first “Goosebumps” trailer looks more like “Jumanji” than any of the classic tales.
What were we expecting when hearing the news of a “Goosebumps” film coming? Were you expecting one or many of your favorite childhood horror tales coming to life? Maybe you (like I) were expecting some sort of “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” campfire tale? Well from this first trailer for “Goosebumps,” it seems like you will get many of the tales coming to life but not how you expected. Jack Black will be playing the actual author of “Goosebumps” R.L. Stine in what seems like a sort of “Jumanji” tale where the stories come to life once opened. Mix in a few kids, a few scares, and a few laughs and you pretty much have the same formula for films such as “Jumanji” and many others. Take a look at the trailer below and see for yourself.
This actually has some potential with the route they are taking. Sure it seems like a generic kids adventure, but integrating R.L. Stine as a character could create a unique perspective that allows many of us to reminisce on this cultural influence in our early lives. Rather than using the stories themselves as source material (which has pretty much already been done), this film brings pop culture to life by telling the story of the “Goosebumps” original source material. If they play their cards right and find ways to integrate pop culture references in addition to the stories themselves, then many may find this film to be surprisingly enjoyable.
A few sources have preemptively labeled this film as another strike to Jack Black’s career but they may be eating their words if this film turns out to be something unexpected. Sure he’s made some bad choices but I think there is some value to Jack Black as an actor and entertainer. This “Goosebumps” film could unexpectedly add to that value.
