Halloween (1978)

In 1963, Michael Myers stabbed his 15-year-old sister to death. He was institutionalized and, according to his doctor, Sam Loomis, is the personification of evil. On the day before Halloween, 15 years later, Myers manages to escape and heads for his home town. On Halloween night, he goes on a rampage while Loomis and the local sheriff search Myers' neighbourhood for him. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode, a student who rarely goes out on dates, is babysitting a neighbour's child, but little does she know the danger she is in. Halloween has to be one of the most important slasher movies in pop culture history. Not only is it one of the best, but it practically launched a series of movies of the subgenre, especially during the 1980s. John Carpenter proved himself to be one of the masters of horror and Halloween definitely displays his genius. Whilst many other of his productions have been more gruesome and horrifying, this one presents a very real threat that brings it down to earth. Michael Myers has made a long-lasting impression in the world of horror and it's easy to see why. Naturally, his appearance has become very iconic with the pale-faced mask that covers his whole face creating an even more unnerving appeal. Funnily enough, however, the mask turns out to be none other than a painted white mould of Captain Kirk's face from Star Trek (TV Series 1966-1969) that, upon knowing, makes it hard not to notice. Another important characteristic of his is the deathly silence. Not saying a word for the entire movie made his presence all the more creepy and was extremely effective, especially when the camera lingers on his deep breathing. Carpenter's directing aids in making Myers all the more frightening. He uses him effectively by building the tension throughout the movie mainly by keeping him in the distance, always lurking, watching his soon-to-be victims. He stalks his prey from behind bushes, walking on the opposite side of the road to driving slowly by and always disappears moments before being noticed or discovered. This aspect of the film is what I would consider the most frightening as it holds some realism and a real-life threat in the form of stalkers. Feeling that chill on the back of your neck as if you are being watched, but you and no one else can see anything or believe you is quite intimidating and this film takes full advantage of this, taking it to its fullest. Accompanied by the memorable music composed by director, John Carpenter, every scene carries its own weight of suspense and sets viewers on edge. Despite its simplistic sound, played over repeatedly, the music fills you with dread waiting for it to end yet it drags on, as Carpenter knows it will unnerve you. I felt this style of choice for the entirety of the production. The way the camera lingers much longer than you would expect or like works in its favour. Settling on Myer's shoulder as his breathing floods the audio or a prolonged strangeling sequence that keeps you there for far longer than you would like, witnessing an unpleasant act, is why it is so effectively horrifying. I feel this is focused on the most instead of giving cheap scares with some gory full-on massacre. That's not to say this isn't without some gruesome kills varying from the choking of the poor dog, strangulation to people being impaled at a height and left hanging. Myers shows a lot of interest in 17-year-old Laurie, played by the scream queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis, who must rise to the occasion once all her friends are mercilessly killed as she protects the children she is babysitting. She is able to fend off Myers, however, to no avail, as he seems to keep going in a strange plot point of being invincible and never dying. Doctor Loomis, who was onto him from the get-go, tracks him down and saves Laurie in a climactic finale that sees Myers shot repeatedly only to disappear... Overall, Halloween is honestly the definition of a perfect slasher flick that has stood the test of time despite its low budget. It has only sprouted multiple sequels over the years but this one will always be remembered highly as the original. It's a classic that should be checked out every October 31st and, if you want more see Halloween II (1981). 

