October Watch List

Pinch Punch First of the Month

October is here which means a new Watch List! It’s that time of year again for pumpkins, leaves, and trick-or-treats. In honor of All Hallows Eve, I’m posting my top five favorite Halloween movies. Turn off the lights and settle down for a little fright, but don’t let the boogie man get you!

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Philosopher’s Stone chronicles Harry Potter’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After a miserable life in the muggle world with his awful aunt and uncle, Harry is swept away into the wonderful world of magic. Harry and his friends learn spells, play Quidditch, and go on adventures. But it’s not all fun and games at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione face trolls, three headed dogs, man-eating plants, and a trip into the scary forbidden forest. Even more danger ensues when the trio sets out on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone.

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Magic

Philosopher’s Stone is Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s first installment in the magical world. As an avid fan of Harry’s, I find watching Philosopher’s Stone a cathartic experience of rediscovering the magic of Hogwarts. Any long time fan of Harry's will know how heartwarming it is to rewatch the original. (The kids are just too precious!) For the newbies, this movie is the perfect way to fall in love with Hogwarts just like the rest of us. Appropriate for all ages, Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is a fun, magical movie for the whole family to enjoy on Halloween night.   

2. The Woman In Black

Arthur Kipps, a London lawyer in Edwardian Britain, is tasked with selling the abounded Eel Marsh House. The locals warn Kipps to return home and avoid the house at all costs, but Kipps, ignoring their warnings, carries on. The remains of Kipps visit is spent in horror whilst being haunted by the woman in black.

Way It’s A Must Watch: The Scare

I hate being scared. I’m not a fan of scary movies, but of course I had to support my favorite chummy, Mr. Radcliffe, in his first post- Potter film. Now, this isn't your typical slasher, blood gushing, ax man scary movie. The Woman In Black takes you back to the classic way to scare. She’s the person standing behind you, she flickers the lights, and leaves ominous messages in blood. This film brings back the art of surprise. (When I saw this film in the theaters, I was peeping through the cracks in my fingers and produced blood curdling screams. Sorry fellow movie goers.) The Woman In Black is a fantastic film that will definitely give you jump of fright.

3. Hocus Pocus

A Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus is the story of three witches who, burned at the stake, return on the night of All Hallows Eve. The Sanderson sister’s evil scheme includes them living forever on the souls of the youth. It’s up to Max, Allison, Dani, and Binx to reverse the spell, send the sisters back to grave, and save the town.

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Wit

For as long as I can remember, I have watched Hocus Pocus on Halloween night. The story is a classic with a twist of humor and wit. The sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) steal the show with their on par comedy. The characters are quirky and the script is charming. This one is definitely a Halloween favorite.  

4. Halloweentown

After being locked inside during trick-or-treat again, Marnie and her siblings, Dylan and Sophie get a surprise visit from their grandmother Aggie. Aggie sweeps the kids into a whirlwind of magic when she reveals that she, and the rest of their family, are wizards. Marnie, Dylan, and Sophie follow their grandmother to the magical world of Halloweentown, a place where magic is real and it’s Halloween everyday. But soon the happiness of Halloweentown turns to pandemonium. Marnie, Dylan, Sophie, and their anti-Halloween mother must save Halloweentown from the evil happenings.

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Story

This movie was my first ever Halloween movie, so it holds a special place in my heart. The story is a fun Halloween tale of magic and mayhem. The characters are unique (like, Benny the skeleton cab driver), and the town is the perfect setting for these magical newbies. The plot is compelling and has a great ending. This is a perfect film to watch with the family on Halloween night.    

  

5. Sabrina the Teenage Witch

After turning 16, Sabrina Spellman is sent to live with her two aunts, Hilda and Zelda. Her life is turned upside when she discovers that she is a witch, her aunts are 600 years old, and her cat can talk. Sabrina must learn to adapt to this new extraordinary lifestyle while still living in the “muggle” world (It’s the only way to describe it, right?!). But Sabrina and her magic get themselves into quite a lot of precarious situations.

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Characters

Sabrina is accompanied by her rag-tag group of companions. From Hilda, Zelda, Salem, and Harvey Winkle (I just love that name), Sabrina is surrounded by characters that are fun and original. Sabrina’s family teaches her all that witchcraft can bring, including the bad, wherein Salem will typically manipulate Sabrina into doing the wrong thing causing chaos to ensue. I guess that’s what happens when you live with a convict turned cat. Of course, good, old Harvey Winkle is the love of Sabrina’s life, which also seems to cause her great troubles. These characters make for an awesome original series.