The Book of Life (2014)

Title: The Book of Life
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Release Date: October 17, 2014
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Jorge R. Gutiérrez
Starring: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who wanted a less musical Coco.

What is this about?
Love conquering all, even death.

When would be a good time to watch this?
October 31 to November 2.

Where does it take place?
San Angel, Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like death...and cartoons.

How did I like this?
I had forgotten about this one but I remember being really excited for it. This is exactly my animation style. The movie is so pretty! I wasn't sold on the plot at first, but once the death and despair started I was into it!

This would have benefited from NOT being a musical though. The handful of 30 second songs are not good and are distracting. Except for the one that Manolo sings to the demon bull.

Have you seen The Book of Life? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Don't Look Under the Bed (1999)

Title: Don't Look Under the Bed
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: October 9, 1999
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Television
Director: Kenneth Johnson
Starring: Erin Chambers, Ty Hodges, Robin Riker


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s kids.

What is this about?
Teen girl and imaginary friend versus boogeyperson!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season or when you need to remind yourself that YES, this movie did actually exist.

Where does it take place?
Middleburg.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid...because Halloween and Disney Channel. Now because I haven't seen it in a billion years.

How did I like this?
Another movie I was obsessed with as a kid and thought I had hallucinated because it totally disappeared for awhile. Which it did because parents said it was too dark. It actually is quite mature when compared to other DCOMs, but it is also one of the best! It handles several serious topics in an approachable and fun way without minimizing the seriousness.

I loved that Francis skipped a grade! So did I! Not at the time this movie came out, but later. She's a 14 year old freshman, which I always thought was normal. I was 12. It was an uncommon choice to make her act more grown up as part of the plot conflict.

Have you seen Don't Look Under the Bed? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Night Teeth (2021)

Title: Night Teeth
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Release Date: October 20, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Adam Randall
Starring: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry


Who would I recommend this to?
Vampire aficionados.

What is this about?
A guy chauffeurs around a pair vampires for the night.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Vampires.

How did I like this?
Why did this remind me of Grand Theft Auto?! It made me want a version of GTA with supernatural elements!

Other than that, I found this movie pretty boring. I liked Benny, but the plot never really interested me. I honestly didn't watch most of it.

Have you seen Night Teeth? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Nightbooks (2021)

Title: Nightbooks
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Catchlight Studios
Director: David Yarovesky
Starring: Winslow Fegley, Lidya Jewett, Krysten Ritter


Who would I recommend this to?
Scaredy cat Halloween fans or those who just like family-friendly spooky films.

What is this about?
A boy is held captive by a witch and must write her a new scary story every night...or die.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or a dark and stormy night.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a new family friendly spooky film.

How did I like this?
I did not get why the witch was keeping him if she was just going to shoot down every story he wrote. I mean, I guess there was the theme of believing in yourself and your talents, but...Natasha's attitude didn't really work. Just kill him and move on, or shut up and listen to the stories that you asked for! She was annoying.

I like Lenore, the cat. And the ending was cool, but the rest was odd.

Have you seen Nightbooks? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Scary Movie 4 (2006)

Title: Scary Movie 4
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: April 14, 2006
Genre(s): Comedy, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: David Zucker
Starring: Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Craig Bierko


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the series or spoof movies in general.

What is this about?
Aliens come to destroy Earth and only Cindy Campbell can stop them.

When would be a good time to watch this?
No rush, just whenever. Perhaps Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Earth....somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was my friend's birthday and we were stoned, sooo....

How did I like this?
It's better than the third one, but the jokes are super old at this point. But I did like it more since I actually saw the main movies referenced: Saw, The Grudge, and The Village. I didn't see War of the Worlds, but it's easy enough to follow.

Have you seen Scary Movie 4? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Afterlife of the Party (2021)

Title: Afterlife of the Party
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Front Row Films
Director: Stephen Herek
Starring: Victoria Justice, Midori Francis, Robyn Scott


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes these second chance, fix your mistakes movies.

What is this about?
A party girl dies after her birthday party but has unfinished business.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime.

Where does it take place?
San Diego, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked cute, and my mom and aunt both liked it.

How did I like this?
It's super cute! It's a fun take on death and regret.

Have you seen Afterlife of the Party? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Halloween is Grinch Night (1977)

Title: Halloween is Grinch Night
Rating: G
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: October 29, 1977
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Director: Gerard Baldwin
Starring: Hans Conried, Hal Smith, Gary Shapiro


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who are curious about obscure holiday animation.

