Halloweenland: Book Review

A detective chases an evil girl all the way to a carnival in “Halloweenland”, by Al Sarrantonio.

I feel cheated!  I don’t know why they call it “Halloweenland”, because the story doesn’t say much about the carnival until Part 5.  Even then, it’s used mostly as a setting.  The ending also raises more questions than answers.

Fortunately, the chapters were short, so it wasn’t too bad.  Besides that, there are some good descriptions about Halloween.

However, I cannot recommend this book.

Pumpkinhead: Movie Review

In “Pumpkinhead”, a demon called forth responds to a grieving father’s need for vengeance.

Mom says that we watched this movie when it first came out.  Unfortunately, I don’t remember it.  I actually thought that the film would be stupid, but it really is a stylish, atmospheric chiller.  Furthermore, the fiend reminds me of the creature in “Aliens”.  I like that link between man and beast too.

Nevertheless, I have to ask – Why did the townsfolk call the monster Pumpkinhead?  Is it because it’s orange?  Or is it because the upper half of its face is round?

Other than that, I think this is an excellent picture.

The Manse: Book Review

A residence used as a House of Horrors slowly becomes a living entity in “The Manse” by Lisa W. Cantrell.

This Halloween novel is an easy read.  It also satisfies the horror nut in me.  Unfortunately, sometimes the story borders on being too uncomfortable, even gross, which is why it isn’t on my book list every year.  However, the fireplace scene is just right.

I have to warn you, though – the Manse doesn’t spare little kids.

Sinister – Movie Review

In “Sinister”, an author finds some murder footage after he moves into a home where a gruesome slaying and puzzling kidnapping occurred.  Then he starts to experience strange, terrifying things.  Is he going crazy?  Are the bizarre happenings the work of poltergeists?  Or is there more to these film images than what meets the eye?

The movie started slow, but as soon as I saw that weird face, I was hooked.  Furthermore, it has an original plot and some truly frightening moments.  Like that ending; that was totally unexpected!

A disquieting side note:  When I first saw the lead male actor, I knew that was Ethan Hawke, even though I’m not familiar with his movie roles.  I didn’t even know he was in this picture…

What Lies Beneath – Movie Review

After a couple’s home is invaded by the supernatural, the wife discovers a horrible secret in “What Lies Beneath”.

I decided to watch this film because not only does it deal with a restless spirit, but it is also set in the fall.  So, it’s the perfect picture to include in our Halloween Movie Marathon this year.  When it first came out, it was so scary.  Particularly disturbing is the idea that you never know people, even when you think you know them.

The main actors are terrific.  Michelle Pfeiffer is very convincing as Claire Spencer, a housewife who experiences the strange goings-on.  Harrison Ford also shines as Norman, her husband.  Furthermore, I like that this thriller pays homage to Hitchcock. 

In conclusion, the spooky atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and surprising humor all combine to make this a movie that I love to see again and again.