Runtime: 1h 31m

Director: John Carpenter

Genre: Horror / Thriller

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Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Two young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world. The world may have been free of Winifred, Mary, and Sarah and the fear they invoked, but what happens when you mess with magic? It messes back. This long-awaited sequel to the classic Hocus Pocus (1993) brings back the original actresses to their iconic roles as the Sanderson sisters, who once again return after their last defeat. Whilst nowhere near as good as the first one, which admittedly has some faults that I tend to overlook, it does manage to deliver some laughs and nostalgia. I wouldn't go as far as to say it is completely nostalgia-driven, although naturally, it is going to do some catering to the fans and try to evoke that feeling of the original. They reference many significant plot points, characters and traits, events and details that will be picked up on by fans. From the witches mistaking a black cat for Thackery Binx, the sister's affinity for the theatrics when it comes to singing a dance number to Book revealing his location upon being opened. They even acknowledged the peculiar virgin plot of the first in a hilarious scene of a retelling of the original story where a kid asks what one is only to get a fake answer. The opening of the film was quite a surprise as we are treated to a young Winifred, joined by her sisters, Mary and Sarah, who are unbelievably well portrayed by the young actresses who got down their behaviour and little traits to a T. We get some insight to their origins in becoming the iconic witches like obtaining Book from another witch who gifts it to Winifred on her sixteenth birthday. I think the three of them alone were an instant highlight of the film besides, of course, the original actresses. I would even go as far as to say I would've liked to see more from them. Moving onto the modern day, taking place 29 years after the first, we are introduced to three new leads (Becca, Izzy and Cassie) who I found more annoying than the 93 cast. They did absolutely nothing for me as I didn't care about them or find them all that interesting. Plus we don't even get to see the girl Cassie for the majority of the film as she falls out with the other two girls and feels quite pointless until the final act. The witches are brought back by Becca and Izzy who light a black-flamed candle unknowingly given to them by Gilbert (unable to light it himself not being a virgin) who works in a gift shop that happens to be the original cottage of the Sanderson's. Gilbert believed everything about the witches after having seen them back on Halloween night of 1993 when they exploded. He discovers the candle diminished and Book, who instructs him how to recreate the candle allowing for them to return once more. Upon their return, the sisters are straight back to their old tricks and naturally, hijinks ensue as they galabant around Salem. On the way we see Billy return as the loveable zombie who sadly never rested after the previous fight as we were led to believe and was awake all these years. The Sandersons of cause generate the most laughs going from eating beauty products thinking they have the souls of children in them, partaking in a contest with people dressed like them only to lose (which was hysterical) and even doing another musical number to 'One Way or Another' to entrance a crowd. Although the three continue to bring an entertaining performance, I cannot deny something feels off compared to the first and I would have to say that it is due to the lack of energy. I mean, the actresses have aged since then and are not as energetic as they once were, which I feel slightly hinders it. There are also some strange inclusions in the feature like seeing some people watching a scene from Hocus Pocus, which is so bizarre and confusing. Even people dress up as characters from the film, which further makes no sense. Overall, Hocus Pocus 2 may not be the most renowned sequel ever, but it is one that produced a few laughs and brought some nostalgia. I personally had a good enough time and found it to be a nice follow-up however, it isn't one I would check out every Halloween like I would with the first. 

Runtime: 1h 43m

Director: Anne Fletcher

Genre: Comedy / Family / Fantasy

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Hocus Pocus (1993)

