The Doctor's Deluxe Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and sometimes TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19, a lot of us don't have much of a choice), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

This horror film follows a group of kids in a small town who make the erroneous decision to enter a local derelict mansion. They soon stumble onto a book of scary stories written by a tortured young woman who lived there. But these stories soon become all too real.

Produced by Guillermo del Toro and based on the popular anthology book of the same name, this movie does a decent job of weaving in some of the well known stories and monsters from the book within the main story of the film. The best thing about the movie is that the monsters actually look like they do in the book, which is no small feet considering the creepy art.

It's ok... I'm sure she just wants a hug.

This is still a kids movie (PG-13) but manages to be genuinely scary throughout while never taking it too far. It is not a bloody or gory movie though there is a little body horror. If you are a fan of the old books, you should find this enjoyable.

ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

A hack director and his small crew set out to shoot a low budget zombie flick in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility. But the crew is soon attacked by real zombies, and it's all captured in one take.

Little do they know what awaits them...

This horror comedy really surprised me in the best way possible. The movie is not exactly what it purports to be but I won't spoil it for you here. It ruins the film knowing the twist. Just know that the movie is not over when you see the first credits roll, which happens after a 40 minute take. Keep watching the rest of the movie and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. This film has instantly become one of my favorite horror movies of all time, and it only becomes more enjoyable when I share it with others who end up loving the film. It's funny, inspiring, and it just makes you feel good. If you only watch one movie this Halloween, make it this one.

TURBO KID

A teenage comic book fan takes up the guise of his favorite super hero in order to save his new friend from a brutal overlord in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of... 1997?

This is how we dress after covid-19 is finally over in the far-flung future of... 1997.

Dripping with an 80s aesthetic, Turbo Kid feels like a cross between a Saturday morning cartoon and Mad Max except everyone rides around on bikes. It's absurd but it's highly entertaining. It's also surprisingly gory, which is sometimes used for comedic effect. I would love to see more movies like this. If this sounds like your kind of flick, I highly recommend you check it out.

There is also a really cool short video prequel to the movie. It does give you an idea on what to expect from the film but I think it makes more sense if you watch the movie first so maybe wait to watch it.

THE INVISIBLE MAN

A woman escapes an abusive relationship with a wealthy optics engineer who later commits suicide. However, the woman soon finds herself stalked by a dangerous invisible figure.

"Please! You can't make me watch The Mummy!"

Produced by Blumhouse, this is a reboot of the classic Universal monster and the results are much better than I could have hoped. This is a surprisingly scary movie with great acting and cool special effects. Despite being a reboot of a classic, the story feels fresh. I would love to see Universal do something similar with their other classic monsters. This is one of the best new horror movies of 2020. Check this one out.

READY OR NOT

A woman marries the man of her dreams at his family's luxurious mansion but her wedding day takes a turn for the worse when she is forced to take part in a deadly game of hide and seek.

Not a family I would want to marry into.

Starring Samara Weaving as the newlywed bride, this is a fun horror comedy with a great premise, funny characters, and a satisfying ending. I can't help but feel like I would like to see a sequel or even a prequel. There are a lot of interesting directions the story could take from here and the background to the story is intriguing. The characters especially stand out so I would love to see them featured again. More movies in this universe please.

HOST

Six friends decide they want to contact the dead during lockdown so they attempt a seance over Zoom. Unfortunately, the girls do not get the results they desire.

When someone goes to the restroom and forgets to turn off their camera.

Filmed entirely during quarantine, this is a short but clever horror film that is also very topical. The acting is great and there are plenty of scares. This is also one of the best horror films to come out this year. With a runtime of only 57 minutes, I think you can squeeze this one into your schedule. It is a Shudder exclusive but you can get a free trial on Prime Video right now so check it out if you can.

THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR

A young woman takes the job of an au pair for two orphaned children at Bly Manor but she soon begins to see apparitions that haunt the premises.

You could not pay me to step foot in this creepy room.

Loosely based on the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, this Netflix series is creator Mike Flanagan's followup to The Haunting of Hill House, though there is no connection between the stories. The acting is superb, the characters are all very deep, and the atmosphere is creepy. However, this new story is not terrifying like Hill House was. But do not let that stop you from watching this 9-episode series. The finale is gut-wrenching and it earns the emotional ending. Well worth it watching through this series. I highly recommend it.

