Enter if you dare....From the back cover:
THE NEXT RIDE MIGHT BE THEIR LAST....
The Morris family got lost trying to find Zoo Gardens Theme Park. But that's okay. They found another amusement park instead. It's called HorrorLand.
In HorrorLand there are no crowds. No lines. And the admission is free. It seems like a pretty cool place.
But that was before the heart-stopping ride on the deadly Doom Slide. And that terrifying experience in the House of Mirrors.
Because there's something weird about the rides in HorrorLand.
Something a little too creepy.
A little too real....
My thoughts:
I was planning on reviewing this last Sunday since it was the season opening of Canada's Wonderland, but my computer was getting fixed, so I'll just post it now.
I love horror books and movies that use amusement parks or carnivals as the setting, so I was looking forward to reading One Day at HorrorLand. Also, I remember this one being one of my favourite Goosebumps books when I read it when I was younger. But also, as a kid Howard the Duck was one of my favourite films, so I would say my judgment back then was questionable at best. Actually I haven't seen that movie in years, so maybe I should give that another shot too....
Anyway, this book is dull. During their day at HorrorLand, the kids spend most of their time looking for their parents and only go on four rides. None of which are the least bit frightening, at least compared to Stine's other books like The Girl Who Cried Monster and Night of the Living Dummy.
The Horrors (monsters who run HorrorLand) are kind of creepy. And I liked the twist ending. But overall I'm pretty disappointed, especially since I had high expectations from usually enjoying books with amusement park settings. Funland by Richard Laymon better not let me down....
Next week I'll review another R.L. book featuring an amusement park as a setting: The Beast.
Rating: 2/5
PG Gore: Another Horror walked past carrying a very real-looking human head. He grasped it by its long, blond hair and bounced it up and down, sort of like a yo-yo, as he walked.
Next week: The Beast
6 comments:
I believe this was the first Goosebumps book I read to my kid sister. We both enjoyed it pretty well. I'm sorry that your experience was a little less satisfying. Good review though!
I remember not really loving the monster-y books. But the TV show version of this is kind of hilar. It's just so over the top and bizarre.
Thanks, Joe.
Sadako, I don't think I've ever seen the TV show version. Is it the same as the book?
This book is So Bad It's Good. But the Tv episodeis so BAD it's AWESOME
"Is it the same as the book?"
Yes..and no. No Doom Slide, No Bat Bat Barn. Just the House Of Mirrors and The Coffin Cruise. That was the first half. As for the 2nd half....
Did you pick up Rue Morgue #100? There's a feature on R.L Stine in that issue.
I spent most of my time in grade 5 and 6 knocking off a Goosebumps book once a week (usually in a few days), but I remember this one being pretty dull as well. Even dull for a Goosebumps, which could really suck.
Spongey444 - Haha, the TV episodes are so bad they're awesome? Sounds great. I've only seen a few episodes ages ago. Maybe I should review some on here.
ZedWord - No I didn't, I'll check it out. Thanks for telling me!
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