Bumpy ride for inferior sequel

Bridesmaids’ Wendi McLendon-Covey (Kathy) throws herself into a physically challenging role with gusto and Chris Parnell (Walter) is always a welcome comedic presence.

I was less enthused to see Ken Jeong (Mr Chu) pop up on screen; not since the first Hangover movie has the 49-year-old been anything other than grating or unbearable.

Lemke and Rob Lieber’s story barely has a chance to breath as it gets buried beneath an avalanche of colourful, crazy creations including Frankengnomes and Gummi Bear monsters.

We do care about Sam, Sonny and the latter’s sister Sarah’s (Madison Iseman) fate – but not enough.

You also never feel like they are in any real danger as the kid-friendly tone and aesthetics will have you twiddling your thumbs rather than biting your nails.

The clever meta trappings running through the 2015 original are posted missing; this is a much more stripped-back, straightforward tale with few surprises.

An open climax suggests a third entry is on the cards but it already feels like enough is enough – unless braver creative choices are made.

The first movie, and unnerving modern flicks like Joe Dante’s The Hole and cult classic The Monster Squad, did a much more effective job of delivering familyfriendly scares.

Goosebumps 2 might not be a terrifying mess, but it’s about as frightening as an uncarved pumpkin.