WHO'S WATCHING OLIVER

A mentally unstable loner is pushed by his overbearing mum to go on a killing spree while on vacation. Desperate to escape a life thrust onto him, things turn for the better when he meets the beautiful Sophia.

Just the usual story of serial killer meets girl.

This indie film was a surprise. It's gory and hard to watch at times but it's ultimately a love story following survivors of abuse. Russell Geoffrey Bank does a great job as the titular character. Oliver does horrifying things to the women he rapes and murders but you can't help but want to root for him to escape. It is worth a watch if you can get past some of the subject matter.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE

When a strange meteorite lands near their home, the Gardner Family soon find themselves contending with a terrifying organism that begins to infect the land they live on as well as their bodies and minds.

Sick look for a rave.

Loosely based on the H.P. Lovecraft story of the same name, this film is filled with the kinds of imagery and themes you expect: body horror, strange amorphous creatures, and people going insane. The film also stars Nicolas Cage who hams it up but it works for this crazy movie. This film is a bizarre technicolor trip and it builds to an insane finale, and I loved it. For the uninitiated, Lovecraft stories have inspired some of the best horror films such as The Thing, Evil Dead, and Event Horizon. This has become one of my favorite new horror movies.

IT CHAPTER 2

The Losers Club comes back to Derry, Maine 27 years later when they learn the terrifying Pennywise has returned.

Aw... he just wants to play.

While the first film was a coming of age story, the sequel is about coming back home to face your demons. This film also has a great cast including James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain but Bill Hader really steals the movie with his lines and entertaining delivery. Unfortunately, this movie is not as scary as its predecessor. However, Bill Skarsgård is still amazing as Pennywise and it is still entertaining to see such a great monster on screen even if not as scary this time around. This is ultimately a disappointing follow up to the first film but still worth a watch for the great characters.

MANDY

A loving couple lead a peaceful life in the Pacific Northwest. That peace is soon shattered by a satanic cult, leaving only a man filled with vengeance in his heart.

You got a little something on yo... you know what? Never mind.

Starring Nicolas Cage, this film was produced by the same people who made Color Out of Space. It was also inspired by the works of Lovecraft and shares the same bizarre technicolor aesthetic as the other film. The difference is this is a revenge movie where the protagonist must battle a hellish cult. The film is trippy and gory, and Nicolas Cage really hams it up again but it really works well for these films. I highly recommend giving this a watch.

DOCTOR SLEEP

Struggling with alcoholism, Dan Torrance is all grown up and still traumatized by the sinister events that took place at the Overlook Hotel so long ago. Dan meets a young girl named Abra who is also gifted with the "shining". But they soon find themselves having to battle a mysterious group of psychic vampires called the True Knot.

The twins at the Overlook Hotel are still super creepy.

Based on the Stephen King book of the same name and directed by Mike Flanagan, this is the sequel to The Shining. The True Knot are an interesting group of villains and I appreciate someone finally doing a movie with psychic vampires. However, this film is not really scary at all, which is disappointing since the director is known for making such great horror films like Hush, Oculus, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. That said, it is still creepy at times and I enjoyed the movie overall. I still recommend watching it just don't expect it to be scary.

MAYHEM

Attorney Derek Cho is unjustly fired from his job but his day gets worse when a dangerous virus that brings out people's worst impulses breaks out in his corporate law office complex, resulting in violence and chaos. Infected and trapped in the quarantined building, Derek must now fight for his job and his life.

Surviving in this office requires a new skillset.

Starring Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not), this is a bloody but cathartic movie that is a mix of action, comedy, and horror. Derek teams up with a former client named Melanie Cross (Weaving) so they can work their way up the building and settle their scores with the executives at the top. My main critique is that it could have played up the titular mayhem more. It doesn't feel quite as chaotic as I thought it would but it is still an enjoyable film with a bit of a message to go with it.

DEVIL

A group of five strangers get stuck on an elevator but a mysterious force soon begins to terrorize them.

The horror... no masks or social distancing.

