Halloween Special – 2016
It is Film Journeys time once again and this time we’re taking a look at Halloween films for all the family … is that right? Horror for all ages?
That’s right … well, yes and no! As Halloween is approaching we thought it would be fun to see if we could come up with a selection of scary films that the whole family can watch. Alfred Hitchcock famously said that everyone enjoys being scared – it’s why one of the first things we do when we see a baby in a pushchair is lean right in and say ‘boo!’.
So what we’re doing today is one horror film for adults, one spooky film for older children and one fun Halloween themed film for all ages.
FILM 1: THE UNSPOKEN (2016)
In UK cinemas from today is THE UNSPOKEN. In 1997 the Anderson family vanished from their home without a trace. No bodies were ever found. For 17 years the house has remained undisturbed… until now.
FILM 2: GOOSEBUMPS (2015)
This is the film for slightly older children. The BBFC classifies the film as a PG but does note that it contains frequent scary scenes. I would suggest it’s for 8 years and up.
Jack Black stars in the big screen adaptation of the famous series of books for young people. A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R. L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.
So, GOOSEBUMPS, brilliant fun but a little too scary for children under eight.
FILM 3: HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (2012)
Our third film this month, is HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, from 2012. This animated adventure os the spooky special that can be enjoyed by all ages. It’s also one of those rare ‘family films’ that is actually enjoyable for all ages.
Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count’s teen-aged daughter.
How about some honourable mentions?
Just one this time – given the nature of this special. It’s another spooky-themed film that can be enjoyed by all ages:
- THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS form 1993
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.
This is a stop-motion, animation extravaganza and it’s beautiful to watch.
