Okay, so I did forget witches. Geez! And, as someone else pointed out, “Only one vampire film and it had to be that stale old Stoker story?” Calm down. This is Halloween Video Review 2 and it will bring you more fright films to party with!
WITCHES
Since I’ve received so much flack over the absence of witches, I have three films to recommend. The first is a film from 1966 that was way ahead of it’s time on the sexuality meter. It is based on the novel Aura by the Mexican novelist, Carlos Fuentes. The film is not rated so parents beware, but it is also the least known of the chosen which include both well and lesser known films, but I think they are diverse enough to satisfy almost any wicked or good witch film fan.
The vampire film that I’m recommending is a remake of a foreign film called, Let the Right One In, which is also recommended.
The Witch (1966 Arco Films)
Directed by Damiano Damiani
Screenplay by Ugo Liberatore based on the Novel, Aura by Carlos Fuentes
Not Rated / 109 minutes
Cast: Rosanna Schiaffino (Aura), Richard Johnson (Sergio Logan), Gian Maria Volonte (Fabrizio), Sara Ferati (Consuelo Lorente), Margherita Guzzinate (Lorna).
This off beat Italian film is a classic mystery/horror that is based on a novel by Carlos Fuentes. Sara Ferati’s Consuelo is at the center of the mystery as she manipulates Sergio into coming to work for her. Her concealed intentions spin the New Wave influenced narrative as Richard Johnson’s (The Haunting) Sergio is led deeper and deeper into the old woman’s trap. Rosanna Schiaffino’s (Two Weeks in Another Town) Aura moves slowly and sensually through the eerily seductive narrative bringing an unlikely plot to life. This is a film that you are better off having no expectations about, and just allowing yourself to fall under its spell.
The Craft (1996 Sony Pictures)
Directed by Andrew Fleming
Written by Andrew Fleming & Peter Filardi
Rated R / 101 minutes
Cast: Robin Tunney (Sarah Bailey), Fairuza Balk (Nancy Downs), Neve Campbell (Bonnie), Rachel True (Rochelle) Skeet Ulrich (Chris Hooker), Christine Taylor (Laura Lizzie).
This one is really all about the cast: Robin Tunney (Hollywoodland), Fairuza Balk (Almost Famous), Neve Campbell (Scream, Skyscraper), and Rachel True (The Manor). What a coven they make! It is scary (Fairuza Balk hits an 11 on the intense meter) and violent, and it’s a great Halloween ride sans broomsticks.
It is not the usual twist on witches, but it is more then just a teen scare fest. The girls get too deep into the occult and it begins to lead to darker places than most of them intended to go.
This powerfully angst ridden film out distances it’s surface appeal with strong performances and enough mayhem to satisfy the most demanding of horror fans for a fantastically frightful Halloween.
Hocus Pocus (1993 Buena Vista Pictures)
Directed by Kenny Ortega
Screenplay by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert
Story by David Kirshner and Mick Garris
Rated PG / 96 minutes
Cast: Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson), Katy Najimy (Mary Sanderson), Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vanessa Shaw (Allison), Amanda Shepard (Emily).
This one is for viewers that love Halloween candy but just don’t get the scary. Funny Halloween fun with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker (L.A. Story, Sex in the City), Kathy Najimy (Sister Act, King of the Hill), and Thora Birch (Ghost World, Deadline, Train).
One of the writers is Horror master Mick Garris, so you know there’s gonna be some dark patches, but Thora Birch is adorable, Sarah Jessica Parker is full tilt batty, and Bette Midler and Katy Najumy are so far over the top that you wonder if they spent the whole movie on their broomsticks. Perfect for a Happy Halloween!
Vampires
Let Me In (2010 Overture Films)
Directed by Matt Reeves
Screenplay by Matt Reeves based on Screenplay Let the Right One In and Novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Rated R / 116 minutes
Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee (Owen), Chloe Grace Moretz (Abby), Richard Jenkins (The Father), Cara Buono (Owen’s Mother), Elias Koteas ( The Policeman), Sasha Barrese (Virginia).
Let Me In is one of those rare moments when a remake of a foreign film turns out to be a gift. This in part is due to Reeves’ script based on the original by John Ajvide Lindqvist which was based on Lindqvist’s own novel and the perfect cast: Richard Jenkins (The Shape of Water), Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick Ass) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Deadpool 2) all turn in subtle and believable performances.
It is a strangely original spin on the vampire myth that is powered by Abby’s situation and her concern for a timid boy that is being bullied. This simple but brilliant plot lifts it up beyond most horror films and yet is strong in fear and scare as well. A combination that makes for perfect Halloween fun for the whole family.