Written and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, I braced for the worst but this was actually a decent horror movie. There are some parts that just felt like the writers were holding the audience's hands to explain things in a rather heavy-handed way but the premise is an interesting idea, and I enjoyed the movie overall. I think the pros outweigh the cons in this one.

Z

An eight-year-old boy's imaginary friend "Z" begins to terrorize his family.

He's just expressing himself through art.

This is a small film with a very simple premise and an effective one at that. Imaginary friends are supposed to be normal but what happens when it manifests into something terrifying? This movie has some interesting twists, a creepy soundtrack, and it is genuinely scary. Sometimes simple stories are better.

ASH VS EVIL DEAD

Bruce Campbell is back as Ash Williams who has spent nearly 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the horrors born of the Necronomicon. However, the Deadites are back and now the prophesied hero Ash must team up with new friends to stand a chance against the Evil Dead.

Groovy.

If you are a fan of the Evil Dead movies then this show is for you. It features the bloody action and slapstick gore you remember. Meet new friends like Pablo and Kelly who help Ash fight off the Deadites. There are new types of enemies for Ash to contend with too as the series expands the mythology introduced in the movies. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after three seasons but what you have in those seasons is satisfying for fans.

That's it for the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Maybe next year we can just watch horror movies instead of also living in one. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


MIDSOMMAR

This horror film follows a couple who travel to Sweden to visit a friend's rural hometown during a rare midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic summer retreat soon takes a disturbing turn.

When I found out Popeyes ran out of their chicken sandwich.

This film was written and directed by Ari Aster who also wrote and directed last year's critically acclaimed Hereditary. While not as scary, this film definitely still stands out thanks to great acting and a layered story. Where Hereditary was all about loss and grief, Midsommar is all about relationships. Aster takes this theme to an unnerving place but it is a journey worth taking. I highly recommend this film. I will have to keep my eye out for more from this writer/director.


US

This film centers on a family of four as they arrive at their summer home in Santa Cruz. However, the family is soon attacked by four strangers who shortly reveal themselves to be the family's dopplegangers.

"I said I don't want your scout cookies!"

Written and directed by Jordan Peele (Get Out), this film starts out as a simple home invasion but quickly becomes much more. Peele introduces a new kind of monster with its own mythology and meaning behind it. The acting is also top notch with Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave) starring. This is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.


OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL

The prequel to the 2014 horror movie Ouija, this film is centered on a family that runs a seance business. The widowed mother decides to bring in a Ouija board as a new prop but she soon regrets that mistake. Things take a turn for the worse when the youngest daughter builds an especially close bond with the board.

I know... I'm shocked a Ouija movie ended up good too.

Directed by Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, The Haunting of Hill House), whose praises I have sung on previous blog entries, this prequel is way better than the original movie. The youngest daughter shows she has acting chops and this film is genuinely creepy throughout. I admittedly got chills a few times. Maybe don't watch it if you plan on going to sleep soon after but this is another must-see for horror fans.


BRIGHTBURN

This horror movie follows familiar comic book style tropes, focusing on a young alien boy adopted by a couple in a small town. As the boy nears puberty, a power begins to manifest within him as well as a darkness. Can anyone stop a super boy gone wrong?

You're pretty much done if you see this little guy.

Directed by David Yarovesky (The Hive), this film does not quite live up to the premise. More could have been done on the horror side of things but this is an interesting take on the Superman set up, and one fans of both horror and comics may enjoy. Give this one a look.


PET SEMATARY

A remake of the 1989 classic, and based on a Stephen King novel, this film follows a family that just moved into a small rural town in Maine from the big city. The family soon discovers a mysterious burial ground where the dead come back to life but sometimes... dead is better.

"Sometimes the original is better."

Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes), I was disappointed with how flat this movie came off at times. The film definitely has its good points though and there are some creepy moments. The story also takes a different direction than the original. If you are curious, it may be worth a watch. However, I cannot help but feel that would be time better spent just watching the original movie or reading the book.


SWAMP THING

I often plug TV series on here and this is a really cool one for comic book and horror fans. The 10-episode first season follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she investigates a bizarre and deadly swamp-borne virus in her childhood home of Marais, Louisiana. Abby develops a bond with scientist Alec Holland but tragedy strikes. Alec seemingly dies but is soon transformed into the Swamp Thing.

