THEME PARK REVIEW

SeaWorld's new 4-D movie is short on laughs and excitement.

By Robert Niles, Times Staff Writer

Don't wait too long in line to experience R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, the new 4-D movie at SeaWorld San Diego. This ghost story redefines "lifeless production."

R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" books dominated the spooky kid-lit market before J.K. Rowling dropped Harry Potter on the world and made everyone forget about Stein. "Lighthouse" won't do anything to return Stine to the public's attention.

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This shopworn tale drags two vacationing youngsters into -- you guessed it -- a haunted lighthouse, where they find a couple of lonely kid ghosts who've been waiting for playmates to join them in the great beyond. It's just not worth cataloging all the illogic and inconsistencies in the story, except to note that Sam Hamm's script accomplishes what was previously considered impossible for a 4-D movie: It's often boring.

Not even Christopher Lloyd's mugging as the kids' Gilligan-like sidekick can elicit a decent laugh. Director Joe Dante plows through the checklist of 3-D clichés: throw stuff, point stuff, spit stuff. Check, check and check. But Dante can't coax any hint of emotion from his child cast.

Nor do the special sensory effects add any surprises to the show, save to drench the viewers. Hey, you're at SeaWorld. If you want to get wet, go see Shamu.

R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse

What: The 22-minute 3-D film has special sensory effects and stars Christopher Lloyd, Sara Paxton, Bobby Edner and Lea Thompson; directed by Joe Dante.

Where: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego

Times guidelines: Not for those who will be scared by spooky images. Audience gets wet.

Cost: Park admission is $44.95; children 3-9, $34.95; 2 and under, free; parking, $7.

Info: (619) 226-3901