What is this about?
A young Who gets lost on Grinch Night and comes face-to-face with the What himself.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Whoville.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on a list of Halloween movies for scaredy cats.

How did I like this?
I am disturbed. What did I just watch?! I don't even know...

Max's song is so depressing. This whole thing was dark...

Have you seen Halloween is Grinch Night? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Title: Little Shop of Horrors
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 1986
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: The Geffen Company
Director: Frank Oz
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and other bizarre musicals.

What is this about?
A Venus flytrap from outer space tries to take over Earth.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season, on a long flight...

Where does it take place?
Skid Row.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I saw it as a kid, because of course I did, but I hadn't seen it since then, so I was on a long flight...

How did I like this?
It's so fun! Audrey II is such a great villain and Seymour is the adorable nerd hero we all need. The songs are fun, if not all together memorable. Some of the scenes are pretty random and strange and break the flow of the movie a bit, but overall I enjoy it a lot.

This needs a modern remake ASAP!

Have you seen Little Shop of Horrors? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Title: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: June 22, 2012
Genre(s): Fantasy, Action
Production Co.: Abraham Productions
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like alternative history...and vampires.

What is this about?
Abraham Lincoln...hunting vampires...

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and stormy night.

Where does it take place?
Springfield, Illinois.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was interested in the book because I liked the title and premise. I haven't gotten around to the book, but the movie will do.

How did I like this?
It's pretty good. I liked it enough, but nothing wowed me. I was a bit disappointed at that time jump, but it actually worked! Fighting doesn't always have to physical.

Have you seen Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Title: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: August 31, 1975
Genre(s): Comedy, Sci-Fi, Musical
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Jim Sharmin
Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone should experience this at least once.

What is this about?
A young couple end up at a mansion full of antici.....pation.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time to time warp.

Where does it take place?
The Frankenfurter mansion.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My friend showed it to me at 16 and changed my life.

How did I like this?
I love this movie. It's sooo fun, the songs are catchy, Tim Curry is a gift, and nothing else is like it. It's bizarre in the best possibly way. I don't love ever musical number, but it's definitely in my top musicals.

Have you seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

Title: There's Someone Inside Your House
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: October 6, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Atomic Monster, Netflix
Director: Patrick Brice
Starring: Sydney Park, Theodore Pellerin, Ashja Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of teen slasher flicks or fans of the book.

What is this about?
Someone is taunting then murdering a bunch of teens...with secrets.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Osborne, Nebraska.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I read the book, didn't like it, but thought they could fix the issues in movie form.

How did I like this?
I still didn't. It was quite cringe-worthy but some of my main issues with the source were tweaked to make more sense. At least it was a condensed version of the book.

Have you seen There's Someone Inside Your House? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Toy Story of Terror (2013)

Title: Toy Story of Terror
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2013
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans!

What is this about?
The toys have to survive the night in a potentially haunted motel!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or when you need a quick Toy Story fix.

Where does it take place?
A random motel somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Spooky Season and I love Toy Story.

How did I like this?
I loooved it! I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now! I think it's great that we got to explore Jessie's trauma and see her overcome it! Plus, I loved seeing more of Trixie! Mr. Pricklepants is the absolute worst in the best possible way! And meeting Combat Carl was a total treat! This was just an all-around great short about our favorite toys.

Have you seen Toy Story of Terror? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fun Size (2012)

Title: Fun Size
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: October 26, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies
Director: Josh Schwartz
Starring: Victoria Justice, Chelsea Handler, Jackson Nicoll


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like these one night of shenanigans movies.

What is this about?
A girl loses her little brother on Halloween and hijinks ensue.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Halloween.

Where does it take place?
Cleveland, Ohio.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a family friendly-ish Halloween movie.

How did I like this?
I didn't know what to expect going into it since I don't remember even seeing a preview for this one. But I was surprised this was by Nickelodeon (then not surprised that it was actually banned from airing on Nickelodeon). There's nothing "bad" in it, but it's definitely aimed at teens/older. It's a fun movie and I wasn't annoyed by Albert.

The only thing off putting was all of the pedophilia jokes.

Have you seen Fun Size? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Under Wraps (2021)

Title: Under Wraps
Rating: TV-Y7
Run Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Release Date: October 1, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Maravista Entertainment
Director: Alex Zamm
Starring: Malachi Barton, Jordana Largy, Phil Wright


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for family friendly Halloween movies.

What is this about?
A group of friends find a mummy and must help him before time runs out.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season!