Swamp Thing himself is simultaneously both scary and badass.

Based on the comic book of the same name, and executive produced by James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring, Aquaman), this series thankfully leans heavy into its horror roots with gory special effects. This gives the show something to make it stand out. In addition, the characters are likable and the story is intriguing. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled before the first season even finished due to cost issues. Hopefully someone can pick it up but the first season is worth watching if you like comic books and horror. The series is currently available only on the DC Universe app.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. I am a little late this year but if you would like to keep Halloween going in November, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

RAW

This French-Belgian horror film follows a young vegetarian named Justine who begins her first semester at veterinary school. During a hazing ritual, Justine reluctantly eats raw meat for the first time. The former vegetarian soon finds herself craving not just meat, but human flesh.

I may have to go vegetarian for a while after watching this.

At its core, the film is a coming of age story about a young woman who also happens to have an insatiable hunger for flesh. It is a unique and stand out horror film, which is not easy to pull off nowadays. The film also received critical acclaim for Julia Ducournau's direction and screenplay. This is one to watch.


THE VOID

This film follows a police officer and a small group of people who are trapped in a hospital when they are surrounded by mysterious hooded figures. Events turn for the worse when the group is attacked by grotesque monsters. They soon discover the hospital may house something far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

"You might want to get that checked."

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this movie is a love letter to 80s horror films like The Thing. It has body horror and some great practical effects. If you are a fan of these things, check this movie out. It is not perfect, but it has quickly become one of my favorite horror movies to rewatch during Halloween time.


HEREDITARY

This film follows the Graham family as they deal with the death of their matriarch. The family soon find themselves haunted. But with mental illness running in the family, how can they tell what is real? The truth is the family may have inherited a far more sinister fate.

Same.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, this film received critical acclaim, with an exceptional performance by actress Toni Collette. The story is incredibly layered and slowly builds to a crescendo. I highly recommend this film.


A DARK SONG

This psychological gem follows a grieving mother and an occultist as they perform a ritual to contact the dead. Unfortunately, things do not quite go as planned.

What could go wrong?

Like Hereditary, this film is a slow burn but also a rewarding experience. A Dark Song offers an unsettling atmosphere that digs into your mind and stays with you even after the credits have rolled. The film also has some surprisingly beautiful scenes and a positive message amidst the horror.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Written and directed by Liam Gavin, check this movie out for something different.


THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

OK this is a Netflix series and not a movie, but this is a must watch for fans of horror. The 10-episode first season follows the Crain family as they recall their time as children at the haunted Hill House. Now adults, the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.

Just a typical day for the Crain family.

Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, the series was created and directed by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus, Hush, and Gerald's Game. All films I have recommended in my blog in the past. Basically, if Flanagan directed it, give it a look.

"So... whose turn is it to sleep on the couch?"

This series features a genuinely scary and layered story with some standout acting as well. It really delves into who these people are and has some strong characterizations. The best way to describe it is a horror version of This Is Us. Go binge it... now.


That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all had fun this year. Happy Belated Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


GERALD'S GAME

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this is a psychological horror film that follows a woman that gets a little kinky with her husband in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Her husband decides he wants to handcuff her to the bedpost. However, he soon suffers a heart attack, leaving his wife to fend for herself while she begins hearing voices and having strange visions.

Finally.... Someone is here to help.

This movie stands out thanks to the great acting by Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Sin City), who has to carry an entire movie about a woman handcuffed to a bed. This is also thanks to the masterful directing by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Hush and Oculus, two horror films I have praised in the past. Flanagan has definitely made me take notice with his quality of films. I will definitely keep an eye out for more from this director.


THE SACRAMENT

This found footage horror film follows two journalists who document their friend's journey to find his missing sister at Eden Parish, a utopian religious community. Of course, all is not what it seems.

"Behave and I'll let you have some punch."

It takes some time to build to it, but the climax goes all out with the protagonists in a race to escape with their lives. Part of what makes this film so effective is that it is based on the real events of the Jonestown Massacre of 1978. It is a reminder that some of the biggest monsters are just regular people like you and me.


