Do You Like Scary Movies?


In case you missed it, tomorrow is Halloween. In addition to binging on "fun size" candy bars and dressing up, it's typically a time to watch seasonal, scary movies. If you want horror on the small screen, "Ash vs. Evil Dead" debuts tomorrow on Starz. It's based on the "Evil Dead" movies, which are a good watch, too, if you're looking for something a little different.

But if you're looking for a movie to set the mood, here's a few suggestions by genre.

Something New: It Follows (2014)
* "It Follows" is one of the most interesting, well-made genre films I've seen in the last few years. It quietly debuted in theaters earlier this year, and now it's available on video and DVD. If you're looking for something weird that's a throw back to a bygone era, "It Follows" fills the void. It even, to some degree, follows the old 1970s model of throwing in a moral component to people's death.

Traditional Slasher: Scream (1996)
* It's tempting to go with "Halloween," the original modern slasher, here. It's called Halloween and fits all the things you'd expect from this genre, and it's a classic. But I prefer "Scream," which I think is one of the most important movies of the 20th Century because of how it flipped the genre on its head. This one follows the traditional pattern while deconstructing horror movies. It's a fascinating blend of horror, comedy, and nerdy cinema stuff. What can I say, I'm a millennial.

Classic Horror: Psycho (1960)
* "Halloween" is considered the first of the modern slasher films that kicked off a wave in the 1980s and early 1990s that was re-born with "Scream." But "Psycho" might be the original slasher film. It's directed by Alfred Hitchcock and is one of his more iconic and famous films. If you love film and you haven't seen this, it's worth a look.

Sending Up the Genre: Cabin in the Woods (2012)
* Before Joss Whedon was responsible for all things Marvel and the Avengers, he was known for telling funny and different stories. After all, he created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." With "Cabin in the Woods," released in 2012, he does a send up of the typical horror genre. It's more of a deconstruction of themes than "Scream," which was still attempting to be a genre film. "Cabin in the Woods" has some scary moments, but it's also pretty funny and interesting. It's a little something different for the sarcastic movie watcher.

Tell Me A Ghost Story: Lady in White (1988)
* When I was younger, I boldly proclaimed nothing scared me. My mom found this movie for me, and I couldn't make that bold proclamation any longer. This is a ghost story and a murder mystery and it worked for me. It's a bit of an obscure title, but it's worth checking out if you like these kind of films.

I Want Something Deeper: Devil (2010)
* This film is based on a script from M. Night Shymalan. It is a horror movie — it's about five people trapped in an elevator, one of whom might be the Devil. But it's a movie with loftier aims. If you want something that makes you think — particularly in a theological sense — "Devil" is the story for you. It's a beautiful portrait of the power of confession and forgiveness.

But What About the Kids: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
* Sometimes you just want to celebrate Halloween with everyone in the family. If you don't like scares and would rather have your heart warmed, "Charlie Brown" is always a go-to. This short, animated classic is a Halloween staple for many, myself included. It's a good watch for everyone and a great way to wind down after your annual candy quest.

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