It’s the time of season for things that go bump in the night, howling winds and haunted houses. What better time to throw a Halloween party. If your party will include a movie or television show and needs to be family friendly, I will share a few recommendations this week for your consideration. Some of my choices may be obvious, while others are not. Here we go with my boorific (yes I made up that word) list of fun viewing for the Halloween season.
1- “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”- No Halloween is complete without this treasure from the Peanuts gang. The television special first aired in 1966 and is an all-time classic. “I got a rock” is an unforgettable line from poor Charlie Brown. The search for the Great Pumpkin never ends. Since this is short, you may want to pair it with the animated “Scared Shrekless.”
2-“Hocus Pocus”- Another must-see movie at Halloween, this 1993 film starring Bette Midller, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as wacky witches, was actually released to theaters in the summertime(!). The film has all the ingredients of a Halloween classic, and a sequel is finally in the works. Plus how can you go wrong with a talking cat?
3-“Hotel Transylvania”- This animated film featuring various famous monsters, led by Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler), is a laugh riot. Yes, there have been two sequels since the 2012 original, but this one stands out as a true original. Remember, Dracula does not say “blah, blah, blah.”
4-“The Addams Family”- The 1991 film is based on the 1960’s television series and features Angelica Houston and Raul Julia in memorable performances as Morticia and Gomez Addams respectively. Despite strong performance from the aforementioned, Christopher Lloyd nearly steals the film as Uncle Fester. Oh and who can possible forget Christinia Ricci as Wednesday Addams? They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky.
5-“The Wizard of OZ”- This movie for Halloween? Why yes my dear children. What better movie to watch on Halloween than a film featuring a green skinned witch and flying monkeys? The haunted forest and witch’s castle only add to the creepy fun. There’s no place like home, especially if you have lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!
6-“The Munsters”- This television show which aired on CBS from from 1964 to 1966, is a great way to introduce kids to the lovable yet hapless Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne) and his family of “friendly” monsters. Vampires and werewolves are also represented in the Munster family, and if you have ever dreamed of having a dragon as a pet, you will be green with envy as the Munsters have one living under their staircase.
7-“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”- What better time to revisit the first film in the Harry Potter series than on Halloween. This film began the series in 2001 which ended in 2011. With each film we marveled at the magical happenings at Hogwarts School and how the actors involved, led by Daniel Radcliffe, grew from kids to young adults. Magic in more ways than one.
8-“Batman Forever”- Another less obvious choice for the Halloween season was released to theaters in 1995, was set during Halloween, and featured wacky performances from Jim Carrey as The Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face. Val Kilmer starred as the Caped Crusader and Chris O’Donnell joined the cast as Robin. Just enough adventure, thrills and comedy to keep you entertained. Cheesy fun.
9-“Bewitched”- Not the unfortunate film from 2005, but the ABC television series that aired from 1964 to 1972. This comedy never fails to entertain as hapless Darren Stevens (Dick York and later Dick Sargent) discovers he has married a nose twitching witch, and as result must deal with her wacky family. Endless laughs and fun. Abner! Abner! Come quick!
10- “Monster House”- This 2006 animated comedy/horror film is the tale of a neighborhood being terrorized by a ‘living” haunted house. This is not just any haunted house, as this house attacks intruders and can eat cars. This film provides pure fun and spooks for Halloween.
There you have my suggestions for a fun family friendly Halloween gathering. I will leave the more adult fare for you to decide. Happy viewing and see you next week or I will send the flying monkeys after you!
