Sony
2015 color
103 Mins.
Horror/Family/Comedy
Jack Black, Dyan Minette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Amy Ryan, Jillian Bell and Ken Marino star.
Written by Darren Lemke
Directed by Rob Letterman
Rated PG for some cartoonish violence and adult themes.
Inspired by his collection of horror themed children's books that have spawned a successful TV series and many DVD movies as well comes his first theatrical adaptation just in time for the Halloween season. Those hoping for more adult fare should look elsewhere because everything is strictly kiddie here, not that it doesn't have it's charms. The movie centers around a young man and his mother who move to a new town. Immediately after he finds himself interested in his new neighbor's daughter and creeped out by her over protective father. After a mysterious incident leads them into the house to save the young woman they discover a library of locked books and end up opening one accidentally. It unleashes a familiar creature. As it is a creation from the mind of R.L. Stine. Soon after other books are opened and they find themselves with the help of the author trying to stop a monster apocalypse. There's laughs here and I'd be lying if I said those gnomes weren't damn creepy. But it's never scary or the least bit suspenseful which is pretty disappointing because that's what the books are all about. Still it's pretty cool to see all these creatures on the big screen and with a unique and interesting story line to accompany it. But what really sells the material and makes it as entertaining as it is are the performances from the charming cast. Minette is solid and relatable in the lead and his chemistry with Rush feels genuine and engaging. The film misses the mark on the scares and not all the laughs hit but it is a pretty fun and wild ride. Also the special effects although a bit safe for the material are really impressive especially in 3D. And there's a fare amount of not very subtle subtext about letting go and the power of your imagination which although not very clever is pretty cool.All in all it's a fun little holiday themed flick that will hopefully lead to better slightly more adult sequels. ***.5/5
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