By Mariann Victoria Fernandez
“Don’t you dare disobey me, Coraline!!!”
Can you feel the approach of the spooky season already? Here are 5 films to watch with your peers, family, a special someone, or alone if you have the guts to do so.
If you don’t know Tim Burton, he is an American filmmaker and artist who is famous for his Gothic or Burtonesque style of film directing. Some of his most famous works are Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Alice in Wonderland (2010). His works have definitely contributed to and made an impact in the film industry. And so, we will feature some of his films to celebrate this Halloween season with the APEC Roxas community!
Each film that is recommended are all PG-13, however, some may contain gore, unpleasant, and disturbing scenes. The Amplify team is kindly asking everyone to please gather enough knowledge about the films before watching.
1. The Corpse Bride 2005 ‧ Fantasy/Family ‧ 1h 14m
Right off the bat, The Corpse Bride directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, and Richard E. Grant.
Victor and Victoria's families have arranged their marriage. Though they like each other, Victor is nervous about the ceremony. While he's in a forest practicing his lines for the wedding, a tree branch becomes a hand that drags him to the land of the dead. It belongs to Emily, who was murdered after eloping with her lover and wants to marry Victor. Victor must get back aboveground before Victoria marries the villainous Barkis Bittern.
2. Hotel Transylvania · 2012 ‧ Comedy/Family ‧ 1h 31m
Hotel Transylvania directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, and Andy Samberg.
“Blah, blah, blah” When monsters want to get away from it all, they go to Count Dracula's (Adam Sandler) Hotel Transylvania, a lavish resort where they can be themselves without humans around to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula invites creatures like the Invisible Man, the Mummy and others to celebrate the 118th birthday of his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez). However, an unforeseen complication unfolds when an ordinary human unwittingly crashes the party and falls in love with Mavis.
3. The Addams Family ‧ 1991 ‧ Comedy/Fantasy ‧ 1h 39m
The Addams Family directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Anjelica Houston, Christina Ricci, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Jimmy Workman.
Wednesday Addams is the real definition of an unbothered queen and we’re here to see it. The Addams Family is about a man who claims to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams, when arrives at the Addams' home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia begins to suspect the man is a fraud, since he cannot recall details of Fester's life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford, Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester.
4. Hocus Pocus · 1993 ‧ Fantasy/Horror ‧ 1h 36m
Hocus Pocus directed by Kenny Ortega, starring Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
5. Coraline ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 1h 55m
Our 5th film is an iconic piece by Henry Selick starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, and Ian McShane.
While exploring her new home, a girl named Coraline discovers a secret door, behind which lies an alternate world that closely mirrors her own but, in many ways, is better. She rejoices in her discovery, until the Other Mother and the rest of her parallel family try to keep her there forever. Coraline must use all her resources and bravery to make it back to her own family and life.
We hope that these films are creepy enough to make you enjoy your Halloween. If you would ask me how I will enjoy mine, watching all Halloween episodes on every Brooklyn 99 season is going to be my best friend for this time of the year. Trick or Treat! Let’s be spookier each day.