This is yet another bland ghost story with creepy creatures (thanks primarily to producer Guillermo del Toro’s design). It’s set in 1968 and features a group of geeky teens out to solve the mystery of a book that creates stories, while killing its victims. Unlike STRANGER THINGS or IT, the period references lack fun nostalgia and the kids are a bland combo of stereotypes. The title is a misnomer too. It’s never scary…not even a good jump scare. The plot is predictable and the killings aren’t original and definitely not frightening. The original books are written for young audiences, which explains why none of it works for grownups.
(1 / 5)