Where does it take place?
Somewhere...Amy mentioned moving from Rockport, if that helps...

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the original is my favorite DCOM and one of my favorite Halloween movies.

How did I like this?
I'll admit that I don't remember how they found Harold in the original since I haven't seen it in awhile and didn't want to hinder my enjoyment of this one by rewatching it before. But I like how they made the kids more active participants rather than just stumbling upon him. Making Amy an investigator was a fun twist.

I did really enjoy this one. It's missing that '90s charm, obviously, but the story was still sweet and fun. The one thing that I really missed though was..."the song." If you know,  you know. I know that song is super old and has no relevance to kids these days, but that's my favorite part!

Have you seen Under Wraps? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)

Title: Muppets Haunted Mansion
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 52 minutes
Release Date: October 8, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Disney+, The Muppets Studio
Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Will Arnett, Danny Trejo, Chrissy Metz


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who appreciates the Muppets and the Haunted Mansion...or just everyone in general. Gotta spread world peace.

What is this about?
Gonzo is challenged to spend the night in the Haunted Mansion.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now, all Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
The Haunted Mansion.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Muppets...Haunted....Mansion....

How did I like this?
I was cracking up from the beginning! I loooved how they worked in the script from the rides! This was an adorable Halloween special, but I wish it was longer!

Have you seen Muppets Haunted Mansion? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Evil Eye (2020)

Title: Evil Eye
Rating: NR
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Genre(s): Thriller
Production Co.: Amazon Studios, Blumhouse Productions
Director: Elan Dassani, Rajeev Dassani
Starring: Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, Bernard White


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes superstitious thrillers.

What is this about?
A mother becomes paranoid when her daughter meets a man who reminds her of a man from her own past and believes it's a curse.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a moment for something interesting.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans, Louisiana and Dehli, India.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My mom watched it and thought it would be something I'd like, as someone who does wear an evil eye bracelet.

How did I like this?
My mom was right. This movie hooked me early on. Superstition is a weird thing. Is it true, is it paranoia, something else? The ending was surprising! It could have gone either way and I thought I knew which, but was wrong. But then that final scene...WTF?!

Have you seen Evil Eye? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bit (2019)

Title: Bit
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Genre(s): Horror, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Provocator
Director: Brad Michael Elmore
Starring: Diana Hopper, Nicole Maines, Zolee Griggs


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes vampire movies, especially those with antiheroes.

What is this about?
A girl moves to LA and falls in with some vampires who kill bad men.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime really, but Spooky Season adds an extra something.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because vampires. And there was quite the buzz about the MC being trans, so yay representation!

How did I like this?
It's actually really good, but I was distracted while watching. I wish I wasn't, so I could fully enjoy it. I am all here for queer girl vampires not taking crap!

Have you seen Bit? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf (2015)

Title: Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 2015
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Director: Kevin O'Neill
Starring: Casper Van Dien, Catherine Oxenberg, Jennifer Wenger


Who would I recommend this to?
People I don't like.

What is this about?
Sharktopus returns to save humanity from the newly created Whalewolf!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to rot your brain.

Where does it take place?
The Dominican Republic.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love Sharktopus.

How did I like this?
I hated this movie when it premiered. I called it a mockery, and not in a good way. Sharktopus is the best and this movie did her a disservice. The German scientist was annoying as heck! Ray was annoying too. This is bad, because they're the main characters. Everything was just over-the-top in the worst way.

While I enjoyed seeing my favorite creature return to save the day, yet again, this movie was just bad.

Have you seen Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda (2014)

Title: Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Release Date: August 2, 2014
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: New Horizons Picture
Director: Kevin O'Neill
Starring: Akari Endo, Tony Evangelista, Robert Carradine


Who would I recommend this to?
SyFy appreciators.

What is this about?
Sharktopus' offspring must battle the newly created, escaped, and dangerous Pteracuda!

When would be a good time to watch this?
After Sharktopus.

Where does it take place?
Around the Pacific Ocean, somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Sharktopus rules!

How did I like this?
It's not as epic as the first, but it's still a ton of fun! Sharktopus Jr. is the good guy! I actually love that. Why does the creepy looking monster have to be evil?! This sequel is a lot cheesier, which at times makes it more fun than the original, but at times it's also kind of cringey, but nothing too terrible.

I was concerned about how this supposed biologist didn't do any research about where Sharktopus came from or all of the horrors that his mother performed.