ILL - THE RITUAL

This little gem is a foreign film entirely in Russian, but do not let that stop you from checking it out. The story revolves around two sisters. After their mother passes away from an illness, the younger sister becomes gravely ill. The older sister seeks help from a parish priest and soon finds a way to combat the illness by diving into her sister's subconscious in order to find what is really making her sick.

That thing crawling from the tree is a whole lot of NOPE.

Unfortunately, this film did not come off as very scary, but it has other strengths. In particular, the visuals are stunning. Every time the film delved into the subconscious mind, I could not pull my eyes away. It is best described as a surreal landscape that is both grotesque yet beautiful in its own way. Definitely give this one a shot. Films like this need more love.


CREEP

This is a found footage film that follows a videographer who answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day shoot in a remote town. As you can expect, the guy who ran the ad is not exactly as he appears.

Nope... Nothing creepy to see here. Just keep moving right al-*runs away*

This might not sound like the most original film, but it is very well executed. The acting is good, and the director does a great job at building tension throughout until the climax. This is worth a view for sure.


IT

Another film based on a Stephen King novel, this is a newer take on an old favorite. And I was pleasantly surprised how good this new iteration was. The story revolves around a group of kids who band together to fight a shape-shifting monster who emerges every 27 years to prey on children.

As if you needed another reason to hate clowns.

The child actors are really talented and the movie does not pull any punches when it comes to the scares. This is a genuinely frightening film with Bill Skarsgård excelling as the terrifying Pennywise. The story really pulls you in and makes you root for the children. You always feel like they are in real danger that could come at any minute. This is a must watch for horror fans.


WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE

After they decided to kill off Freddy, where could the studios go? They decided to go a little "meta" with this film. Actress Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) plays herself in this film, which takes place in the "real world" where the horror franchise is still popular despite Freddy dying in the last flick. But Heather has been receiving some weird prank calls, and she soon begins experiencing some odd dreams as well. But are they really dreams?

Freddy looks decidedly more demonic, and somehow more frightening than ever.

I was really surprised with this film. There is less gore than the average Freddy movie, but it is a lot more psychological, and in some ways more frightening. It does get a little silly at times but it is done tongue-in-cheek. This film really smart, and almost feels like a cross between Candyman and a regular Nightmare movie. This film comes highly recommended. Especially if you have already watched all the other films in the series. This might just be the best Nightmare.


GET OUT

Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this film revolves around an African American man who decides it is time to go meet his white girlfriend's parents out in their secluded estate in the woods. Thankfully, his girlfriend's parents are quite accommodating. Almost too accommodating. At first, the young man thinks the parents are just overcompensating because he is black and they want to be accepting. However, say it with me now.... all is not how it seems.

When you accidentally delete a song on your playlist and can't remember which one.

This film is another standout this year with superb acting by Daniel Kaluuya (Broken Mirror) and sharp writing and directing from Peele. The film is quite funny, but still scary when it needs to be, and also quite thought-provoking. This is another must-watch for horror fans.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


THE CONJURING 2

This is the sequel to the film that introduced us to the possessed doll Annabelle, which got its own spinoff. Like the first film, the story revolves around real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. This time they try to help a family in London who believe they are haunted by malicious spirits.

Hey, I didn't know Marilyn Manson was in this!

The film is masterfully directed by James Wan, who also directed The Conjuring, Saw, and Insidious. Wan has a way of building up tension and scaring his audience even when it is obvious something is going to happen. Basically, if James Wan is attached to direct a horror movie, I would make it a point to watch it. This is a must-see for horror fans.


THE WITCH

This gem is a period piece based in 1630 New England. The story follows a family that is plagued by witchcraft, causing a rift within the family as the members begin to blame each other.

"That'll learn 'em to bust my tomater."

This one is a slow burn, so some people may not have the patience to sit through this to get to the payoff. But if you do, you will be treated to some amazing acting and some standout cinematography. This is a thought-provoking film and well worth a shot. Writer/director Robert Eggers made an impressive debut with this one. Give it a watch.


HUSH

This is a home invasion film with the twist that the protagonist is a deaf mute. This adds an extra challenge to the heroine since she can't hear the masked man stalking her. It also shows how great the film is to be able to be so engaging with so little dialogue throughout.

"Oh, a guest? He looks nice!"

