R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead – Tubi – 1 hour and 31 minutes
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Cassie moves her sons, Finn and Sam, from New York to Redhaven. Cassie wanted a fresh start after losing her husband. When they arrive, Sheriff Buckley walks over to introduce himself and his daughter, Becca. They invite the family to Mr. Palmer’s Harvest Festival. Once a year, he opens his farm so the locals can obtain fresh produce. Cassie and Finn are excited to meet their new neighbors, but Sam is less enthusiastic.
Sam, Finn, and Cassie arrive at the festival. Sam’s curiosity leads him to the barn. He enters and sees a pumpkin with a face. It moans. Before Sam can run, Mr. Palmer catches him. He tells Sam the pumpkin isn’t ready. Becca pulls Sam out as Mr. Palmer screams. She warns him to stay away from the pumpkin and Mr. Palmer. The farm has strange coincidences, but the adults won’t listen. They worship Mr. Palmer because his harvest saved the town from starvation. Mr. Palmer gives Cassie the best produce in the harvest as she and Finn converse with him. Sam sneaks into the barn, cuts the pumpkin from its root, and steals it.
Sam returns home with his family and relaxes for the evening. When Finn sees the pumpkin, Sam admits he stole it. Finn demands that he return it, but Sam refuses. Sheriff Buckley knocks on their door because Mr. Palmer reported the stolen pumpkin. Sam lied to Cassie and said it was a gift. Cassie offers to return it, but Sheriff Buckley says Sam should do it. Cassie agrees, but Finn secretly returns the pumpkin.
Sam wakes but can’t find Finn. He runs to his mom outside and asks her for Finn’s location. However, she doesn’t remember having a second son. Sheriff Buckley can’t recall him either. Becca pulls Sam aside. She remembers Finn and all the other missing children. Becca explains that every year, a kid goes missing, and everyone over 18 forgets. She sadly reports that Sam will never see Finn again. Sam won’t accept that. He will get his brother back. Luckily, Becca knows someone who can help, the local drunk Rusty. But they will have to convince him. Can Sam save Finn?
Based on R.L. Stine’s novel Pumpkinhead, this film is a thriller with a bit of horror (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The plot is well-written with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The pacing is flawless, and the script makes fun of itself for monologuing and separating in a creepy house. The monsters are more bizarre than scary. So, they won’t keep tweens and older kids up at night. With all R.L. Stine books, there is a larger lesson at hand. It speaks of family, responsibility, and sacrifice. Becca, Sam, and Rusty make a superb team, and the actors had fun with their characters. This film is the perfect Halloween movie for the family. It doesn’t have any sexual innuendoes, off-color language, or political putdowns, only fright with a lesson.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
It’s not ripe – Mr. Palmer
It wasn’t my finest moment, okay? – Sam
It’s okay. I’m living vicariously through them – Becca
Take it back – Finn
Good thinking, I’ll get both – Cassie
Doesn’t ring a bell – Rusty
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