In the year 1693, sisters Winifred, Mary and Sarah are executed for practising witchcraft. Just before their execution, Winifred made a curse, a curse that when a virgin lights the black flame candle they shall return. In 1993, 300 years later, Max decides to light the candle to show off to his irritating kid sister Dani and his wannabe girlfriend Alison. Now, the three Witches are back ready for a night of fun, magic and horror in the modern Salem on Halloween. Hocus Pocus is a Walt Disney production that has certainly been a bit of a guilty pleasure for me that I would rewatch every October without fail. Whilst not perfect and with its flaws, it is one I tend to overlook in favour of its entertainment factor and spooky season vibes. It continued the trend of some of their theatrical movies taking a slightly darker edge (although not taking it very far) and a strange fascination with virgins, much like Dragonslayer (1981). Like most of these types of movies, they have only grown more popular over time. The film opens in a setting of late 1600s Salem as one of the Sanderson sisters lures a young girl into their home. She is followed by her brother, Thackery, who is unable to stop the spell the sisters cast that sucks the life out of his sister that gives them back their youthful looks. Thackery is punished for eternity as he is transformed into a black cat who is cursed with eternal life to live out the years of his guilt. The sisters are caught shortly after and hung by the townsfolk, not before Winifred, casts a curse using her book, allowing them to return upon the lighting of the black flame candle by a virgin on Halloween night. Flashing forward 300 years, we are brought to the 'then modern-day' of 1993, where we follow Max, whose parents have moved to Salem from L.A., much to his disappointment. He has no care or belief in the supernatural, despite the whole class and teachers revelling in the season and its paranormal connotations. Max's sister Dani, however, has no problem with having moved and also loves the Halloween festivities. Max harbours a crush on a fellow student, Alison, whom he tries to impress by going to the old home of the Sanderson now turned into a museum, where the sceptic lights the black-flamed candle bringing about the witch's return. It is here that Binx the boy turned cat reveals himself as being able to talk and helps guide the three in their fight against the witches. The remainder of the film revolves around the witches attempting to complete their original spell to suck the lives out of children and retain their youth before sunrise where they will cease to exist. With Max having stolen the book, the sisters must venture out into the 20th century, where they spend a lot of time being bewildered, confused and mistaking everyday things or people. The Sanderson sisters are easily the highlight of this production as they throw themselves into every scene and deliver a phenomenal performance, especially my favourite, Winifred, who constantly bickers with her dim-witted sisters. I loved the scene where they take to a stage during a party of the parents of Salem when Max is warning them and sings a jazzed-up 'I Put a Spell on You' whilst doing just that on the unsuspecting dancers. It is so catchy and probably the most rewatched part of the whole flick. Furthermore, in their search for our heroes, the sisters use whatever methods possible, even reanimating an old lover/victim, Billy Butcherson, to catch the kids. That is until near the climax when he retaliates and fights back. Naturally, our protagonists are victorious in their battle as they thwart the witch's plans in a climactic showdown saving the day. Overall, Hocus Pocus may not be perfect but it is just too much fun not to enjoy. Whilst some of the characters, like Dani, can be a bit annoying (including the bullies Jay and Ice) they are easily overshadowed by the sister trio who elevate every scene. The effects still hold up and the whole concept of running around a town at night on Halloween, being chased by sinister villains, is a lot of fun to watch. I'd recommend giving this one a look over with its entertainment value, which is also great for family viewing. Also, check out Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) for more.

Runtime: 1h 36m

Director: Kenny Ortega

Genre: Comedy / Family / Fantasy / Horror

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The 'Burbs (1989)

When secretive new neighbours move in next door, suburbanite Ray Peterson and his friends let their paranoia get the best of them as they start to suspect the newcomers of evil doings and commence an investigation. But it's hardly how Ray, who much prefers to drink beer, read his newspaper, and watch a ballgame on the tube, expected to spend his vacation. The 'Burbs is certainly a well-cemented favourite of mine especially when it comes to the Halloween season where we bring it out for family viewing. The suburban setting brings this film an instant feeling of homeliness and tranquillity as the everyday rituals lead you into a sense of security that is instantly disrupted by the unkempt house of the mysterious Klopeks. Living beside this derelict anomaly is the overstressed Ray Peterson, played exceptionally by Tom Hanks, whose constant outbursts under the peculiar nature of the neighbour's goings on is a frequent highlight. Seeing him lose it on multiple occasions after being pressured by his dim-witted pal, Art, to unearth their strange actions is hilarious. Anytime he would snap at his fellow obsessed friends he'd go all out in some of the best derranged shouting of any movie. Ray alternates from being curious to trying simply to just relax, which is even more impossible with Art and Mark pulling him into this conspiracy of their cult-like behaviour. Plenty of peculiar things start occurring that raise the neighbour's suspicions like the loud noises during the night coming from the basement of the building that even bursts into a blinding light unexplainably. Ray notices three people out in the back garden digging, like gravediggers as Art describes it, to more unusual behaviour such as one night, one of the Klopeks drives out of the garage with no headlights on only to put the rubbish out, barely fitting in the trash can until hammered in with a shovel, only to reverse back inside. So many unexplainable actions further push the suburbanites to take matters into their own hands and uncover the truth. On the offensive is, of course, Ray who is pushed by Art whose infatuation with the matter and of the possible satanic/psychotic essence of the Klopeks. His fixation brings about great destruction and problems as the movie goes on however, some findings, like the femur bone of a human skeleton, dug up by Ray's dog in the Klopek's yard, prove him somewhat right in this line of thinking. Joining this search for the truth is military lover, Mark Rumsfield who takes a soldierly approach to this situation using radios, an infrared scope and a sniper rifle. Both Mark and Art offer some phenomenal comedy throughout the story with my favourite being the part when the two ask Ray to join them but his wife comes out and tells them no to which they act like children pleading for their friend to come out and play. I was chuckling with glee that only continued for the entirety of the feature. Occasionally joining them or simply watching from afar would be Ricky Butler, the youngster who is home alone and left with one simple chore, to paint the house, which practically never gets done even by the end of the film. He keeps inviting friends over to witness the wondrous events of the whole ordeal which makes it all the funnier as Mark tries to shun them away whilst they work. The Klopeks themselves give off a creepy vibe varying with each member from Hans' rugged attire and lack of vocalising to Ruben's short and snappy responses, quick to denounce whatever Mark throws at them and finally, The Doctor, Werner who seems the most calm and collective of the family yet the most chilling. I won't spoil the reveal of what is discovered about them for those who haven't seen the film, but it certainly doesn't play out the way you would expect. Overall, The 'Burbs is a spectacular 80s flick that manages to balance its mystery and comedy whilst making it outright silly, and serious at the same time. Especially that dream sequence of Ray's, which is so random and brilliant. Everyone involved looks like they are having a blast and delivering some outstanding performances. I highly recommend checking this one out, as it never fails to put a smile on my face and is perfect for the whole family.

