Latest news with #Goosebumps'
France 24
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Verstappen skips Brad Pitt F1 movie to stay with family
Red Bull's four-time world champion and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll were the only absentee drivers for the preview showing of the Hollywood movie in Monaco on Wednesday evening - all part of the build-up to this weekend's Grand Prix. Verstappen, who is no fan of promotion and marketing work beyond the needs of his own team, said he had declined the invitation well in advance. As to changing nappies, he made no comment. "I told Formula One Management (FOM) that I would not be there," he said. "They knew about it. I just wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn't a mandatory event and it was my private time. "And I prefer to spend that private time at home especially as in F1 you're away from home so much already. It's pretty normal, I think. Now my family is growing, I definitely prefer more time at home." Stroll said he was doing "just stuff", adding that: "At some point, I'll watch it." Both drivers, and the 18 who attended, are in the principality for the Monaco Grand Prix, the second of three races in a 'triple header' of three consecutive events in Italy, Monaco and Spain, following six season-opening flyaway races in Australia, Asia, the Gulf and Florida. 'Goosebumps' The long-awaited film is due to go on general release next month and stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. It was directed by Joseph Kosinski, who made 'Top Gun: Maverick' among others, and the producers include Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. Hamilton attended the screening after which most drivers were enthusiastic about the production, many praising the authenticity of the racing sequences. Carlos Sainz of Williams said: "I truly enjoyed it... For us F1 experts, we're going to see things that we sometimes see with Netflix that you can tell are a bit Hollywood-esque. "But I truly believe that for a new fan, it will attract an audience and will do very well with people who don't know anything about F1. For the hardcore fan, for the journalists and us (drivers), we see things that maybe are too American or a bit too Hollywood." He added that the filming of racing sequences were "insane, honestly insane" and "for me the best part." Drivers, team bosses and other guests attended the showing which Hamilton's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc described as "really cool". "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect," he added. "No idea. But the story-telling is really cool and the images are just incredible. I really enjoyed it." Pierre Gasly of Alpine said: "Beautiful! It was really cool to see it for the first time. I think it is a real dive into our world of Formula One so I'm sure people will like it." Williams' team chief James Vowles said: "I thought it was absolutely fantastic. They did a really good job of being authentic to who we are and how we go racing. © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Columbus-born author R.L. Stine talks 'Goosebumps,' Netflix films, more
Despite his ability to raise your neck hairs and induce nightmares, R.L. Stine is not a scary guy. In fact, the Columbus-born author who made "Goosebumps" a household name in the 1990s never aspired to become a master of horror. "I never planned to write scary books. I was always funny rather than scary," Stine said during a recent chat with The Dispatch. Stine's childhood goal was to be a cartoonist. Unfortunately, reviews of his work by his buddies were less than stellar. "My friends said, 'Bob, your drawings suck,'" he recalled. Instead, the author said he "became the 9-year-old weird kid in my room typing my stories." If Stine's zany sense of humor is a surprise, you probably never encountered the work of Jovial Bob Stine at a Scholastic book fair as a kid. Under that moniker, he created and wrote for Bananas magazine, the wackier, teen-targeted cousin of MAD magazine. Bananas was spawned from the powerhouse Scholastic children's magazine Dynamite, for which Stine also had written. A conversation with Jean Feiwel, then editorial director at Scholastic, steered Stine away from the hilarious to the horrifying. "She was angry at a guy who wrote teen horror and said she was never working with him again. She said to me, 'You could write good horror. Write a teen horror novel called 'Blind Date,'" Stine recalled. The 81-year-old author said he wasn't deterred by his unfamiliarity with the genre. "I never said no to anything, so I said, 'Yeah, sure,'" he said. "I wrote 'Blind Date' and it came out a No. 1 bestseller. I'd never been on the list with my funny stuff before. I've been scary from then on." That was 1987. Two years later, Stine launched "Fear Street," a successful series of teen slasher novels. Then, in 1991, his wife and editor, Jane Waldhorn, challenged him to write for even younger fans of terrifying tales. Though an avid horror comic reader as a kid himself, Stine was reluctant. But thumbing through the TV Guide one day, he came across a word he thought would make a great series