R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead (2025)

R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead (2025)

When his brother disappears and everyone forgets he ever existed, Sam must solve this mystery before Finn vanishes forever.

Yeah, right!
R.L. Stine’s stories always feature main characters aged between thirteen and fourteen. Some are more unbearable than others. Often a boy and a girl. The French dubbing doesn’t help, and you really feel like smacking the main boy throughout the film.

Yet another far-fetched, very twisted, but entertaining story. I have a funny history with the Goosebumps book series. Actually, I did work experience in a bookshop when I was 21. And that’s when I discovered these books. I started devouring them. A colleague told me I was too old for that. A friend also teased me a bit, because he only knew the TV series and told me it was absolutely rubbish. I don’t think I ever bothered to watch it. I was having too much fun reading them. Even today, I could read or re-read a few of them!

As for the two films, Goosebumps 1 & 2 (2015 & 2018), I enjoyed them much more than I would have imagined. They’re good films. This one is a bit of a let-down.

I don’t think there’s any connection between this film and the Pumpkinheads that were created between 1988 and 2006. In any case, those creatures don’t look anything like pumpkins! But I must admit that the monster in this film really won me over. I’m more than happy to add it to my list of favourite monsters. In any case, the actor must have had a right good laugh. He’s perfect in his gestures, the way he stands, runs and moves. He must be very flexible and a real acrobat.

The opening scene is excellent. But it’s typical for these stories to have a tragic ending. But at least they’re interesting and not just grim or depressing. They make you think a little.

Young Adeline Lo might lead one to believe that girls are always better actresses than boys. She really has something about her.

I’ve always liked Kendra Anderson whenever I’ve seen her in films. Yet I haven’t got round to looking up her filmography just yet.

But the one who really stands out for his performance and his character is Matty Finochio! Born on 24 December 1985 in Ontario, Canada, this actor is known for Virgin River (2019) and Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025). I really liked the latter, even though it’s one of the weaker entries in the series. This actor is excellent!

All in all, this is still aimed at a young audience! There’s no unbearable gore, no torture scenes, and no extreme violence. But it’s still for an audience that enjoys a bit of a thrill. There aren’t any sex scenes either.

It’s certainly not the film of the year, let alone of the century, but it does a decent job of providing one-off entertainment.