Goosebumps Revival Raises the Stakes: A Detailed Look into the Spooky Reboot
If you thought the unsettling scarecrow or the ventriloquist’s dummy from the ’90s Goosebumps TV show were behind you, think again. They’re back, and they’ve evolved. The Rotten Tomatoes verdict is in, and let’s just say the numbers have us bristling in anticipation. But numbers can’t tell the whole story. Let’s dig into why this new Goosebumps series is sending shivers down our collective spines.
Rotten Tomatoes: A Litmus Test for the Spookiness
“Based on 27 total, critics have rated the revival at 6.80 out of 10, reflecting an overall score of 74%. The audience score, with more than 50 ratings, comes in slightly at 69%.”
While this might not be a perfect score, it’s definitely far from rotten. The ratings align closely with those of the original movie, leaving the sequel haunted by its subpar 47%. Critics are singing praise for the Goosebumps reboot, noting its potential as a gateway into the horror genre.
A Storyline That Resurrects the Dead
“The story begins when five teenagers accidentally release supernatural forces out in the open. They must find a way to recapture those forces, while also discovering their parents’ secrets from the past.”
Unlike the episodic format of the 1998 anthology, the 2023 Goosebumps series takes on a more serialized approach. The show kicks off in 1993 with a dramatic event: the death of high school student Harold Biddle (played by Ben Cockell) in a chilling basement fire. Fast-forward to present-day, and we meet another high schooler—Isaiah, played by Zack Morris—venturing into that same empty, ominous house.
Paranormal Phenomena and Halloween High-Jinks
Isaiah’s plan? A Halloween party in a haunted house. What could go wrong, right? No fires this time, but strange occurrences are aplenty. From bizarre cameras to curious possessions and odd masks that seem to change personalities, the series promises a cocktail of supernatural ingredients.
“There are strange cameras, possessions, and weird masks that seem to alternate personalities and make their wearer more confident and even time loops.”
The first five episodes have left viewers at the edge of their seats, with another five slated for release later.
Who’s Behind the Magic (Or Should We Say, the Curse?)
A roster of seasoned and upcoming talent makes this project truly compelling. Justin Long, known for Barbarian, and Rachael Harris from Lucifer share screen space with newcomers like Isa Briones, Miles McKenna, Ana Yi Puig, and Will Price.
“So far, the collaboration is proving fruitful for Goosebumps.”
Behind the scenes, the alchemy is sparked by Rob Letterman, the creative force behind Detective Pikachu, and Nicholas Stoller, famous for his Neighbors movies starring Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, and Rose Byrne.
In Summary
The revived Goosebumps series is more than just a trip down memory lane. With a mature storyline, updated characters, and atmospheric chills, it offers new thrills for a generation unfamiliar with the original. So, if you’re in the mood for some light horror that goes beyond cheap jump scares, this series might be your next binge-worthy pick. Given the positive Rotten Tomatoes scores and the engaging storyline, Goosebumps isn’t just another revival; it’s a masterclass in modernizing nostalgia.