title: "goosebumps." "Goosebumps" took off like a shot in 1992, really putting Stine's name on the literary map. At the series' peak of popularity, the writer was churning out a book every month for nearly five years. "I was writing a 'Goosebumps' every month and 'Fear Street,' so I didn't get out much. I have no idea how I had the energy for that," Stine said. "I'd been writing for 20 years and nobody really noticed. To have that incredible success was so exciting." "Goosebumps" has sold more than 450 million copies in 35 languages, making it the second highest-selling children's book series in history, after the "Harry Potter" saga. Aimed at a tween audience roughly 9 to 12 years old, the books have inspired films, TV shows, video games, toys and more. Even the Columbus Crew will be sporting neon-accented secondary uniforms honoring "Goosebumps." Putting the 'BOO' in 'books': 10 horror authors pick the scariest books Stine has been a regular on bestsellers lists, not only for "Goosebumps," but other series including "Rotten School," "Mostly Ghostly," "The Nightmare Room," "Dangerous Girls" and "Fear Street." Netflix released a trio of original movies in July 2021 based on the first three installments of "Fear Street." The high school horrorfest will continue with "Fear Street: Prom Queen," scheduled for release on May 23 of Netflix. Stine said he feels flattered and grateful for the attention to his work, though he was surprised by the movies' R rating. "I love having the movies made. It's a wonderful thing. I have to admit I was shocked because they're R-rated. Even my life isn't R-rated," he said. "I was really shocked because they have heightened scares in the movies. 'Fear Street' is about teens and terror. Why do people like it so much?" One would think a writer as prolific as Stine, who's penned more than 350 books, must have a meticulously detailed writing process and a vast database of stories in his brain. One would be mistaken. "My main talent is thinking of titles. I always think of the title first. When I get a good title, that leads me to the story. I'm backward from most authors," he said. An example is the book Stine just finished writing, "One Night at Camp Bigfoot," the sixth entry in the "Goosebumps: House of Shivers" series, due out in early March 2026. Need your next read?: 15 new releases you can check out right now While he didn't pursue that cartooning gig, Stine was nonetheless impacted by the comics he devoured as a boy. "When I was a kid, there were great horror comics like 'Tales from the Crypt.' I loved them; they were very influential. They were these gruesome, horrible stories, often with funny endings," he said. Other than comics, Stine said he wasn't much of a reader until a librarian introduced him to the writing of Ray Bradbury. "It was so beautiful, so imaginative. His stories all had twist endings. It changed my life and turned me into a reader, thanks to her," he said. Though his pace is less frenetic than these days, Stine is hardly out of the game. He still tours and the books keep coming, along with movies and TV shows. Recent offerings include the March release of "Say My Name! Say My Name!" and a graphic novel, "The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood," which came out in April. In fact, before "One Night at Camp Bigfoot," another installment of the "House of Shivers" collection called "The Last Sleepover" is set to arrive on Aug. 5. A reboot of "Goosebumps" was released on Disney+ and Hulu in 2023. Instead of the episodic format of the first series in the 1990s, the newer show's storylines change from season to season. The series' second season, "Goosebumps: The Vanishing," premiered in January and stars David Schwimmer. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Stine is appreciative, if still a bit in awe, of the love readers have expressed for him and his books. When asked to describe his life, he summed it up in one succinct word: "Lucky." Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: R.L. Stine on 'Goosebumps,' Netflix films and growing up in Columbus
Los Angeles Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
'Goosebumps' author R.L. Stine scares up a few laughs at OCPL's Comic Orange
R.L. Stine is regarded as one of the greatest children's horror authors. Best known for the delightfully frightening 'Goosebumps' book series, his name is one that is recognized across generations of readers. Yet, while most know his name and work, there is one thing people might not know: R.L. Stine is hilarious. 'Everyone always says write what you know, write from your heart. I have written 300 books and not a single word from my heart,' Stine deadpanned at a recent author talk and book signing at the Laguna Hills Community Center. His appearance on May 7 was part of OC Public Libraries Comic Orange, a county wide event designed to promote literacy by highlighting OCPL's graphic novel collections and celebrating comics. Funded in part by a grant from the California Department of Aging, administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging, Stine appeared in conversation with fellow author, Jonathan Maberry, known for his suspense and thriller books, like the 'Rot & Ruin' series. Stine's sense of humor isn't a complete surprise, however. The best-selling author began his career writing for a kids humor magazine titled 'Bananas' as well as joke books for children. Then his editors came to him with an idea for children's horror books. 