Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)

The early reviews weren't too good so I almost didn't take my grandsons to see it. But it was delightful. Even had enough scares to make my grandsons and me jump. Perfect Halloween movie.

Fmovies: I actually enjoyed the 1st goosebumps movie, this on the other hand was somewhat of a let down. The 1st one actually took it's time and there was a story that was established. In the 2nd one however, it didn't have that. Everything felt rushed and it felt like they threw everything right away without any explanation. And while you're watching you'll immediately know what's going to happen with just one glance. The story is as cliche as they come and in turn makes it laughable. Jokes also didn't land for me, it was cheesy as they come. A couple of them did get me to chuckle but that was it. The saving grace of the film was "Slappy", the villain of the film. When ever that psychotic puppet on the screen things get interesting, and he just makes the scene better.

All in all I thought goosebumps was very by the numbers and very predictable with an insane amount of plot holes, but with a good villain.

Goosebumps 2 is a really fun movie to watch! Perfect for Halloween! I recommend you see it, even adults will like it, the film has great laughs, cast, and the monsters in this film actually look scary!

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween fmovies. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is spooky, fun and creative! It is very engaging and entertaining throughout the whole film.

The story is about a young boy, Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) and his best friend, Sam (Caleel Harris) who finds a book. When they open it, a doll called Slappy comes out! The boys lose the book, but keep Slappy. The friends are very surprised and a bit scared when they discover that the doll can talk. He seems nice at the beginning. He wants to have a family. But later, the boy, his sister Sarah (Madison Iseman) and his best friend realize he is strange and don't want him to be part of their family anymore. Slappy has his own personal agenda and decides to create his own family. He makes Halloween come to life as he invades the whole town with monsters and all the creatures as allies. This is a very scary Halloween for the town of Wardenclyffe, where the story takes place, as all creatures make real chaos. Sonny, Sam and Sarah team up with neighbor Mr. Chu (Ken Jeong) to find the book that Slappy from to figure out how to stop him. They discover that the book can suck up monsters and they are determined to save the city.

The story is based on R.L Stine's books. This is where Jack Black comes in as he reprises his role from the 2015 film, playing the writer who came to help. His performance as the author is excellent. I love his voice work giving life to Slappy the Dummy.

The movie is funny and spooky in equal amounts. There is mystery and discovery all combined in the storytelling. There's kind of a homage to horror films, as we see some classic monsters. My favorite scenes are the ones with the Halloween decorations coming to life in the store and the fight with the gummy bears that become real and attack Sonny and Sam.

The effects are very well done. This story focuses on the 3 main characters and the actors did a good job carrying the film. There's a tribute to the books and literature. There's a beautiful metaphor with the blank pages in the book which is powerful. It is so interesting and kind of reminded me that reality is scarier than fantasy and there will be more stories to be written. The message of this film is, "when we face our own fears we learn how not to be scared."

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween opens October 12, 2018 and is the perfect movie for kids this Halloween. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended it for ages 6 to 13 and grown ups as well.

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Well, as a goosebumps fan. I REALLY loved this movie and highly enjoyable! Great Effects and Great Cast! I recommend this movie.

Wonderfully done! I loved all the ghouls and creatures in the film.

Pay attention to the last few minutes of the movie before the credits and you can spot a certain person making a surprise cameo!