When I think of Halloween I don't gravitate towards the films that are made to give me hyperventilating nightmares; that cause me to sleep with every single light shining at full capacity until it is finally daylight so I can be sure nothing is hiding in a closet & no doll is not going to come to life and murder me while I attempt to sleep. I like to think of the movies that I watched with my parents, or the ones that re-air on ABC network for families. My list may seem odd, but they are ones that I think that you may agree with. They are fun and not extremely frightful - after all isn't this holiday suppose to be fun...
The first one that comes to my memory is The Sixth Sense. I love this movie and remember begging my mom to let me go to Blockbuster ( yes, once upon a time you could actually go to a store rent an actual physical copy of a film for a night) to rent this movie that I had heard my friends talk about. The image of Donnie Wahlberg completely unrecognizable in the opening scene still messes with me, in a good way. I remember sitting there and paying close attention as though I may miss something, just to make it to the end of the film and realize I had not a clue as to what had unfolded before me. With a cast of complex characters, Toni Collette is the extremely terrified mother trying to help her son with unconditional love. Bruce Willis, the helpful shrink, is truly at his best and completely had me fooled the entire time. Haley Joel Osment in his first major role was exceptional in his convincing portrayal of the young child trying to navigate an unclear path of seeing “Dead People”.
Next up, Addams Family Values. Not a typical movie of fright but one that I still love to this day. I know this is the second installment with this cast but it truly is my favorite. There is the odd pairing of Uncle Lester brought to life by the exceptional Christopher Lloyd and his new wife Debbie Jellinsky played by the flawless Joan Cusack. Pugsly ( Jimmy Workman) and Wednesday ( Christina Ricci ) get shipped off to summer camp. Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) prepare themselves for adding another baby to their family of crazy while looking after Granny, played by the hilarious Carol Kane. A slue of other actors round out this cast with appearance by Peter MacNicol, Christine Baranski, David Krumholtz, Carel Struycken and Dana Ivey. A film to make you laugh at horror.
It seems that I cannot have a favorite list without including my love Johnny Depp in Sleepy Hollow. The first time I saw this film, I was mesmerized with Depp's performance, as I always am. Bringing to life the character of Ichabod Crane, played with darkness and social dysfunction, Depp makes you believe that he can solve any crime and diagnose any illness. He is sent to investigate a town that is distraught with killings that seem to be committed by a headless horseman. While visiting this town he meets the enchanting Katrina Van Tassel played by Christina Ricci. Amongst these two stellar actors we also get to see Christopher Lee, Michael Gambon, Miranda Richardson, and Christopher Walken as our frightful headless horseman.
Last, but not least, my all time favorite Halloween film...Hocus Pocus. Yes, I cannot get enough of this film. I will actually watch it in July, and I finally retired my VHS tape of it - don't judge me. There is not one bad thing that I can say about this film, other than I probably saw this at a young age and it may have not been entirely appropriate, but that was then. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker (pre Sex and the City) bring the Sanderson sisters to life in this tale of the Salem witches that were burned at the stake but return to life in search of eternal youth. They are raised from the dead by one unbelieving teenager Max ( Omri Katz ) his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and the object of Max's affection Allison (Vanessa Shaw). These three have one night and one night only to put a stop to the three witches plan to terrorize their home and steal the youth of children. With the help of an immortal cat, Zachary Binks, played by Sean Murray ( our beloved Tim McGee on NCIS) they set out on a night of adventure. We watch as these witches that have been dead for three centuries handle the modern world of 1993. With a delightful appearance by Gary and Penny Marshall, this is a film that will stand the test of time. It is a true classic and one that should be passed from generation to generation.
I hope you enjoyed my list. I know that there are films out there that will terrify you out of your socks but why dwell on the evil in the world? I think that we should have fun. Enjoy a light hearted film with some popcorn,and don't be afraid to turn off the lights and enjoy.
Happy Halloween!!!!