I am switching gears today. Of course, it's Halloween again. True, I still love to dress up and decorate and... give out candy. :). (trick or treating is fun too :). The picture of me on this blog is evidence of Halloween fun back in high school. Another thing I love to do Halloween night, is to get take out, and then pop popcorn (gotta have popcorn) and watch movies (candles lit, of course).
The thing is, most Halloween films are either made strictly for children, which makes it a bit harder for adults to truly enjoy them (although, I have no objections to "The Great Pumpkin"). Then there's the other end of the spectrum, where Halloween movies are so gory and nightmarish, and freaky, they are completely inappropriate for kids.
So, I've thought of some various films I've seen (most of them since I was a kid) that are as appropriate for adults and children, as I could think of. Most of these are not what might be thought of as a Halloween movie: but they all have themes of fantasy, magic, costumes and suspense, put together with some comedy and just enough of a chill... Well, you get the idea. These are in no particular order. Enjoy! :)
1. "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971) Rated G
Come on, a golden ticket, a lifetime supply of chocolate, and a freaky boat ride through a scary tunnel. All this, AND a chocolate river! What more could you want? For me, there is only one Willie Wonka (Gene Wilder). I Personally have never seen the remake with Johnny Depp. But if you have, and you enjoy it, take your pick! For me, the end scene between Wonka, Charlie and Grandpa Joe was always the scariest part! :)
2. "Young Sherlock Holmes" (1985) Rated PG 13
Not actually part of any of Doyle's tales, this is a just suppose sort of story about what could've happened between Holmes and Watson at their first meeting and their first mystery! It's set in the Victorian Era... But don't let that stop you from seeing it! No garden tea parties or parasols here! Instead, there's a murderer on the loose! That, and a mysterious figure in a black cloak. This film has fencing, and some excellent, nightmare like hallucinating going on! Don't worry, I didn't give anything away. This film also has the very first completely computer animated movie character. The hallucinating in this film most likely would scare the youngest viewers. I recommend it because the viewer can clearly see that what's going on is only in the mind of the character. This is an opportunity to teach children that (some of the scary things) on screen are in fact only imagination "See, it's not real"-- that type of thing. A few people are murdered in this movie, yes... But there is no blood, no guts, and nothing inappropriate or morbid going on. Just enough to set people on the edge of their seats... With a very appropriate ending! It has PG 13 rating because of the fear factor. The hallucinations and the deaths are quite dramatic.... But not bloody.
3. "The Ghost and Mister Chicken" (1966) Not Rated
Ha ha! A classic haunted house, and the wonderful, whimsical comedy of Don Knott's! You remember how family friendly "The Andy Griffith Show" was, right? Anyway, A murder has taken place... Years ago. The house still stands in the same neighborhood... And now Luther Heggs (Knotts) is gonna spend the murder anniversary night in the house. Poor Luther! He just needed a three inch item for a filler in the newspaper. He's just filling in time in the type-setting room...someday, he'll be a true reporter! A janitor working in the office says he thinks people would be interested in reading about the Simmon's Case again... And soon, Luther finds himself in way over his head! (Does the paranormal scare you?) (Ha ha :). A trap door, cobwebs, a secret passageway, a painting dripping with blood, and an organ in the attic with bloodstained keys... Who is playing it! All of this, but with a clean, family friendly, "everybody triumph's" angle. The innocence of the good guy overlooked and needing a break is the theme here... Not the paranormal. If ever you want to teach little ones that something is frightening, but only pretend; this is another great movie to do it with!
4. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993). Rated PG
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King is bored. Another Halloween... Another fright night to be planned out right? So what should he stage this year? He needs some inspiration, that's for sure! In his quest to find it, he stumbles on Christmas Town! Santa Claus?? Christmas trees?? What are these things? He's never seen them before! Jack resolves to bring Christmas Town to... A land of skeletons and ghouls and scary faces? Where Jack comes from, a Christmas tree burns up! Let's see, should he, put on a white beard? Why not? But Santa Claus, he is not, so now what should he do? There's plenty of spirits, where he is, but not of the "Christmas" kind! :). Here, skeleton's take off their own heads and limbs... Oohhhh, creepy! Could Christmas Town and this thing called Halloween co-exist? :). Well... :). Not the only only Tim Burtin film on my list, this holiday fantasy has a little something for everyone. The film is done in stop motion animation, and Jack Skellington is voiced by Chris Sarrandon.