Runtime: 1h 42m

Director: Joe Dante

Genre: Comedy / Mystery / Thriller

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Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse (Video Game 2005)

It’s 1959, and the city of Punchbowl, PA, is a beacon of progress and ideal living. Edward "Stubbs" Stubblefield rises from his grave as a zombie and decides to get his revenge on those who wronged him by killing humans, devouring their brains and causing mass destruction. Show the living that law and order are no match for a dead man on a mission. Releasing back in 2005, this reverse horror game instantly became a classic with its explosive comedy and bizarre zombie antics. The game would later acquire a remastered copy for the latest gen consoles for 2021, which is how I would come by it. Whilst not having played it back upon its release, I am happy to say I finally got to find out for myself why this is such a beloved classic these years later. I loved the setting of the 1950s as it reminded me of the popularity of the monster movies that were popular at the time. I further adored the hilarious nod in the title: Rebel Without a Pulse, to another 50s product, Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Whilst set in the 50s, there is a mixture of futurism with cars being able to hover, reminiscent of Back to the Future Part II (1989), robots who help out in all departments across the city and cops who have portable video communication devices that give this world a unique feel. You play as Stubbs a zombie who awakens, arising from the earth donning a fedora, ragged attire that exposes his left side organs and a never-ending cigarette in his mouth. His rampage is a truly crazy one that sees you devouring the brains of citizens and law enforcement alike as he makes his way through the city of Punchbowl in search of the lovely lady, Maggie Monday. With the added aid of the Guide Bot, Stubbs learns to do some peculiar abilities to use on your enemies. They include Unholy Flatulence which gasses a wide area of enemies, Gut Grenade which explodes turning anyone into a zombie, Sputum Head which can be used to ram groups then explode and finally Possession sees his arm detach and control others to do your bidding like shooting others. Utilising this wide range of hilarious attacks offers plenty of ways to play and certainly ups the ante against the equally wide array of enemies. You will come across police officers, the army, civilians, scientists armed with ray guns, farmers to barbershop quartets, there is an abundance of foes to consume and convert. Despite not being a very open-world environment style of game, the different maps you travel to offer a diverse collection of locations to spread your zombie ways from the grand futuristic utopia city to corn-covered farms. The main story is certainly outlandish with no concrete plot but more a group of random objectives that are so out of nowhere that they are practically brilliant. The overarching aspect of the story is that Stubbs is trying to find the woman he loves, Maggie, as he takes on the pursuing forces always on his case. Highlight-worthy missions include the confrontation with the police chief who, unexpectedly, turns the fated duel into a dance-off to some classic 50s songs, souped up for a fast-paced dance battle. I mean how often can you say you competed in a dance-off against a chief of police as a zombie to Mr Sandman, Lollipop, Earth Angel and more. It is easily the funniest sequence however, as the dance goes on it only gets harder and I certainly had a hard time trying to keep up the pace considering there is an achievement/trophy for getting 100% makes it all the more agonising to complete. Another sequence that made me laugh aloud was the random objective where Stubbs is desperate to pee and happens to do so in the water supply for the city infecting it. It was so completely unexpected that I couldn't help but chuckle. Overall, Stubbs the Zombie is a game that manages to deliver a crazy and unbelievably comical adventure that is exceptionally engaging in every way that is so fun even in its simplest of activities. I would highly recommend checking out this reverse horror that makes you the 'monster' giving you free rein to create some chaotic havoc with a story that provides an abundance of laughs. A fantastic single-player story game that further entertains with a split-screen option for a friend to join.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch / PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 / Xbox / Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S

