Dare to be scared with hallowed Halloween movies
by Crystal Walker

So, it’s that time of year again. Little kids, and even some big ones, get all dressed up as their favorite ghouls, goblins, superheros, and cartoon characters. Trick or treating was the best thing invented for kids. What could be better than going from house to house, dressed in a silly costume,and getting loads and loads of candy? I can’t think of anything better than that, but there comes a time in everyone’s life when they get too old to go trick or treating. I know, it’s a harsh reality. Don’t lose all hope of having a good Halloween because there is hope for us. When you get too old to go out and trick or treat and scare up the neighborhood, there is an alternative. Horror movies!

Yup, horror movies have been around for a long time and there are some classics and some really awful ones too. Whether you are going to spend All Hallow’s Eve alone or with a group of over the hill trick or treaters, I suggest hitting the video store and picking a few great movies for an awesome scare fest. Now, I have to be completely honest with you - I have never willingly watched horror movies. But, like a good movie buff, I did my homework and have picked three movies that I feel are worthy to be watched on La Dia de los Muertos.

My first choice is a horror movie classic. If you are in the mood for flesh-eating creatures and the walking dead all rolled into one, then I suggest picking up the 1968 version of Night of The Living Dead. This black and white classic is sure to leave your skin crawling, literally. These flesh-eating freaks feed on the living and it is pretty gross. But, once you get taken by the cannibalistic creepies, you don’t just die off, you come back and start to feed yourself. This movie is sure to make anyone give up meat. Check it out and if you like it, rent the rest of the creepy trilogy — Dawn of The Dead and Day of The Dead.

My next pick is my favorite as far as horror movies go because it is just as funny as it is scary. The Lost Boys is an ‘80s horror/comedy that takes a modern day look at vampires. With a cast of super cute ‘80s stars and an awesome soundtrack, this movie is a great flick to watch. Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, the Coreys (Haim and Feldman), and “Bill” from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure lead an awesome cast of characters who are inhabitants of the “murder capital of the world”. With music provided by The Doors and other great musicians, this movie is sure to get your blood pumping with its awesome array of blood, guts, and gore and its climactic final scenes. One of my favorite ‘80s movies and an all around pretty good flick, it will give you time to settle your stomach from the cannibal crew in Dead.

Last, but certainly not least, is a new classic in the making. I have to confess that I watched this movie for the first time, by myself, over fall break and it scared the heck out of me. Scream, starring Drew Barrymore, Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and some cute guys, was quite possibly the scariest movie I have ever seen. It was an edge of the seat thriller that kept me guessing as to “whodunit” until the very end. If you haven’t seen it, I definitely suggest watching it to finish off the evening. It will also be good preparation for the upcoming sequel to this hit, Scream....Again, coming soon to a theater near you.

Well, that’s all I have to say on the subject of horror flicks. If you decide to stay in and watch movies, take these three into consideration and if you decide to get out and go to the movies, check out any of the awesome new flicks appropriate for this season of murder, mystery, mischief, and mayhem, such as Kiss the Girls or I Know What You Did Last Summer. For more laughs than scares there’s always The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Any of these movies will be a good cure for the trick or treating blues. And always remember, evil lurks around every corner, down every alley, behind every locked door, and in the basement. Beware and be scared, but be careful.

I dare ya.