5. "The Witches" (1990). Rated PG
With special effects done by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, this (fictional) film deals with real witches, who look like you and me on the outside... But underneath... Yikes!! Nine year old Luke has a very whimsical and entertaining grandmother. She has quite a few tales about witches; not the fantasy ones from fairy tales, but real life witches... And how much they hate children! (Uhhhh Oh!). Luke's grandmother also has her own "witch hunting" story. She claims that there is (somewhere out there) A Grand High Witch, to which all other witches report to to learn how to perfect their mischievous art. When Luke and his grandma move to England, they stay in a hotel where several witches have what is a huge meeting with the (One and only) Grand High Witch to be informed on the next phase of her plans (to exterminate as many children as possible). Don't worry... Again, no blood, no guts... Nothing morbid... Though there are however, many characters with some rather gory personalities! The good wins, and there is a victory ( YES!!!). Now there are several transformations in this film that would be frightening to especially young children. There are children who become....mice, and witches who start out like normal people, but then... Yikes! All, prosthetics, special effects, make up... And some real mice :). Some of the transformations involve children being in what looks like seizures as their form changes. Again, to me, a wonderful teaching tool; but parents use discretion.
6. "The Others" (2001). Rated PG 13
"Don't worry, the fog won't let her get very far."
I guess London Fog extends to the Isle of White as well... That's where this story takes place. Personally, I think this movie is best for those ages 12 and up. This movie is quiet, and dark, and the subject matter is not designed to appeal specifically to children. The fear in this movie comes from the psychological scare these characters get, as they figure out what's going on. There are however, two (later three) young children who play a big part in the story. Some children probably would find this entertaining! The film is certainly isolating. A period piece (WW2), but deceptively ordinary: A mother living in a large, stately mansion with her two children needs some... Domestic help...some housekeeping. Three strangers show up at the door one day. Ah yes! They've answered her ad, right? Well, not quite. Lydia, the youngest of the three, does not talk. She stopped suddenly... But what happened to her? The lady of the house (Nicole Kidman) always carries a set of keys in her hand. She closes and locks every door behind her as she leaves the room... And must unlock each one again when entering. She's not OCD. Her children have a rare skin condition that causes them to break out in sores and blisters if they are exposed even to ordinary daylight. But lately, the doors have been opened and closed and unlocked without this vigilant mother knowing about it. The curtains have been left open, letting sunlight in. Mysterious piano playing goes on. But the hired help is only doing their assigned work. What's going on? Paranoia sets in when the mother begins hearing strange voices and noises up in the attic. Haunted house right? Well, see for yourself. This film has no language, blood, guts or gore, but is truly psychologically frightening. Parents take heart because though the film is not made for young children, there is nothing inappropriate that kids can't see. There is one seen with the daughter, Anne, where this little girl takes on the face of an old woman. This is creepy for adults and would probably be frightening to young children. Again, the subject matter is designed for Adults, and one scene deals with a seance, but there's nothing overt that children couldn't set their eyes on. Again, use discretion.
7. "Labrynth" (1985). Rated PG
"Goblin King...Goblin King!
Wherever you may be, take this child of mine far away from me!"
One, night, Sara makes a wish. Her dad and step-mother have gone out for the evening, and Sara's been assigned to babysit little brother Toby. Life's unfair sometimes,, ain't it? Anyway, when Sara makes the wish, she has no idea she'll soon be on a strange journey to get her baby brother back! The Goblin King (David Bowie) has taken him! Now, Sara must work her way through the Labrynth to get him back. Guided by the wise old Hoggle (voiced and puppeted by Jim Henson) Sara must make her way to the Goblin Kings's door... And she doesn't have much time! Adults and teens will like this one because of the special effects. Young children will like this movie because of Jim Henson's amazing creatures, and little Toby. This movie is definitely for all ages!
8. "Young Frankenstein" (1974). Rated PG
Possibly, the most successful movie spoof ever! Cleverly written by lead actor Gene Wilder, and directed by Mel Brooks, this movie pays homage to the classic horror movies of the thirties. (No, it's pronounced "Igor"). This movie does have some language and sexual content. The diologue crackles with wit and the screwball comedy is hilarious! Though never marketed to children, as a child, I knew every line of dialogue, and I know that many kids have been entertained for hours by the revolving bookcase, and the bowtie snapping off, the game of darts, and the little blonde girl with her pretty little flower. Dr. Frederick Frankensteen (Gene Wilder) would rather be known for his own small contributions to science, rather for his unfortunate relationship to a famous "cookoo." But nobody will let him forget that his great-grandfather had successfully brought what was dead to life. One evening, a man carrying an ornate carved box, says he's come to give him his grandfather's will. So the doctor travels to Transylvania to carry on his grandfather's experiments. This movie is dark and cold and creepy, with just enough of a fear factor to send a chill down your spine...but it's one of the funniest films you'll ever watch. Co starting, Peter Boyle, Teri Garr, Clorus Leachman, Madeline Khan, and Marty Feldman, whose distinctive eyes, enlarged by a thyroid condition, won him the part of Igor. Definitely a winner!