Have you seen Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus (2010)

Title: Sharktopus
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Release Date: September 25, 2010
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: New Horizons Picture
Director: Declan O'Brien
Starring: Eric Roberts, Kerem Bursin, Sara Malakul Lane


Who would I recommend this to?
Someone who can appreciate SyFy Channel Originals for what they are.

What is this about?
A shark-octopus creature goes on a killing spree after escaping from the US Navy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Shark Week would be the best, but anytime is a good time for Sharktopus.

Where does it take place?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I kept seeing promo for it and got so freaking excited, and I've seen it a billion times since then.

How did I like this?
I love this movie. It is the definition of ridiculous and fun. No, the special effects and acting aren't the best, but the movie has heart! While everyone was raving over Sharknado (also ridiculous and fun), I was firmly on team Sharktopus. There's something about seeing a Great White Shark prance around on eight legs.

Have you seen Sharktopus? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Practical Magic (1998)

Title: Practical Magic
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 1998
Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: DiNovi Pictures
Director: Griffin Dunne
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes dark chick flicks.

What is this about?
A family of witches are cursed to have the men they love most die.

When would be a good time to watch this?

Where does it take place?
An island off Massachusetts.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've always heard it was great and wanted something witchy.

How did I like this?
This was darker and much more intense than I was expecting. But it's super good. I can't believe I never saw it until now. It came out on my 9th birthday and I can guaranteed this would have been one of 9-year-old me's favorites.

Have you seen Practical Magic? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Scary Movie 3 (2003)

Title: Scary Movie 3
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Release Date: October 24, 2003
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: David Zucker
Starring: Anna Faris, Charlie Sheen, Regina Hall


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the series.

What is this about?
Crop circles and TV circles....

When would be a good time to watch this?
Maybe never, but also during a cheesy Halloween party.

Where does it take place?
"20 miles west of Washington D.C."

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I watched the previous two, so why not?

How did I like this?
I remember not liking this one when it came out, because the main two movies were The Ring, which traumatized me, and Signs, which I still haven't seen. The 8 Mile scenes were good though! In fact, Anthony Anderson and Kevin Hart were my favorite part and the only thing I remembered was the "Wake up dead" scene.

The constant knock-out, fall down gag got old super quickly. I don't know if that was a reference to something though. But I did like it better this time, probably since I had some distance from my trauma. It also has a more coherent plot rather than just as many pop culture references as possible.

Have you seen Scary Movie 3? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

Title: Scary Movie 2
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: July 4, 2001
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
Starring: Anna Faris, Marlon Wayans, Antony Acker


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who liked the first one.

What is this about?
Some students spend the weekend in a haunted house with their professor.

When would be a good time to watch this?
A goofy Halloween party.

Where does it take place?
Hell House.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the first one was funny.

How did I like this?
I watched this movie all the time as a kid. It's way better than the first one, but it also spoofed a lot of the popular teen movies of the time which I was watching. Of course, I picked up on a lot more as an adult, which made it more fun.

Have you seen Scary Movie 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Scary Movie (2000)

Title: Scary Movie
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: July 7, 2000
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
Starring: Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Marlon Wayans


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes raunchy spoof movies.

What is this about?
Some teens accidentally kill a guy and a year later someone lets them know that they know what they did...

When would be a good time to watch this?
In 2000, or during a Halloween party.

Where does it take place?
"A small college town."

Why did I decide to watch this?
This was like the movie of 2000, so yeah. I hadn't seen it in forever though.

How did I like this?
I know a ton of these jokes went over my head as a ten-year-old but at least I got the movie references! I definitely picked up more now, and this movie is still funny. It started the spoof movie trend, but this is still the superior one. But like most movies from this period, many of the jokes would not land today.

It was also fun to pick up all of the hints of who the killer was, even though you'd probably guess if you're familiar with all of the movies referenced.

Have you seen Scary Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: July 31, 1992
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Fran Rubel Kuzui
Starring: Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s fans.

What is this about?
A cheerleader learns that she is destined to protect humanity from vampires.

When would be a good time to watch this?
A Halloween slumber party.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on Starz and had always wanted to watch the show, sooo...

How did I like this?
This was delightful, cheesy, and fun. I wish I had seen this back in the day! Little vampire-obsessed me would have been all over this, but in like '98 or '99. Can we get a remake!? I guess I should watch the show...

Have you seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997)

Title: Casper: A Spirited Beginning
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: September, 1997
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Saban Entertainment
Director: Sean McNamara
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Lori Loughlin, Rodney Dangerfield


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like their ghost stories family friend and enjoy really bad straight to video prequels.

