Classics: A Review of My Brilliant Friend By Lauren Ennis

How much of who we are is determined by where we came from? Can we ever truly escape our pasts, and if so, should we? These are the questions that lie at the heart of HBO’s hit drama My Brilliant Friend. In just eight hours of television the series perfectly captures the tragedy and triumphs of growing up. Through its chronicle of the tumultuous lives of its heroines the series simultaneously serves as an epic exploration of a society in flux. Easily one of 2018’s most memorable series, My Brilliant Friend more than lives up to its title.

It's a hard knock life!

The story begins with successful author Elena Greco receiving a phone call from the distraught son of her childhood friend and neighbor, Lila Cerullo. Lila’s son explains that his mother has disappeared and destroyed every reminder of her old life. Upon receiving this news, Elena becomes furious and sets to work writing a memoir of her friendship with the brilliant Lila. The story then flashes back to Elena and Lila’s childhood in the slums of Naples just after World War II. While the adults around them cope with the aftermath of the war, the girls struggle to maneuver the war-zone like violence of their neighborhood. By fourth grade the girls realize that education is the surest path to escaping the limits of the neighborhood, and both become determined to reach the top of their class. Through their shared passion for knowledge and their mutual desire for a better life the rivals eventually forge an unlikely friendship that will endure through the tumultuous decades to come. The pair soon find themselves at a crossroads, however, as Elena’s parents reluctantly allow her to continue her studies while Lila’s parents force her to quit school at age nine and take her place at the family shoe store. 

The duo then embark upon two very different paths, one of which will lead to Elena’s success, while the other sets events in motion that will ultimately result in Lila’s disappearance.

Based upon the first of Elena Ferrante’s bestselling ‘Neapolitan novels’ quartet, My Brilliant Friend is a gripping portrait of two girls on the cusp of womanhood and a nation on the brink of change. Following closely to its source material, the unflinching script transports viewers to the gritty world that its heroines inhabit without either passing judgment or offering apologies. The script portrays its leads with equal frankness as it chronicles their struggles and triumphs with an emotional honesty that is nothing short of raw. All the while, the girls’ stories intertwine with that of their changing neighborhood with the setting acting as a silent third lead and providing a haunting reminder of the obstacles that the girls face at virtually every turn. The series also earns particular note for its startlingly accurate portrayal of history as it explores the crime, violence, and poverty that defined life in much of post-war Italy without trying to force modern views and norms onto its characters. Functioning as both a compelling coming of age story and an examination of post-war life, My Brilliant Friend is a period piece that is certain to resonate with modern viewers.

Books are a girls' best friend

The series vividly brings Ferrante’s novel to life thanks in large part to the performances of its stellar cast. The supporting cast turn in uniformly superb performances with Dora Romano as the girls’ teacher, Miss Oliveiro, Gennaro De Stefano as Lila’s older brother, Rino, and Elvis Esposito as neighborhood tough Marcello Solara earning particular note. Even in the midst of its expansive and talented cast, however, the series belongs to the four actresses who portray Elena and Lila. Ludovica Nasti is pure dynamite in her charismatic turn as young Lila, whom she portrays as a force of nature. Elisa Del Genio is an excellent foil to Nasti’s Lila in her understated performance as young Elena as she imbues Elena with both intelligence and a subtle maturity. Gaia Girace and Margherita Mazzucco are equally well cast as the teenage versions of Lila and Elena. Girace’s portrayal of Lila makes for a seamless transition as she maintains Lila’s magnetism while capturing the ways in which she has matured. Mazzucco is equally adept in her role as Elena as she portrays Elena’s adolescent awkwardness and insecurity while still conveying her intelligence and diligence.

At once a gritty domestic drama and an insightful period piece, the series aptly explores the role that where we come from plays in shaping who we become. Through its engrossing script and transporting sets the series expertly brings Ferrante’s beloved novel to life, while still offering plenty to viewers unfamiliar with the book. With a riveting plot, a whole cast of colorful characters, and some of the best acting to grace the small screen, My Brilliant Friend proves itself to be nothing less than a brilliant viewing experience.

Classics: A Review of Bohemian Rhapsody By Lauren Ennis

A rhapsody is defined as “a euphoric expression of joy” or “an epic poem”, while the term bohemian has evolved to be slang for unconventional or free-thinking. It is only fitting then that the epic story of the ever original artist Freddie Mercury, whose euphoric anthems remain some of rock’s most enduring songs, share the name of his greatest hit, Bohemian Rhapsody. This 2019 smash hit follows Mercury’s career from when he first joined the band that would later become Queen to the band’s legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. At once a poignant exploration of mercury’s life and a show-stopping tribute to Queen’s musical legacy Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic guaranteed to rock you.

