Classics: Three More Halloween Films for the Faint of Heart By Lauren Ennis

For many moviegoers the thrills and chills of horror are the highlight of Halloween. For others, the menace and mayhem of real life is frightening enough without cinematic horrors. I have a confession to make, readers, my viewing tastes place me firmly in the latter category. This year, I'll be turning the spotlight on three more movies for viewers like me who want to shriek with delight rather than fear this Halloween.

Topper: Who knew that ghosts were such a good time? In this 1937 supernatural comedy Halloween gets the screwball treatment as a pair of sprightly spirits wreak havoc upon an unsuspecting couple. After a night of hard partying that ends with a car wreck the equal parts rich and reckless George and Marion wake up to find themselves no longer listed among the living. Making matters even worse, the pair find themselves firmly in limbo as over the course of their carefree lives they committed neither enough bad deeds to be banished to Hell or enough good deeds to earn their way into Heaven. In an effort to earn their wings the deceased duo set out to do the best deed that they can think of; helping their friend, Cosmo Topper, to break out of his repressed existence and start living life to the fullest. Supernatural shenanigans ensue when they land Topper into one blunder after another, which ultimately leave his career and marriage seemingly as doomed as George and Marion themselves. As the film progresses, however, hapless Topper falls under the couple's infectious influence and realizes that his ghostly mentors are ironically the ones truly living. In typical screwball fashion, Topper begins seizing each day as though it were his last just in time for George and Marion to earn a one-way ticket to Heaven. Cary Grant and Constance Bennett turn in performances that are nothing short of a comedic masterclass as George and Marion, while Roland Young and Billie Burke make for excellent foils as the uptight Topper and his social climbing wife. Otherworldly and outrageous, Topper proved itself to be one of the most successful and innovative comedies of the Depression era and remains a haunted hallmark of the screwball comedy genre. For a film that is guaranteed to leave you screaming with laughter join in the spirit of the season with Topper.

Not your typical guardian angels

Ghost: Combining mystery, romance, comedy, and the supernatural, this 1990 crowd-pleaser is a ghost story unlike any other. The film follows Sam and Molly, a young couple who seemingly have it all until one fatal night when both of their worlds are shattered. When walking home from a night out the couple are attacked in a mugging that leaves Sam dead. The end of Sam's life proves just the beginning of the film's tale of love lost and found as Sam learns that his death was a contract murder rather than a robbery gone wrong and that Molly is the killer's next target. He then resolves to devote his afterlife to protecting the woman that he loves and bringing his killer to justice. His plan, while admirable, contains a crucial flaw; while he can still observe the living they cannot see or hear him. As a result, he forced to find an intermediary to act for him in the form of Oda-Mae, a shameless scam artist who is unnerved to learn that she actually does possess psychic abilities. Through a series of by turns comedic and suspenseful adventures the unlikely team manages to save the day and Sam and Molly are able to briefly reunite before Sam makes his final journey to the other side. Today, this film is best known for its uncanny ability to make pottery look sexy and the word 'ditto' sound romantic, which is unfortunate considering how much more it has to offer. The murder mystery has been a popular subject for storytelling for centuries, but Ghost puts a fresh spin on the popular whodunnit by leaving it to the victim to act as detective and solve his own murder. This proves to be more than a ghoulish gimmick as the murder victim, a role that is too often relegated to that of plot device, is granted the opportunity to play an active role in the story. The focus upon Sam's ghost also serves to lend emotional weight to the story by acting as a poignant reminder of the devastation that remains in the wake of a violent crime, which most murder mysteries neglect to include. The film's supernatural subject also allows the script to explore grief as well as death by following Sam and Molly as they both struggle to cope with loss and attempt to rebuild their shattered worlds.The inclusion of comic relief via Whoopie Goldberg's Oda-Mae enlivens the proceedings with feisty humor that gives voice to viewers' own skepticism without detracting from the plot's weightier elements. Patrick Swayze's aching portrayal of Sam proves that the actor was more than just another Hollywood heart throb, while Demi Moore infuses Molly with an intelligence and vulnerability that elevates her role beyond what could have easily been a stock love interest. Together, the pair exude chemistry as they portray the sensuality or romance and yearning of grief with equal skill. Rounding out the cast, Whoopie Goldberg is at her comedic best in her Oscar winning turn as Oda-Mae. Through its multi-faceted script and engaging performances Ghost just might make a believer out of you.

