Hello my friends, October is only a few days away. Of course, to many movie lovers October is the time to revisit some of their favorite horror films. However, Halloween time watching does not need to be limited to horror. There are plenty of non-horror movies that are perfect for Halloween time. Here are some of those. Some of these movies are pure masterpieces while others are simply fun ways to spend an October evening.
The Spirit of the Beehive (El espíritu de la colmena) (1973) This art house film from Spain is essential watching to any true cinephile. Though the story line is simple (and it takes nearly 20 minutes to even establish the most basic facts about the characters), it has a hypnotic effect that simply draws you in as you watch it. From some of the most beautiful images in Spanish film history, an incredible performance by child actress Anna Torrent, a wonderful sense of atmosphere and a lot of hidden layers of depth this movie truly casts a spell on an astute viewer. With how much of this film centers around a little girl who becomes transfixed by James Whale's Frankenstein (1931), this is also a perfect movie for Halloween time.
Casper (1995) Last Halloween season a wonderful friend of mine (God bless her) gave me a DVD of this movie. Before that I admit that the last time, I saw it I was a little kid. Watching it again as an adult, I was amazed by just how well it held up. Though this has never been a critical favorite, it is a delightful family movie that will now be part of my Halloween watching every year. This movie does a wonderful job of transferring the famous cartoon ghost from short films to a feature film. The movie has a good sense of humor, likable characters, wonderfully imaginative sets and a good sense of atmosphere.
Ghost Breakers (1940) This is one of my favorite Bob Hope comedies. Putting Hope's lovable coward character into a spooky themed comedy is simply a wonderful idea. When this spooky themed comedy has a wonderful sense of atmosphere, the result is irresistible. Adding to the fun is that Hope is at his funniest here, with nearly every joke hitting the mark.
Daffy Duck's Quackbusters (1988) This is one of the Looney Tunes compilation movies. This series of movies were combinations of new animated scenes and the classic Looney Tunes short films put together to create a feature film. With this format in mind, it is amazing not only how cohesive the story is but how incredibly entertaining it is as well. The selection of great spooky themed classic shorts is simply wonderful. The new segments of this movie are also a lot of fun. It is obvious that directors Greg Ford (an animation historian himself) and Terry Lennon (who had worked as an animator on the previous Looney Tunes compilation movies) perfectly understand these classic characters and their appeal.
The Gorilla (1939) The Ritz Brothers may not be Laurel and Hardy or The Marx Brothers and their films are hardly what one would call art. Yet I always find myself having a good time watching their films. This is one of their best as they are put into a murder mystery in a spooky house. This movie combines the comedy team's usual sense of comedy (which may be an acquired taste, but it is one I acquired) with a surprisingly good mystery and sense of atmosphere. Even those who don't like The Ritz Brothers may find themselves enjoying this movie.
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (Valerie a týden divů) (1970) A truly brilliant arthouse film from Czechoslovakia. This film tells the story of a young 13-year-old girl growing into womanhood. The way the story is told though is anything but conventional. This is almost in a way like Alice in Wonderland reimagined as a dark and sexual nightmare. While it is not a horror movie, the film certainly dips its feet into that genre with some truly uncomfortable scenes. The movie also takes on a true dreamlike feel, where nothing makes logical sense but flows naturally from a place of emotions, fears and desires.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) Combining Universal's most popular comedy team with their famous monsters might seem like a strange idea. Yet as anyone who has watched these movies know it worked out perfectly. These are some of the finest films from this later portion of Abbott and Costello's career. These movies feature them at their comedic best with many wonderful gags throughout. Also the monsters are incorporated fantastical into these movies. The classic monsters are never made into a joke but instead treated with the upmost respect and their creepy charms strangely work as perfect counterparts to Abbott and Costello's comedy. Adding to the fun is horror icons Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. and Boris Karloff. These are simply great fun.
Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (1987), Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988), Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf (1988) Nothing makes for better Halloween watching than Scooby-Doo! and this trilogy of made-for-TV movies are easily fan favorites. With delightfully corny jokes, fun side characters (including real monsters and ghosts), an atmospheric feel, an indescribable warmth and a willingness to deviate from the typical Scooby-Doo formula these made-for-TV movies are pure comfort food for Hanna-Barbera fans (like myself) and a wonderful way to spend an October evening.
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