All hail to Queen

The film begins with Mercury (Rami Malek) preparing for his iconic performance at Live Aid before flashing back to his university days when he was still a student and aspiring songwriter. It is during this time that he meets Brian May (Gwilym Lee), John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello), and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) of the campus band Smile. When the band’s lead singer suddenly quits musical history is made as Mercury steps in to take his place as the band’s unlikely front man. The film then follows the group as they evolve into the band now known as Queen and begin their rise to the heights of fame and fortune. As his professional life begins to soar, however, Mercury’s personal life flounders as he struggles to come to terms with his sexual, ethnic, and artistic identities under the scrutiny of the public eye. Queen and Mercury’s ensuing struggles ultimately culminate in the band overcoming illness and in-fighting to reunite to perform at Live Aid.

After years of lying dormant in development stages and numerous false starts Bohemian Rhapsody was finally released in 2018. Fans and critics alike approached the film with skepticism as they all considered one question; would the film do justice to the legacy of Queen and the life of its iconic front man? Audiences world-wide agree that the answer is a resounding yes. In just over two hours, the film brings the intertwined stories of Mercury and Queen to life with an emotion that is nothing short of raw. The film successfully balances its focus between Mercury’s personal and professional life in a way that lends viewers insight into both the man Farrokh Bulsara and the artist Freddie Mercury. As a result, the larger than life Mercury emerges in the film as a sympathetic, complex, and entirely relatable character rather than the caricature that fans had feared. The film portrays Queen’s other members with similar nuance, ensuring that the film is every bit the story of Queen as well as that of Freddie Mercury. Even as it sheds light upon the band members’ off-stage lives the film never forgets the signature songs that lie at the heart of its story. Over the course of its running time the film recreates many of Queen’s most iconic performances ranging from their first appearance on the BBC to their set at Live Aid in a way that reminds viewers just what it was that was so killer about Queen’s music. Through its combination of back-stage drama and on-stage theatrics, Bohemian Rhapsody is more than just a film it is, to quote Mercury, “it’s an experience. Love, tragedy, joy, it’s something that people will feel belongs to them”; in short, it’s a film worthy of Queen.

Don't stop me now...

The life and legacies of Freddie Mercury and Queen come to electrifying life thanks to the work of the film’s cast. Lucy Boynton is lovely in her heartrending portrayal of the woman Mercury referred to as the love of his life, Mary Austin. Aaron McCusker turns in a memorable and endearing performance as Mercury’s down to earth partner, Jim Hutton. Joseph Mazzello imbues his performance as Queen’s bassist, John Deacon, with sly sarcasm. Ben Hardy is riotous in his energetic performance as the band’s drummer, Roger Taylor. Gwilym Lee conveys intelligence and charm in his turn as Queen’s guitarist Brian May. Rami Malek is nothing short of brilliant in his multifaceted portrayal of Mercury, whom he embodies to such an extent that even Brian May has been quoted as saying, “he inhabited Freddie to the point where we (the band) even started to think of him as Freddie”. Together, the cast bring Queen’s story to life with a passion and skill that is nothing short of rhapsodic.

You're right, I am a legend

Soulful, operatic, and inspiring are just a few of the words that apply equally to Queen’s music and the film Bohemian Rhapsody. After years of production difficulties the story of Queen and Freddie Mercury has finally arrived, and proved that it was more than worth the long anticipated wait. Through its well written script, spot-on acting, and electrifying musical performances the film has rocked audiences worldwide. For a biopic that is truly a champion of the genre, join Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Classics: A Rankin Bass Christmas By Lauren Ennis

With the release of the enduring classic special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in 1964 animation studio Rankin Bass Productions became synonymous with holiday entertainment. Even decades later, the studio’s stop-motion television specials remain some beloved holiday viewing as they continue to be passed from one generation to the next. In the spirit of the season, this week I’ll be turning the spotlight on three Rankin Bass films that will have you wishing that the holiday season could last all year long.

You better watch out, you better not cry...

Santa Claus is Coming to Town: No Christmas viewing list would be complete without a visit from the man of the hour himself; Santa Claus. This 1970 film functions as a delightful origins story for Santa as it relays how an abandoned infant defied the odds by growing up to become a living legend. The story begins with an elf family, the Kringles, finding a baby on their doorstep. The Kringles, a family of once successful toy-makers, take the child in and give him the name Kris Kringle. When he grows up, Kris takes his place in the family business and becomes determined to restore his family to their former place as the ‘first toymakers to the king’. Along the way he uses his stock of toys to spread joy and hope to those he encounters until he finds himself in Somber Town, where the citizens’ lives are dominated by work and chores and toys have been banned. When he dares to question the town’s despotic mayor, the Burgermeister Meisterburger, Kris soon finds himself on the wrong side of the law and embarks upon an adventure that will transform him from entrepreneur to outlaw to saint. The film expertly utilizes the then innovative technique of stop-motion animation to bring Kris and his whimsical world to life. The engaging voice performances (including performances by screen legends Mickey Rooney and Fred Astaire) and toe tapping tunes ensure that audiences of all ages will find something to love. This Christmas join Kris and the Kringles in Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose..