Cue unchained melody

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken: This 1966 film proves that horror plus comedy can be a surprising recipe for family fun. The film follows loveable loser Luther Heggs as he strives to break out of his menial typsesetting job at a local paper and become a big time reporter. He finally seems to get his chance when the office janitor encourages him to write an article commemorating the anniversary of an infamous local murder. When the article proves to be a hit the paper decides to capitalize upon its success by having Luther write a follow-up article that will require him to spend one night in the house where the murder occurred and report back on his experiences. In an effort to impress both his boss and his crush, Luther reluctantly agrees to accept the assignment. While his night begins benignly enough, it quickly escalates into the stuff of nightmares, complete with a hidden staircase, a bleeding portrait, and a bloodstained piano that plays itself. His next article chronicling his horrifying experiences launches him into the status of a local celebrity until the house's owner sues him for libel. The ensuing civil trial forces him to return to the notorious house where he learns a shocking truth and ultimately solves a local cold case. This film is certainly not one for true horror fans, but it is just the thing for those looking to get the kids in their lives into the spirit of the season. The film contains a classic horror premise that will give young viewers plenty of chills, but a family friendly conclusion straight out of Scooby-Doo that won't leave them sleeping with the lights on. For adults, the film makes for a wholesome Halloween themed comedy that features Don Knotts in arguably his best performance since The Andy Griffith Show's Barney Fife. The script makes ample use of Knotts' nervous persona while still allowing enough distinction to keep the film from declining into a tired rehash of his more famous television role. For those too chicken for true horror (this reviewer included) there's no better company to spend an October evening with than The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

I do believe in spooks, I do, I do, I do...

Classics: A Review of Coraline By Lauren Ennis

'Be careful what you wish for; it just might come true' is a warning that proves to be truly dire in the 2009 animated film Coraline. This adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel combines dazzling visuals and a haunting narrative to create a dark modern day fable in the tradition of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. This journey into a land beyond your wildest dreams and into the darkest corners of the imagination is guaranteed to leave the whole family thinking that there's no place like home.

Because it just might come true...

The story begins with eleven year old Coraline Jones moving with her parents from Michigan to Oregon. While their new home proves as affordable and secluded as her parents had hoped, she remains homesick. Making matters even more difficult for her, the house's isolation leaves her with little opportunity to make new friends. In an attempt to keep herself entertained she explores the centuries old house and discovers a small locked door. When she finally locates the key, however, she is disappointed to find that the door only leads to a brick wall. Later that night, she opens the door again, but this time is amazed to find that it is the opening to a tunnel that leads back to her bedroom, which is somehow brighter and more colorful than when she left it. She continues through the house and learns that she is actually in an alternate, parallel version of her house, complete with an alternative version of her parents. This incarnation of her parents have no careers or worries to distract them from spending time with her and seem to anticipate her every whim. When she returns home to her real life, she cannot help but notice how it pales in comparison to her 'other life'. Eventually, her 'other parents' present her with the ultimate opportunity to remain in her 'other life' forever, but only at a terrible price. She then challenges her 'other mother' to the ultimate scavenger hunt that just might lead her home.

Through its stunning animation and excellent voice performances the film brings Gaiman's delightfully dark tale to life. The film marked a milestone in animation by utilizing 3D printing technology along with the work of thirty-five designers to create a colorful world the likes of which had never before been seen in animation. This cutting-edge animation combined with an eerie soundtrack combine to transport viewers to a world where anything is possible and nothing is as it seems. The excellent vocal performances in turn bring that world to vibrant life. Terry Hatcher perfectly captures the frustration and maternal affection that Coraline's stressed out mother is torn between and portrays the sickening sweetness of the ominous 'other mother' with equal skill. John Hodgman balances his dual roles as her overworked father and the overcompensating 'other father' with similar aplomb. Robert Bailey Jr. lends an endearing turn as her nerdy neighbor, Wybie. Keith David is purfect is his mysterious turn as the enigmatic cat who navigates both the real world and the 'other world'. Ian McShane, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders led essential comic relief in their bombastic portrayals of Coraline's few, eccentric, neighbors. Even in the midst of these outstanding performances, the film belongs to Dakota Fanning for her scene stealing turn as the fiery, strong willed, angst ridden, and all too relateable Coraline.

I have a feeling we aren't in Kansas, I mean Oregon, anymore

Equal parts innovative fantasy and classic cautionary tale Coraline proves that family entertainment can be so much more than mere child's play. The film's beginning lures viewers in to what initially seems to be a familiar story, only to then lead viewers through a plot with as many twists and turns as the tunnel to Coraline's 'other life'. Even in the midst of its winding narrative, perhaps the greatest twist of all is the film's refusal to talk down to its audience. While many family films carefully dilute their content in order to placate concerned parents Coraline relates its tale in all of its darkly imaginative splendor. While the film never veers into inappropriate or adult content, it does present viewers with a modern fairy tale that is nearly as macabre as the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm. This dark sensibility, while unusual in a children's film is never jarring or out of place as it effectively transports viewers into the The film's more frightening elements also serve to highlight the underlying theme of the dangers of getting what you wish for by juxtaposing the safety of Coraline's mundane life with the threats of the 'other world'. Thus, much like Alice and Dorothy before her, Coraline takes viewers on an unforgettable journey only to remind us that there is no place quite like home.