DisneyBoy
10-30-2007, 08:39 PM
Late last night, as I drifted off to sleep...I asked myself which are my top ten favorite Halloween-type films to enjoy.
Thought y'all might be curious:
Bram Stoker's Dracula
It's all about the atmosphere and special effects here. None of the tricks are all that innovative, but whether it's the floating horse-drawn carriage or morphing images of the Count, you'll find yourself captivated by their realism. Sure, Keanu Reeves and Anthony Hokpins are hamming it up, but thankfully Gary Oldman really gives his all. Plus, the story finally gives Dracula a real motivation, making it stand out from the previous versions of the story.
The Exorcist
Scariest movie ever. In gets under your skin and startles you. I've only seen it once, and once was enough.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
It's hard to know when to watch this one (Before the 31st? Before Christmas?), but the catchy songs, memorable characters and painstakingly-detailed sets will win you over. I believe it's in theatres right now in 3D, so check it out. You might not get scared, but you'll sure enjoy yourself.
Sleepy Hollow
I suppose the time is right to take this one in, although it didn't really win me over when I first saw it. Still, it's got a good cast, fun story and plenty of death and murder. Good for the whole family (to a degree), and a propos for All Hallow's Eve.
Beetlejuice
One of Burton's best. It's hard to really describe the movie to those who haven't seen it, but this cult classic is the funny, erie, captivating and memorable tale of a sweet young couple thrust into a bizarre afterlife where they're trapped in their old home as it's taken over by a complicated family...until they turn to a wild ghoul for help.
Child's Play
Toys and dolls are scary. They're in every house, and you know you've secretly wondered if any of them were waiting for the right moment to kill you. This movie looks like it was shot in the 70s, but what can I say? The funny/terrifying Chuckie doll that rampages through town has enough charisma that you'll find yourself equally looking forward to and dreading his next appearance.
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein
Much like the aforementionned Dracula, this movie really develops its legendary characters. Robert De Nero visibly relishes his role as the famed movie monster, though a lot of credit must go to Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter for making us care about the people behind the creation of the beast. Unlike the other, earlier monster movies, this one makes you think about the morality behind the acts.
28 Days Later
I didn't even know this was a zombie movie until I was knee-deep into it. We'd rented it one night without realizing what it was, and were completely drawn in. A great film, part thriller, part horror, that has won movie-goers over by giving us characters to follow that are trapped in a compelling situation rather than the usual farmhouse.
Halloween
To be honest, I've never seen it. But Halloween is in the title, so I guess I should.
Hocus Pocus
You can't have frights without delights. This Bette Midler movie (hold on, keeping reading) follows three young kids as they battle a trio of witchy sisters hoping to regain their lost lives. It's cute, colorful and surprisingly engaging for a Disney picture. No, there isn't any gore and yes, Sara Jessica Parker and Bette Midler do sing numbers...but you'll like it.
So, which are your Halloween picks?
Thought y'all might be curious:
Bram Stoker's Dracula
It's all about the atmosphere and special effects here. None of the tricks are all that innovative, but whether it's the floating horse-drawn carriage or morphing images of the Count, you'll find yourself captivated by their realism. Sure, Keanu Reeves and Anthony Hokpins are hamming it up, but thankfully Gary Oldman really gives his all. Plus, the story finally gives Dracula a real motivation, making it stand out from the previous versions of the story.
The Exorcist
Scariest movie ever. In gets under your skin and startles you. I've only seen it once, and once was enough.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
It's hard to know when to watch this one (Before the 31st? Before Christmas?), but the catchy songs, memorable characters and painstakingly-detailed sets will win you over. I believe it's in theatres right now in 3D, so check it out. You might not get scared, but you'll sure enjoy yourself.
Sleepy Hollow
I suppose the time is right to take this one in, although it didn't really win me over when I first saw it. Still, it's got a good cast, fun story and plenty of death and murder. Good for the whole family (to a degree), and a propos for All Hallow's Eve.
Beetlejuice
One of Burton's best. It's hard to really describe the movie to those who haven't seen it, but this cult classic is the funny, erie, captivating and memorable tale of a sweet young couple thrust into a bizarre afterlife where they're trapped in their old home as it's taken over by a complicated family...until they turn to a wild ghoul for help.
Child's Play
Toys and dolls are scary. They're in every house, and you know you've secretly wondered if any of them were waiting for the right moment to kill you. This movie looks like it was shot in the 70s, but what can I say? The funny/terrifying Chuckie doll that rampages through town has enough charisma that you'll find yourself equally looking forward to and dreading his next appearance.
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein
Much like the aforementionned Dracula, this movie really develops its legendary characters. Robert De Nero visibly relishes his role as the famed movie monster, though a lot of credit must go to Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter for making us care about the people behind the creation of the beast. Unlike the other, earlier monster movies, this one makes you think about the morality behind the acts.
28 Days Later
I didn't even know this was a zombie movie until I was knee-deep into it. We'd rented it one night without realizing what it was, and were completely drawn in. A great film, part thriller, part horror, that has won movie-goers over by giving us characters to follow that are trapped in a compelling situation rather than the usual farmhouse.
Halloween
To be honest, I've never seen it. But Halloween is in the title, so I guess I should.
Hocus Pocus
You can't have frights without delights. This Bette Midler movie (hold on, keeping reading) follows three young kids as they battle a trio of witchy sisters hoping to regain their lost lives. It's cute, colorful and surprisingly engaging for a Disney picture. No, there isn't any gore and yes, Sara Jessica Parker and Bette Midler do sing numbers...but you'll like it.
So, which are your Halloween picks?