Developer: Wideload

Publishers: Aspyr, THQ, THQ Nordic (Remastered Copy)

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Sci-fi

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Bendy and the Ink Machine (Video Game 2017)

Henry Stein, a retired traditional animator, receives a strange note from a friend, Joey Drew, inviting him back to his old workplace. Henry finds the place abandoned and discovers a mysterious ink machine creating all sorts of abominations. Bendy and the Ink Machine is a video game that builds a story around an animation company of the 1920s - 1940s style (obviously similar to Walt Disney with their works such as Mikey Mouse) however, it has taken a dark turn with the creations coming to life and apparent ritual partaking, with the help from the titular ink machine. This video game is a phenomenal original story that has a very stylised appearance, which never fails to captivate me. Walking around an abandoned animation studio that, in itself, looks like an animation is a simply visually stunning spectacle. Henry's outer monologue as he walks around the empty studio offers much intrigue as to the past of the workplace and how much it has changed since he left to its now eerily quiet state. All the small details of a bigger picture slowly come to fruition as we, the players, and Henry, are gradually dragged into the truly horrifying prospect of this nightmarish reality. I have been such a big fan of Bendy from the start of its early development and release as a single chapter that would later, with the overwhelming support of players, become a fully finished 5 part-chapter adventure. I was drawn into this world thanks to the many videos of gamers playing it back on February 10th of 2017, most particularly by the content creator, DAGames, whose hilarious playthroughs brought it to my attention during my school years. His work, alongside many other content creators, brought the game into recognition among the gaming community and would give it the chance to flourish and grow, developing more chapters and updating previous ones in terms of quality and scope. All of this love from fans was implimated into the game from fan art, music on the radios (including DAGames own song on the game: Build Our Machine) and giving them characters to voice on recordings scattered around the game. The level of appreciation for the people who made it popular was awesome and proved how amazing this fanbase and the creators were. Each chapter sees our protagonist, Henry, be dragged deeper down into the studio, where he comes face to face with some of the cartoonish characters now alive as an ink terror, which seems to have consumed or changed some of the real people who worked there. Characters such as Alice Angel, Boris the Wolf and The Butcher Gang all take on form in this dreary place with multiple versions showing up with some displaying characteristics or showing knowledge of being another person. Some characters take on their human attributes in this world like Sammy, the musician for the Bendy animations who becomes a worshiper of the demon or the Projectionist who receives a projector for a head roaming the inky depths or lastly, Bertrum the amusement park designer who becomes a deadly monstrous octopus ride. Whilst, the most fearsome of them all is Bendy himself, the ink demon. Appearing through each chapter, he shows up when you least expect it. Your only chance of escape is to hide, which is reminiscent of another single-player survival game: Alien Isolation (Video Game 2014). The studio constantly expands with each chapter, taking us to new areas from the Animation Department, Music Department, the Bendy Land Theme Park Storage to the Heavenly Toys Room. There are many locations to get lost, hide or fight for survival. Overall, I loved playing this Disney gone wrong-themed game, mainly thanks to it playing a huge part in my younger years as I became so invested in this rich world and story. With its constant sense of mystery at play, I was left second-guessing and questioning everything throughout right up to the end, which in itself, offers many more questions. I would most definitely recommend checking out this cult game with the impressive amount of detail-filled into every waking moment in all aspects. Also, check out the sequel title in Bendy and the Dark Revival (Video Game 2022).

