Scary(-ish) movie reviews every Monday in October!
Hocus Pocus (1993)- 4/5 Stars
New kid on the block Max, his sister Dani, and crush Allison dare to enter the old house of the legendary Sanderson Sisters, witches hung in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween in 1693. After a virgin lights the black flame candle, the witches are brought back to collect the souls of Salem children once again. After running into a trusty talking cat, Binx, the kids set out to save the town of Salem while staying out of the witches’ grasp themselves. While Max, Dani, Allison, and Binx are relatable and lovable protagonists, it is the witches who really shine. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy create three distinct and hilarious personalities for the trio of witches. Despite being the obvious villains of the movie, viewers cannot help but love the Sanderson sisters and their crazy hijinks as they navigate the modern world after being dead for 300 years. Okay so I absolutely adore this movie and personally would give it 5 stars but in the interest of being objective, I’ve rated it a 4 because I concede that some of the acting is not exactly Oscar worthy and there may be a few plot holes. However, I love this cult classic because it delivers festive fall spirit with a bit of spooky in between laughs and quotable lines.
For older generations or those who missed out on watching the movie as a child, it may not have the same charm or produce the same wave of nostalgia. But for myself and for many, Hocus Pocus is an annual must-watch.
Beetlejuice (1988)- 3.5/5 Stars
Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, and Alec Baldwin star in this seasonal favorite alongside Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, and other talented cast. The Maitlands, a recently deceased couple, must learn how to navigate the unclear rules of the afterlife and get rid of the eccentric Deetz family that has moved into their home. A tricky, obnoxious character named Beetlejuice begs to help them with his services. The concept for the film is unique and darkly funny. Imagine dying, only to find that the afterlife was still full of bureaucracy, long lines, and boring manuals.The movie is funny, quirky, and sometimes just bizarre. What else could you expect from director Tim Burton? I enjoy watching this movie around Halloween and it has become a seasonal tradition for many. Upon my most recent rewatch, I can’t say that the plot line is exactly nuanced or that Bettlejuice’s voice doesn’t drive me insane. Hence, the 3.5 star rating. Original screenwriting from the movie had more graphic violence and scarier hauntings, but I’m glad that they ultimately settled on the light hearted, campy feel of the movie instead. Shoutout to the soundtrack, specifically the two iconic Harry Belafonte songs. Beetlejuice never takes itself too seriously and is a funky and amusing watch, especially for this time of year.
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