Users can play Goosebumps: Night of Scares three different ways: through movement, using the touch screen, or by combining their phones with a compatible VR headset for a highly immersive 3D virtual reality experience, a first for any Goosebumps game. Initially reluctant with the change of scenery, Zach befriends inquisitive neighbor Hannah (Odeya Rush), and their immediate bond is somewhat impeded by Hannah’s reclusive father, aka author R.L. Stine (Jack Black). It’s just one more way that “Goosebumps” gets it.
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Cue the “Rear Window” intrigue.
Based on the popular book series of the same name, Goosebumps is a horror comedy directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale, Gulliver’s Travels). Zach spies Black’s silhouetted misanthrope apparently mistreating his daughter, and breaks in to investigate along with Champ (Ryan Lee), his self-appointed, irrepressibly geeky wing man. Their snooping leads them to a bookcase filled with bound, locked copies of original “Goosebumps” manuscripts, which end up being ill-advisedly opened, of course. It turns out that they actually can come to life when Stine’s tomes are opened, info we learn following the silly fake-out shenanigans in that aforementioned first half-hour.
Black also voices the character of Slappy in the film, as well as the Invisible Boy.
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There was a time when Tim Burton – who surely would’ve put a more distinctive stamp on things – flirted with the project, which likely explains why Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (“Ed Wood”, “Big Eyes”) have story credit. Talented comedians Timothy Simons and Ken Marino are wasted in throwaway roles, while Jillian Bell works overtime to steal her scenes as Zach’s perpetually single, Bedazzler-crazy aunt, but that’s petty theft at best. Aside from Slappy, a legit dummy puppeted by Avery Lee Jones, the key baddies are predominantly visual effects.