'They said, we should try a scary book series for young kids; no one has ever done it,' said Stine. He reluctantly agreed, but only if he could come up with a good name for the book series. 'I was reading the T.V. Guide and I saw an ad at the bottom of one page that said, 'It's Goosebumps week on Channel 11' and I just stared at it. I thought, that's perfect. We will call it Channel 11.' Before 'Goosebumps' Stine wrote teen horror, a genre he said he also fell into by accident. His publisher had a disagreement with another horror author (who Stine said would remain nameless; right before he name checked Christopher Pike that is) and asked Stine to write the book instead. It was 1987. 'She said go home and write a book called 'Blind Date' and when it came out it was a number one bestseller,' said Stine. 'I thought forget the funny stuff, and I have been doing horror ever since.' His 'Goosebumps' books for younger children came later, with the first of the series published in 1992 by Scholastic Books, which initially signed Stine for a six book deal. The original 'Goosebumps' series went on to contain 62 books and inspire spins offs like 'Goosebumps Series 2000,' 'Tales to Give You Goosebumps,' 'Goosebumps Triple Header' and 'Goosebumps SlappyWorld.' The series has sold over 400 million copies globally in 35 languages and is second only to the Harry Potter series as far as best-selling children's book series go. The series also inspired two television shows, including one on Disney+ starring David Schwimmer and two full-length feature films starring Jack Black. 'Goosebumps' is also one of many children's books that has found new audiences since being adapted into graphic novels, making the popular author a perfect fit for Comic Orange. The adaptation of his books into graphic novels is something of a full circle moment for Stine who shared how he enjoyed reading comic books as a kid, particularly the 'Tales from the Crypt' series, even though he was forbidden by his mother to buy such comics. 'They were gruesome, bloody comics and they all had funny, twist endings,' Stine said of 'Tales from the Cyrpt.' 'I would read them at the barber shop because my mother wouldn't let me buy them. She said they were trash. So every Saturday morning I would get a haircut.' During the Q&A segment of the program, one young audience member asked what made Stine finally come around to the idea of writing scary books after trying to be funny. 'Greed and stupidity,' he said. Stine also lamented about how no matter how many books he writes, readers always want to know about Slappy, the ventriloquist dummy who first appears in his 'Goosebumps' book, 'Night of the Living Dummy.' Many fans in the audience sat holding there own bow-tied Slappy dolls. Stine told stories, including a funny account of how his son getting stuck in an old Frankenstein Halloween mask inspired another popular 'Goosebumps' book, 'The Haunted Mask.' He shared memorable experiences over his career, like winning a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award and meeting another well regarded horror author; Stephen King. Maberry shared he had met King himself and when he did, they discussed Stine. 'I asked him, 'when you grow up, what do you want to do?' and he said 'I want to be R.L. Stine,' ' said Mayberry. 'He said you look like you're having more fun than he's having.' Stine shook his head in disbelief. After the talk, Stine signed books for the first 200 people at the event, some of who got in line as early as noon for the 6 p.m. event. Fans of all ages turned out with the audience numbering nearly 1000 people, many in 'Goosebumps' t-shirts or dressed as characters from his books. For locals Gary and Effie Bender, meeting R.L. Stine was a childhood dream come true. 'What I want to tell R.L. Stine today is thank you for an amazing childhood and adulthood,' said Effie. 'My nieces and nephews are reading my vintage books to me today as a 42-year-old and still watching the VHS's that I own.' The Bender's credit Stine with inspiring their love of horror. 'He was everyone's introductory to that genre,' said Gary. Once such young reader getting that introduction is Johnny Gutierrez, who describes himself as a R.L. Stine super fan. 'I am a super fan because I have collected most of the books and I also watch the TV shows,' said Gutierrez. 'I mostly like the classic books, like 'Night of the Living Dummy.'' Gutierrez brought several of his books to the event for signing along with his own Slappy doll. Stine announced a new movie based on his teen horror book series 'Fear Street' will drop on Netflix on May 23 and a new book will be out later this summer titled 'Nightmare on Nightmare Street.' It seems the author still has plenty of ideas to continue scaring up a good time, and a few laughs, for the next generation of young readers.