Jack Frost: While this film may be less well known than some of its counterparts, Jack Frost is still a prime example of Rankin Bass at its finest. Rather than maintaining a narrow focus upon one holiday or religious tradition, the film celebrates the entire winter season. As a result, the film makes for ideal seasonal viewing for diverse audiences which remains timely for more than just one brief month. The story follows winter sprite Jack Frost, who longs to become human. Jack’s life is further complicated when he finds himself falling for a mortal woman and becomes torn between his dream of a mortal life and his duty as a winter sprite. After Jack pleads his case Father Winter reluctantly relents and allows him to become human on the condition that he will return to his true form unless he can secure a house, a horse, gold, and a wife by spring. The tale then evolves into a fish out of water story reminiscent of The Little Mermaid as Jack struggles to adjust to mortal life while also trying to earn the affection of the woman he loves. The film utilizes the studio’s signature animation to full effect as it transforms the screen into a glittering winter wonderland. The voice actors all turn in amiable and engaging performances and also aptly perform the film’s heartwarming songs. The film’s child-friendly story and songs are sure to engage young viewers while the story’s morally conflicted hero and bittersweet ending lend the film a maturity and emotional weight that are all too rare in family entertainment. For some fun in the snow spend your holiday with Jack Frost.

Never send a man to do a woman's job

The Year Without a Santa Claus: Although Santa’s name may be in the title, it’s his gutsy wife and loyal staff who take center stage in this musical adventure. Easily one of the Rankin Bass’ most unconventional efforts, the film also holds the distinction of standing out as one of the studio’s most beloved releases. Rather than focusing upon Santa himself the story instead turns the spotlight on those around him who help make the magic of Christmas happen from behind the scenes. The story begins with Santa entering a state of depression after learning that many people have ceased to believe in him. Dejected, Santa then takes to his bed determined to cancel Christmas. Fortunately for viewers, however, Mrs. Claus refuses to give in without a fight and hatches a scheme to get Santa out of bed and back into his sleigh by Christmas. The film showcases an array of offbeat characters who break the typical norms of holiday films including well-meaning but bumbling elves Jingle and Jangle, homesick reindeer vixen, the sharp-witted Mother Nature, and the outrageous Miser Brothers (whose endlessly engaging shenanigans have more than earned them their cult following). The film also features a series of toe tapping tunes with the Misers’ Vegas-style numbers and the whimsical title tune particularly standing out. The story is especially noteworthy for its more complex portrayal of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who step outside their usual cheery roles as Santa is confronted with an existential crises which in turn prompts Mrs. Claus to reevaluate her place in the family business. This holiday season don’t go without The Year Without a Santa Claus.

Classics: A Review of the Haunting of Hill House By Lauren Ennis

“There’s no place like home”, is a phrase most often spoken with warmth and nostalgia. For the residents of Hill House, where all who walk there walk alone, however, this nostalgic adage takes on a chilling meaning. In 2018’s hit horror series The Haunting of Hill House an unsuspecting family learns just how unlike any other place their new home is as they are confronted with terrors that will haunt them for years to come. At once an innovative, modern, take on the classic haunted house story and a raw exploration of the inner demons that haunt us all The Haunting of Hill House makes for a viewing experience that is simply to die for.  

The modern dream home

The story cleverly plays with the concepts of time and memory as it shifts between the summer of 1992 and the present day. The flashbacks chronicle the sinister events of the fateful summer that the Crain family spent at the mysterious Hill House while the present day scenes relate the ways in which those events continue to impact the family years later. The family, made up of handyman Hugh (Henry Thomas and Timothy Hutton), his architect wife, Olivia (Carla Gugino), and their five children first arrive at the house with the intention of ‘flipping’ the gilded-age manor and then selling it for a profit. What the family did not plan on, however, was that their new home would have plans of its own. As the series progresses, the family are confronted with ghosts of both the supernatural and metaphorical variety as they struggle to escape the ‘not sane’ Hill House with their sanity and lives intact.

Although haunted house stories seem to invade our televisions each Halloween The Haunting of Hill House earned its status as an instant horror classic by telling a story in which its characters are even more haunted than the titular house. Rather than focusing upon the expected array of scares, the series maintains a tight focus upon the Crain family as it explores the fascinating question of what exactly happens after a horror movie ends and the survivors finally leave a haunted house. As the series progresses, and viewers witness the ways in which the Crains struggle to rebuild their shattered lives, the story evolves into a meditation on trauma. The script’s focus upon family provides additional emotional resonance as the characters reveal the ways in which family can be both our salvation and our own personal curse. Through its focus upon such familiar themes as family and trauma the series transcends the limits of the horror genre and becomes a universal tale of the places, people, and experiences that haunt us and the need to exorcize our own demons. Even as it explores the darkest corners of the human psyche, the series offers plenty of traditional scares including decaying former residents, soul-switching possession, and a certain bent-necked lady that are guaranteed to leave you sleeping with the lights on. For a frighteningly good viewing experience that will have your pulse and mind racing join the Crain family as they experience The Haunting of Hill House.