The film is directed by Mike Flanagan who also worked on Oculus, a great psychological horror film I recommended in the past. He also directed Ouija: Origin of Evil, a film I have yet to see but is getting a lot of great buzz. Mike Flanagan is clearly leaving his mark in the horror genre. Give this one a look.


HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

I am a big fan of the original Hellraiser, and the sequel was a worthy but flawed followup. This film is not quite as good those two films.

Could be worse. You could...... nah this is as bad as it gets. Enjoy eternal suffering!

This sequel sees Pinhead released on Earth to cause havoc. It's up to an investigative reporter to send Pinhead and his minions back to Hell. Unfortunately, some of the new Cenobites are a little lame.

Meet Camerahead!..... Let's just pretend he never existed.

There is a scene where Pinhead lets loose and kills a bunch of people in a bar. It is kind of cool if you like wanton destruction. But it does feel a little small-scale considering the film is called Hell on Earth. The movie should feel bigger, but never gets there.

If you really want more Pinhead, this is harmless enough. Otherwise, it's pretty skippable.


THE ABCs of DEATH

This is a horror comedy anthology that takes us through the alphabet. There are 26 tales all shown in alphabetical order including A is for Apocalypse, B is for Bigfoot, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately the quality of these shorts are very uneven. There are some truly bad shorts such as F is for Fart.

I'm not.

The film is made up of shorts from directors all over the world who were given complete creative control. Maybe too much creative control because the good is far outweighed by the tasteless and disgusting. Some shorts will leave you wondering what the director was thinking.

What am I even watching?!

If you like movies made in bad taste, maybe you will enjoy this. A lot of it is difficult to watch, and downright embarrassing at times. For most of you, I cannot recommend this. There are far better anthology films to watch.


TRICK 'r TREAT

Now this is a horror comedy anthology I can get behind. Unlike most anthologies, this film follows several characters in a little town whose lives are all intertwined. The film also introduces us to my favorite new horror mascot, Sam.

"I just want some candy..... honest!"

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, the film excels mostly because it is the focused creative vision of one person. The stories are interwoven and play off each other in a smart manner. This is a fun film for sure. Make this a priority if you want to watch a good horror flick.


THE INVITATION

This is another slow build but it is an easier watch for most people compared to The Witch. The story follows a man who is invited to attend a dinner party by his ex-wife and her new husband. Soon, he begins to suspect that everyone in attendance is in grave danger.

"I'm not worried... I just suffer from resting suspicious face."

I won't spoil the ending, but the film gets incredibly intense once it reaches its climax. The payoff is well worth the buildup. Definitely put this on your to-do list.


HOUSEBOUND

This is a New Zealand horror comedy that revolves around a woman under house arrest at her estranged mother's house. Hilarity and spiritual hijinks ensue. One of the funnier elements in the film is Amos the security guard who is also an amateur parapsychologist.

"Let me handle this. I've read some books!"

The best thing about this film is that it somehow manages to balance the comedy and horror elements so well, which is very difficult to do. The film is tense when it needs to be, but somehow manages to make you laugh the next moment, and vice versa. It is masterfully done. This is one to watch if you want some levity with your horror.


GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

I decided to give this one a chance since I love the original movie so much. How does it stack up? I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining this film is. The dialogue is incredibly funny at times.

I was crying from laughter at this scene.

However, as funny as it is, I couldn't help but feel this didn't have to be a Ghostbusters movie. The best comedy almost always came from scenes that had nothing to do with busting ghosts. The fight scenes near the climax were silly and, unlike the original, the film never feels scary.

Furthermore, the main villain is lame. And while the ghosts are well designed, they look too cartoony. This is partly because all the ghosts have so much bright, colorful halos surrounding their bodies.

Cool ghost design. Maybe just dial back the bright blue a little bit.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining film. It might not be as good as the original, but it is better than the sequel and worth a look if you can get past any preconceived notions. Give it a chance when you're ready.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Teaser Trailer

Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! Need a hug?

Fantastic trailer that has that same fun feel we remember from the first film. And who can't get behind cute little baby Groot? More of this please!

Marvel also released a new poster for the film.

Written and directed by James Gunn, the film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Glenn Close, Chris Sullivan, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will arrive in US theaters on May 5, 2017.