Well, it’s not the special effects (thoughJohnny Depp’s demise ispretty awesome).
Rather, it’s the premise.
Arsenic and Old Lacemoves at a breathless pace with our leading man’s escalating horrific discoveries.
Credit:Everett; Claudette Barius/Universal; The Disney channel
Because even in a world of monsters, ghouls, and greedy jerks, the good guys still prevail.
Stewart decided (incorrectly!)
And if all that’s not enough for you, digJack Lemmonplaying bongos as Gillian’s hipster warlock brother.G.I.
New Line/Kobal/Shutterstock
A murder mystery game and a…realdead body?
Sure,Bodies Bodies Bodiesis the Gen ZClue,but it’s WAY more than that.
Its also a genuinely entertaining, tight thriller with plenty of laughs (and unlikeClue, an R-rating).
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Who’s the real killer?
Its hard to say when everyone in the room is sarcastic, untrustworthy, and a little bit sinister.
Light, silly, and satirical, knowing your genre tropes makes for an even better viewing experience.
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Just add four little words to a horror movie’s description: “based on a true story.”
The result is a deserved cult film that promotes feminism and features some bonafide scares.
A new girl in town (Robin Tunney) falls in with the wrong (right?)
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But hey, it’s a comedy!
If you’re craving something campy and over-the-top (Goldie with a backwards head!
Meryl with a hole gaping hole in her stomach!
Matt Nettheim/IFC Films
), you’ll love it.
The result is horror comedy heaven, a groovy rollercoaster ride to hell.D.W.
A Frankenstein parody we can all root for (whowouldn’twant to bring a beloved pet back to life?
Warner Brothers/Everett
)Frankenweenieis an exquisite film that is as beautiful as it is strange.
Not seeingHalloweenat some point this season would be like skippingIt’s A Wonderful Lifein December.
Perhaps its that little touch of eeriness that makes thistotallynot-Lynchian production so much fun.
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D.W.
Where to watchHalloweentown: Disney+
Director:Duwayne Dunham
Cast:Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. the psychologist!).
Yes, c’mon!
that make them even scarier.
Erik Chakeen/A24
Its a truecult classic.
Why should you never say “I’ll be right back?”
Why do virgins always survive?
Diyah Pera/Lionsgate/Courtesy Everett Collection
Why do potential victims run up the stairs when they should run out the door?
And what’s with all the masks?
AndUsis no exception, being a filmEWs critic called"bloody, body-snatching fun."
New Line/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
You know that feeling when you step off a rollercoaster exhilarated, terrified, laughing, and relieved?
It’s like that.
Special shout-out toLupita Nyong’o, whose dual-role performance wins her the creepy crown, hands down.
Peter Iovino/Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
So, here’s anextremelyminimalist plot summary.
A new person comes to a small community.
Cue the nerve-shattering tension aaaaand… enjoy!
Universal/courtesy Everett Collection
AsEWs writer described, “This is no morality tale.
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Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Halloween’.Everett Collection
Disney
‘Hocus Pocus’ stars Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker.Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
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David Dastmalchian in ‘Late Night with the Devil.'.Courtesy of Adam White/IFC Films
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Jack Skellington delivers in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.Buena Vista Pictures
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CBS Films
Drew Barrymore in ‘Scream’.Dimension Films/Everett
Shudder
Claudette Barius / Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection
Well Go USA/Everett
A24
