Every year, Halloween shines the spotlight on all things horrific and frightening. There are those who relish this abundance, yet many are unable to withstand this spine-chilling time of year. This season, Vantage puts together a list of not-so-scary Halloween classics to remind everyone that amusement and laughter can still persist amidst the fear-inducing movies majority of people seem to enjoy.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
A timeless gem, Hocus Pocus casts a spell that hits you with a wave of ‘90s kid nostalgia. The tale revolves around the three evil witches of Salem, who are accidentally brought back to life when a teenage boy lights a special candle. Mayhem ensues as the sisters prepare to suck the souls out of the town’s children, and it is up to three kids and a talking cat to save the day. Much of the humor stems from the trio’s constant bewilderment with modern-day Salem; they’re afraid of kids in Halloween costumes, fire truck sirens, and even a small dog. Leaning towards the more goofy side of Halloween, this film has just the right amount of silliness that viewers of all ages will surely enjoy.
2. Coraline (2009)
Moving away is never an easy experience for anyone. However, life couldn’t seem to get any worse for Coraline Jones after her family moves from Pontiac, Michigan to Ashland, Ohio. A phantasmic doorway leads her to a paradise away from home, yet Coraline soon learns that this dream world keeps sinister secrets. The eponymously-named film boasts intricate and masterfully executed stop-motion animation, never compromising the detail and emotion each character has to offer. From the choice of colors, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two worlds, to the fine detail put into the most minute of things, such as the grains of sand spilling from a doll or the hairs on a dog, the effort shines through, making it easy for viewers to stay engaged. Well-thought out and eye-catching, Coraline is the animation movie for those intent on having a light and ultimately cheerful thrill.
3. Halloweentown (1998)
Halloweentown is one of the old, quintessential Disney films you probably watched growing up. Many of us lived vicariously through Marnie Piper (Kimberly J. Brown), whose ordinary life changes for the better when she discovers that she’s a witch. Along with her siblings, she secretly follows her eccentric grandmother Aggie (Debbie Reynolds) who’s on her way back to town. Little do they know, their grandma lives in a magical place inhabited by goblins, vampires, werewolves, and everything else that the inner kid in us could imagine. Albeit a chock-full of cheesy dialogue and special effects reminiscent of the ‘90s, the film’s nostalgic elements are what makes it all the more charming.
4. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
For those unable to fathom the serious consequences a possible zombie apocalypse can pose, Shaun of the Dead is the flick for you. The movie hooks viewers with its effective use of zombie cliches as quips, leaving them to expect laughter instead of the conventional apocalyptic dread. One example is the scene where Shaun and Ed mistake a zombie as just an extremely drunk woman, leading to their memorable first encounter with a zombie. Additionally, Shaun’s generally less than ideal traits effortlessly create humor through his interactions with those around him and make him more relatable to viewers. The film proves that there can be a comedic, yet not totally ludicrous take on a zombie apocalypse. However, knowing when to get serious, the movie succinctly captures the realities brought by this crisis like the breakdown of society and the toll it takes on survivors. Humorous yet substantial, there is no surprise as to why Shaun of the Dead is considered a cult classic.
5. The Addams Family (1991)
Fun-filled and nostalgia-packed, The Addams Family offers scenes full of familiar characters that ‘90s kids have grown to love from the animated series in 1964. Although unlike the original show, the film focuses more on the delightful, but sudden return of Gomez’s long-lost brother, Fester Addams (Christopher Lloyd), and the trouble caused by this. The entire family, however, isn’t forgotten and each one’s personality still shines through. Scenes such as Gomez and Morticia’s repeated intimate moments, and the affable roughhousing between Pugsley and Wednesday showcase the Addams’ individual personality and family dynamic as a whole, leaving viewers to anticipate what the next crazy antic could be. With a sense of familiarity and lack of frightful intent, The Addams Family is a sure-hit classic to watch this Halloween.
Graphic by Patricia Sangalang