Review of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018) by Davrosdaleks1 — 11 Oct 2018

The last film legitimately took me by surprise. It was more fun than expected. This one is more what I'd thought the first would be: Serviceable. The entire thing is decent, but it is very standard. Jack Black's entertaining R.L. Stine is a bit part here and the interesting dynamic and obstacles of the kids from the first film is missing here. What ensues is a very by-the-numbers children's film. The actors playing the kids do a good job but they're given the most basic of characterizations and conflicts (complete with predictable school bullies). Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris Parnell, and Ken Jeong all have fun supporting roles, but they're not big parts.

Monsters are fun. They are even a couple scenes with Slappy that are a little scarier than expected. Kids should like this. At worst, parents will probably be indifferent. The movie is okay it just doesn't stand out.