‘Goosebumps’ (2023) Recap: ‘Say Cheese and Die!’

10/15/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Zack Morris as Isaiah in Episode 101 of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023) – ‘Say Cheese and Die!’. (Photo Courtesy of David Astorga/Disney.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

It is definitely safe to say, that we live in an era where universes now rule the day from a storytelling standpoint. For so many shows, and books and movies, now operate in an outright encapsulated universe. Where everything is connected and where every moment has critical impact upon future stories and well… that is in fact, a good thing. Because it is giving rise to rich stories that captivate us and keep us in a familiar world that we adore, and it just so happens, that a brand-new series on Disney+ and Hulu, is working to bring together a series of beloved horror stories in a manner that creates a new storytelling universe. Which makes Goosebumps quite the fascinating watch.

For this series, one that is indeed a revival of the highly beloved 1990s series that was based upon R.L Stine’s incredible work, ponders upon one particular question. In that, what if the amazing stories that we enjoyed from this show back in the 1990s… just so happened to be connected in a manner that goes beyond the book series? And the answer to that question is… we would be treated to a horrific universe filled to the brim with moments that are spooky, scary, and dangerous, alongside characters that we get to know and care about. Vesting us deeper into this story than ever before and it accomplishes this incredible feat… by plunging us into the world of Port Lawrence, and by introducing us to a bevy of kind teenagers that make up part of the population of this isolated berg.

Who sadly, manage to do something awful in ‘Say Cheese and Die’. But not from ill intentions. For Isaiah, the town’s star quarterback, wants to ensure that an upcoming party hosted by his beloved Allison is a true smash. So, he and his friends head to the old Biddle House. A place where tragedy once took place and is currently under renovation by Isaiah’s father for its new tenant, which allows for everyone to sneak in and host the party of a lifetime. But there is quite the problem in doing this. In that, deep within this home is an evil that none of them know about, and they have managed to unleash it. First through a camera that informs its owner that bad things will befall people they care about. Which sadly becomes Isaiah’s responsibility when he takes that camera home with him from the Biddle House, prompting him of course to fight with all of his might to prevent its premonitions from coming true with mixed results. But also, through the fact that something dark from within this house begins to roam about the town, and infect the right individuals, such as the new owner of the home.

Which informs us… that while the nightmare of the week will indeed be resolved as it was in the classic, life in Port Lawrence will continue along, with consequences in place from the horrors these teens will encounter, and that… is freakin’ brilliant. Because at last, it gives Goosebumps a true universe to operate within, where horrors untold are everywhere to be found and where the characters will have to work toward more than just outwitting an evil camera and other horrors on the horizon. Giving this series real depth, real gravity and it really does feature wonderful characters that are relatable and real, and that we want to see succeed. But most important of all, the decision to create the GBU so to speak, invests the viewer into this universe like never before. Because now… you must know what this evil is and how it will be put down, and the wonder of this story doesn’t there.

For that really is… perfect balance. Since that gives fans of the original, the anthology style of storytelling they crave, while offering them something new to enjoy and new fans of the show… can now understand why their folks loved this series and why it means so much to them. Through exciting stories that also happen to offer up… some solid scares. For this iteration of Goosebumps has evolved for certain, and now features some of the red stuff that the prior one shied away from, alongside visuals that are nightmare inducing. Making this, a perfect premiere, one that was clearly forged in love and a desire to let this iconic franchise live on, and truly, it will be fascinating to see where this amazing series is going to take us as darkness continues to wash over Port Lawrence in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Watch ‘Goosebumps’

0 Comments