What is this about?
Casper's first days as a ghost, making friends, and saving historical mansions.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season.

Where does it take place?
Deedstown.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I saw it as a kid because I loved Casper. I remembered nothing about it by now though.

How did I like this?
I don't remember animation being this bad in 1997, or was it just for straight to video prequels? Or just this one? Yikes!

Also, this completely ignores everything we know about Casper from the original movie. He lived at Whipstaff Manor, not Applegate. And he had lived there when he was alive, he didn't just stumble upon it. They could have easily worked the "save the historical house" plot with Casper's actual home.

It's not totally terrible, as it was fun seeing the Ghostly Trio training Casper to be a ghost, and there's a lot of familiar '90s faces and voices. But that's about it...and it feels like 4 hours long...

Have you seen Casper: A Spirited Beginning? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Title: Snakes on a Plane
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: August 18, 2006
Genre(s): Action, Suspense
Production Co.: New Line Cinema
Director: David R. Ellis
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Julianna Margulies, Nathan Phillips


Who would I recommend this to?
Me.

What is this about?
A witness to a murder's plane is hijacked by venomous snakes!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately, if you've never seen it or haven't seen it in a while.

Where does it take place?
A plane over the Pacific.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Snakes.

How did I like this?
This is one of the most fun movies EVER. I was 100% obsessed when it first came out, which should surprise no one. Agent Flynn's monologue is the most epic piece of literature ever recited and I'm not being ironic. SLJ is iconic.

I just hate Mary Kate (dog) getting eaten, which is why I can't rate it higher.

Have you seen Snakes on a Plane? What did you think?
It not, would you watch it?

 

Bewitched (2005)

Title: Bewitched
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: June 24, 2005
Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine


Who would I recommend this to?
Do you like cheese? Magic? RomComs? Will Ferrell? If yes, then you!

What is this about?
A witch tries to live a normal life but gets cast as a witch on a TV show.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Date night, girls night, October...

Where does it take place?
Southern California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw this when it first came out, because it looked cute. Now, I just wanted a cutesy witch movie.

How did I like this?
I think it's super adorable. It's a remake about a remake, very meta. I also think that's more fun than just a straight Samantha-Darren remake. Isabel the reformed witch and Jack the diva are a fun pair.

Have you seen Bewitched? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Clue (1985)

Title: Clue
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: December 13, 1985
Genre(s): Comedy, Suspense
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Starring: Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who grew up playing Clue and likes cheesy movies.

What is this about?
Dinner guests become murder suspects! Whodunit?!

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and stormy night.

Where does it take place?
The Boddy mansion on a dark and stormy night.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Clue is one of my all-time favorite board games. One of my dogs is Miss Scarlet.

How did I like this?
This movie is so fun! It captures the feel of the game perfectly, which is kind of weird. Tim Curry is perfect as always and there are quite a few similarities to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Have you seen Clue? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dracula 2000 (2000)

Title: Dracula 2000
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: December 22, 2000
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: Patrick Lussier
Starring: Gerard Butler, Justine Waddell, Jonny Lee Miller


Who would I recommend this to?
Grown-up '90s kids.

What is this about?
Dracula has been let loose in the modern day!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Back in 2000-01.

Where does it take place?
London and New Orleans.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on Paramount+, hadn't heard of it before, saw Gerard Butler.

How did I like this?
What is this casting?! VITAMIN C...Omar Epps, that guy from Save the Last Dance, Hyde from That '70s Show, Gerard Butler, that guy from Scary Movie, Shane West...so random! I can definitely appreciate it though as a '90s kid.

Other than a ton of "Hey! I know you!" moments, this movie is not very good. I'm not quite sure what the plot was, and Dracula was a boring character. The best part was the ceiling sex.

Perhaps this was good 20 years ago.

Have you seen Dracula 2000? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fright Night (2011)

Title: Fright Night
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: August 19, 2011
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: Dreamworks
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the Horror-Comedy genre and vampires.

What is this about?
A teen figures out that his new neighbor is a vampire and must save the neighborhood!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season.

Where does it take place?
New Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it when it first came out because I was a huge Colin Farrell fan...and vampires.

How did I like this?
I can't remember what I though the first time, but this time: it's a fun movie. 100% predictable and not scary (just how I like my Horror!). It's not very memorable though. Jerry the vampire has almost no screen time which is quite disappointing. Vincent the vampire hunter is hilarious though.

Have you seen Fright Night? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?