Jason Bene’s Halloween Watch List
I have compiled my Top Horror Films that get play on my DVD player every Halloween. Some are staples of most fans’ collections, while others are ripe for rediscovery, and should be sought out by any connoisseur of the redder, and better things in life.
Trick ‘R Treat: skyrocketing to the #1 spot is Michael Dougherty’s directorial debut, a film that might not ever be knocked off its perch at the top. Never has a movie captured the unholy spirit of All Hallow’s Eve so brilliantly. This anthology has its vignettes weaved together in Pulp Fiction fashion. Werewolves, zombies, a badass imp, and a gothic atmosphere that adds up to an enchanting experience.
Halloween: John Carpenter’s seminal slasher still feels fresh after all these years. The Gone With The Wind of the genre still packs a wallop with an incredible score, beautiful cinematography, and a boogeyman who scares just as well in the day as the night.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch: Hated by critics and fans upon its release in 1982. I never understood this – it’s hands down the best sequel of the series, dropping Myers completely, and adding Silver Shamrocks, bugs, snakes, killer robots, and pimp daddy Tom Atkins!
Night of the Demons: man, Kevin S. Tenney sure hit this sucker out of the park. One of the best opening credits in movie history, Steve Johnson’s impeccable make-up work, a hot Asian chick, Linnea Quigley’s butt in the air, and the infamous lipstick scene. Trash classic!
Trick or Treat: Being a 80’s child, I went to school with people like Eddie Weinbauer – guys who were Metal Heads, who were told that they would burn in hell for listening to Iron Maiden and AC/DC. It’s great to see this picked on teen exact revenge with the help of a befallen rock idol.
Honorable mention:
TRICK ‘R TREAT belongs at the top! It’s a great movie. And I love HALLOWEEN III. In my opinion, it’s the best of the series.
[Reply]
Halloween III: Season of the Witch is my favorite of the Halloween series except for the original.
[Reply]
I’m happy to see so much love for Halloween III.
[Reply]
Jon Reply:
October 14th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I sort of enjoy Halloween III and respect their idea to do a new “Halloween” film that was a different story each year. But in hindsight, I wish they called it something different, b/c in terms of Michael Myers, it’s the oddball in the series.
“Trick r’ Treat” did what “Season of the Witch” wanted to do and be.
[Reply]