9. "Star Wars" (1977). Rated PG
Certainly not what you might think of as a typical Halloween sorta movie.." but always a hit at a Halloween party, wouldn't you say? Most definitely for all ages, how can you go wrong with Luke Skywalker, Jabba the Hut, Princess Leah, OB1 and the brooding, creepy Darth Vador? I love a good battle with a light saber, don't you? Known as Episode 4, this actually is the first movie in what became a double trilogy. Staring Mark Hamil as Luke, a young Harrison Ford as Han Solo, and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leah. Think Darth Vador is enough evil for Halloween night?
10. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial 1982) Rated PG
Actually, one of the coolest Halloween movies there is! How would you like to go trick or treating with a friend from another world? Elliot does! His famous ride across the moon takes place on Halloween night, when Elliot and Michael trick or treat with their squashy little friend (who's just little enough to make their mother believe that he's Gertie!). This one's definitely for all ages, and has costumes, candy, trick or treaters, jack o lantern's, and the sweet, little blue eyed alien who can make flowers grow. There's a little bit of adult language... But nothing inappropriate for little eyes. Just grab a Kleenex-ex box :). Certainly not your typical Halloween film, but with a very distinctive Halloween feel! (Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace).
11. "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) Rated G
I dare you to watch the Wicked Queen becoming the old hag...and not shudder! The magic mirror with flames and creepy, freaky eyes! A black coldron, magic spells, creepy skulls, black crows...and an old hag's cackle! Known as the very first, full length animated, feature film,, and one of AFI's top 100 Films of All Time; the animation is excellent, coupled with the classic Grimm tale. A plus for all ages!
12. "Arachniphobia" (1990) Rated PG 13
Spiders, spiders, EVERYWHERE! Eek! This one's not for the squeamish... well perfect! It seems a small town doctor is being blamed for several sudden deaths. Each one involves a spider bite. Ross (Jeff Daniels) has moved to the country from the big city...and really isn't sure he's done the right thing. The town is taken over by spiders, and Ross suddenly finds himself in the middle of a twisted web...literally! Watch for John Goodman, playing the cooky exterminator brought in to help fix the problem. Parents, as always, use discretion. There is a brief shot of a corpse completely drained of blood... and lot's of creepy crawlee's and spiderwebs!
13. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990) Rated PG 13
All grandchildren love a good bedtime story. Tonight, a certain little girl is wanting to know why it snows, and so, her grandmother decides to tell her... Edward Scissorhands is the story of a man who is...well...unfinished. He was built from scratch, by a a wise, old man (Vincent Price) who lived all alone in the creepy house on the hill. This man liked to invent things. He taught Edward how to speak and use words. He kept his hair combed, and taught him manners. But evidence of an unfinished body is quite visible. Long knives and pieces of metal where hands should be seen. So one day, when a friendly Avon sales lady is making her rounds, she decides to visit the strange house on the hill... She is greeted by a freely, empty house that could only be created by director Tim Burton! All the trees in the back are perfectly pruned in the shape gigantic animals. But Edward is alone there. Once she see's that he means no harm, Peg (Diane Weist) decides he must come home with her... There are many adult situations in this film too mature for very young children, but there's a good chance that the fantasy and the benevolent character of Edward will make up for that. The classic theme of the odd person who has love in their heart, but is misunderstood.
14. The Pink Panther (1963) Rated PG
Again, not a typical Halloween movie... But it has one of the best costume parties ever and a mysterious "Phantom" who leaves behind a white glove. Peter sellers in this classic comedic role, the very first of several sequels. Plenty of adult content, but all sprinkeled with Peter Seller's classic comedy... And all completely clean! Between the screwball comedy, the costume ball, and the crazy car chase at the end, this movie has something for everyone! Co starring Robert Wagner, Cappucine, and Claudia Cardinale
15. "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) Not Rated
Come on, admit it... She's the scariest witch you've ever seen! I mean, this is the ultimate Fall movie... And perfect for Halloween! Who isn't scared of those flying monkeys or palace guards? Who isn't scared of that huge head between those shooting flames? Yikes!! A Crystal ball, a fire ball, talking trees, and a purple horse from Egypt! All this and a haunted forest!! Who doesn't love those ruby slippers? Personally, I love movies from the days when films didn't have to be rated, don't you? With Judy Garland, in the lead, of course, and Margaret Hamilton as the always frightening Wicked Witch of the West. All ya need is some popcorn!
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