Platforms: Android, IOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One

Developers: Kindly Beast, TheMeatly Games, Joey Drew Studios Inc.

Publishers: Kindly Beast, Rooster Teeth Games

Genre: Adventure / Fantasy / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

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The Thing (1982)

A US research station in Antarctica is suddenly buzzed by a helicopter from the nearby Norwegian research station. They are trying to kill a dog that has escaped from their base. After the destruction of the Norwegian chopper, the members of the US team fly to the Norwegian base, only to discover all members of the crew dead or missing. They do find the remains of a strange creature that the Norwegians burned. The Americans take it to their base and deduce that it is an alien life form. After a while, it is apparent that the alien can take over and assimilate into other life forms, and can spread like a virus. This means anyone at the base could be inhabited by The Thing. This remake of the classic The Thing from Another World (1951) takes the story and concept (which also came from the novel, 'Who Goes There?' by John Campbell) rejuvenating it in every single possible aspect. I loved the original flick a great deal, so checking out the 80s adaptation was just a given and, boy, was it phenomenal. When it comes to one of John Carpenter's pieces, especially in the horror genre, you have a pretty good idea of what's in store and that's an experience. Overwhelming foreboding suspense, random outbursts of in-your-face horror and a spectacular score that marries the tone and setting exceptionally, if anything, creating that tone. Whilst delivering a whole new version of this story, I was pleasantly surprised by the homages and details reminiscent of the 1951 telling. For instance, the opening title for the film is animated in the same way with the words burning onto the screen, which was an incredible effect that carried forward to this one. Later on in the movie, we finally see the alien spaceship, which plays out quite differently from the original as the crew in that depiction find it still frozen under the ice whereas, in this one, they find it already dug up by another expedition who have acquired the life form within. Having the knowledge of how the original played out to then seeing a whole new angle was so intriguing instead of uncovering it themselves, finding it already done and the aftermath with bodies everywhere, a mysterious fleshy mound and the place desolate was even more effective. Releasing 31 years later, there is of course the advantage of having great special effects available and possible, which truly elevates this production to new heights. I have always been a huge fan of practical and special effects, props and models in the film industry and there was no better time for such than the 1980s and this film really showed it off. The alien organism referred to as The Thing has such a cool concept that it can essentially become other life forms and spread so it allows for some wacky and gruesome designs for the aliens that are uncovered and start to alter in their appearance and morph into disgusting abominations. Notably, there is the husky dog scene where we see the first transformation but the most memorable has to be the spider head sequence that displays everything from the immediate shocking horror, gore, action and comedy all wrapped into one, which sounds impossible yet they found a way to do it all. With this creature being able to assimilate anyone or anything, tensions start to rise astronomically with crew turning on each other, killing others or attempting to destroy means of escape to trap them all there, people become increasingly desperate. The one member we follow most is, Macready, played tremendously by Kurt Russell, who would so happen to feature in a total of five of Carpenter's flicks, clearly being a favourite for the director. His performance is nothing short of superb as the one man who takes charge in this unnatural circumstance. Macready, however, isn't your typical action, macho hero, he feels like a regular person with flaws and nothing but his wits to survive, which further allows us (as the viewers) to connect with him on a deeper level. Overall, I would have to regard this as one of my top horror favourites, and I'm not a huge fan of the genre. My love for Sci-fi did lend to my liking of this cult classic though, and matched with the superb special effects, the tense/eerie feeling and chilling tone make it ideal viewing for that spooky Halloween vibe.

Runtime: 1h 49m

Director: John Carpenter

Genre: Horror / Mystery / Sci-fi

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