GOOSEBUMPS (2015)

Based on R.L. Stine's hit series of creepy children's books, Goosebumps is an effects-laden but hugely enjoyable adventure-comedy about teenager Zach (Dylan Minnette), just moved to town with his mom, who meets a beautiful girl named Hannah (Odeya Rush) living next door with her whack-job of an overprotective father (Jack Black).  Turns out dad is bestselling author R.L. Stine himself, and Zach - along with new friend Champ (Ryan Lee) - finds this out around the same time they accidentally open a book that sets the Abominable Snowman free.  Turns out Stine's so good because all his monsters are real, once he writes about them - and when Slappy the evil ventriloquist dummy is freed, then decides to set his evil brethren free as well, all hell breaks loose and the gang must find a way to put all the demons back in the books.  Black, even playing Stine as a dramatic diva, still manages his signature mugging for the camera, but the effects, action, humor and monsters themselves are pretty awesome. (rated PG)  B+