New York Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Until Dawn' Review: They Keep Dying, You'll Keep Shrugging
Watching someone play a video game that they never let you play is a singular kind of boring. A similar 'why am I here?' dullness arrives early and stays late in 'Until Dawn,' the new supernatural slasher film based on the popular horror video game of the same name. The game, about the eerie goings-on that happen after sisters go missing from a remote mountain resort, is played in a choose-your-own-adventure style. With interactivity off the table, the film relies on a traditional slasher formula: Clover (Ella Rubin) and a group of her friends make the terrible decision to visit a remote valley's welcome center seeking answers about the strange disappearance of Clover's sister. Inside, a masked killer starts slaughtering the characters one by one. But here's the 'Happy Death Day'-style twist: Each night the characters' lives, and deaths, get reset by an hourglass clock. It turns out there's a deus ex machina madman at work in this uncanny valley, and as part of his diabolical project to learn more about the mechanics of fear, he reboots days and forces his victims to survive (they don't) until (you guessed it) dawn. The director, David F. Sandberg ('Annabelle: Creation') does an exhausting job moving along a script, written by Gary Dauberman and Blair Butler, that's made slack by mediocre monsters, muddled time loop stuff and underdeveloped characters who seem straight out of a lesser 'Goosebumps' episode. The spectacular and repulsively funny deaths by spontaneous combustion deserve their own, better movie.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLS unveils new jerseys for 2025: Miami's Euforia, Crew's ‘Goosebumps' headline
MLS unveils new jerseys for 2025: Miami's Euforia, Crew's 'Goosebumps' headline originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area The new Major League Soccer season is almost here. With the 2025 season kicking off on Saturday, Feb. 22, all 30 teams are unveiling jerseys the week prior to build on the hype. 'Each jersey tells a unique story, honoring the rich history and heritage that make every MLS club special,' Rachel Hoagland, MLS SVP of Consumer Products, said. 'From the custom design elements for each team to the distinctive visual identity of every club, these jerseys represent more than just a uniform—they are a symbol of the passion and pride that define MLS and its fans.' Additionally, Apple TV has created custom sleeve patches and logos for each team that will be placed on the kits. Here's a team-by-team look, in order of unveiling as of Feb. 12: Miami maintains its usual pink for the home kit, this time with a Euforia style. Euforia begins. 💓@InterMiamiCF's new home kit is here: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 LAFC is known for its black and gold home kit. This time it'll have a white and gold away kit, moving on from last season's light green shade. Timeless elegance. 🕰️ Get your hands on @LAFC's latest jersey now: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Charlotte dropped 'The Fortress' kit, primarily black with three horizontal white lines along the shoulders and two blue lines across the front neck. For the crown. For the Queen City. 👑@CharlotteFC just dropped 'The Fortress' kit: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 The Revolution's home kit pays homage to the flag of New England, with green being the standout color. Paying homage to the flag of New England. 🌲@NERevolution's 2025 secondary jersey: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Orlando maintained its purple look for the home kit. The perfect storm. 🌩️ Wear @OrlandoCitySC's new kit in rain or shine: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 The Union are switching to a lighter shade of blue, this time opting for an electric-style home jersey. From spark to surge. ⚡ New look for @PhilaUnion: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Last year's runner-ups will don a stone-themed tan kit. Stone by stone. 🪨 Gear up with the @NewYorkRedBulls: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 One of the more unique additions, the Crew are going for scary hours with their 'Goosebumps' design. Scary hours in Columbus. ⚠️@ColumbusCrew's Goosebumps-inspired jersey is out now: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Green doesn't leave Austin's home kit. The heartbeat of ATX. 💚@AustinFC's 2025 home kit: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 FC Dallas' latest kit goes for an Inferno theme, inspired by a fan group. Fueled by the fans. 🔥@FCDallas is ready for their 30th season: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Here's NYCFC's 10th-year kit, which keeps its light blue with orange around the neck. For the five boroughs. 🗽 Celebrate 10 years with @newyorkcityfc: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 Cincinnati's kit features two shades of blue, with a thick orange diagonal row slicing in between. Honoring the past. Looking ahead to the next chapter. 📖 Latest kit from @fccincinnati is here: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 12, 2025 New season, more green and gold for Portland. Forever green & gold. 🟢🟡 New drip for @TimbersFC: — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 13, 2025 Additional release dates: Vancouver Whitecaps: Feb. 13 Atlanta United: Feb. 14 Sporting Kansas City: Feb. 14 St. Louis City: Feb. 14 Nashville: Feb. 15