Wakey Wakey...

The ominous halls of Hill House come to eerie life thanks to the excellent work of the cast. Henry Thomas and Timothy Hutton aptly portray how the traumatic events at Hill House transformed Hugh from a cheery and ambitious family man to the tormented shadow of himself that he has been reduced to in the present. Carla Gugino skillfully conveys the dual nature of Oliva’s personality as she portrays Olivia’s warm and vivacious persona, while still ensuring that she remains an ethereal enigma to viewers. Paxton Singleton and Michiel Huisman create a fascinating contrast in their dual roles as the carefree and fun-loving pre-haunting Steve and the isolated, materialistic, man he has become. Lulu Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser are well cast as responsible older sister Shirley in seamless performances that perfectly complement each other. McKenna Grace and Kate Siegel nearly steal each scene that they appear in as caustic clairvoyant Theodora. Julian Hilliard and Oliver Jackson-Cohen are endlessly endearing as well-meaning but misunderstood Luke. Violet McGraw and Victoria Pedretti are heartbreaking in their portrayals of sensitive Nell, who always seems to be lost amidst her preoccupied family.

We are family, get up everybody and scream!

Through its careful balance between supernatural and real-life horrors The Haunting of Hill House breathes fresh life into the horror genre. The twisting narrative and multi-faceted characters ensure that viewers will remain on the edge of their seats even when there isn’t a jump scare prompting them to leap off. The excellent performances, engrossing cinematography, and stunning visuals ensure that the ten-hour series is a non-stop thrill ride. Part modern family drama and part old-fashioned horror story, The Haunting of Hill House is a wholly original viewing experience and a must-see for horror fans. For a series that is certain to leave you paralyzed with fear pay a visit to Hill House.

Classics: A Review of The Royal Tenenbaums By Lauren Ennis

The holidays are a time for food, fun, and the warm glow of family dysfunction. In keeping with the spirit of the season I’ll be turning this week’s spotlight on a film that features a clan who personify all that we love to hate and hate to admit that we love about family; The Royal Tenenbaums. Through its deft combination of sarcastic wit and heartfelt sentiment the film aptly portrays all the ways in which families can drive each other up the proverbial wall while capturing the love that continues to bring them to the holiday table. Eccentric, outrageous, and royally funny, The Royal Tenenbaums are one family who put the fun in family dysfunction.

I always wanted to be a Tenenbaum...

The story begins with an introduction to Royal (Gene Hackman) and Etheline (Angelica Houston) Tenenbaum and their precocious prodigy children Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Ritchie (Luke Wilson). The family lead charmed lives as Chas becomes a business whiz, Ritchie sets off on the path to tennis stardom, and Margot becomes an award-winning playwright; all before reaching puberty. The children’s idyllic existence comes to a screeching halt, however, when their parents separate and Royal essentially disappears from their lives. Decades later, the siblings are caricatures of their former selves as Ritchie flounders in an existential crises, Chas becomes a neurotic overbearing parent, and Margot spends her days wallowing in the bathtub for hours to escape her loveless marriage. In the midst of this tumult recently evicted Royal returns to the family home claiming that he has six weeks left to live. Antics ensue as the family embarks upon a series of misadventures that ultimately teach them lessons in life, love, and what it means to be a Tenenbaum.

While family dysfunction has become common comedy fare in modern cinema, The Royal Tenenbaums sets itself apart through its original approach. The script touches upon a variety of sobering topics ranging from marital strife, to depression, to drug abuse and unfulfilled dreams, yet somehow manages to keep its tone deceptively light. Rather than focusing upon the trials that the characters are faced with, the film instead emphasizes the absurd yet relateable ways in which the characters cope with their struggles By including these real life topics without dwelling upon them, the script acknowledges the reality of life’s many difficulties and serves to remind viewers that they are not alone in facing these hardships.. The film also succeeds by maintaining a genuine emotional core even in the midst of its most outlandish hijinks.  Regardless of the many ways in which they annoy, alienate, and manipulate one another, the Tenenbaums continue to maintain an understanding of and allegiance to one another with the complexity of a real-life family. It is this sincerity that keeps the film grounded and helps viewers to invest in the characters, who despite their eccentricities are not so very different from us after all. As a result, the film relates a refreshing tale that is at once wildly unique and entirely universal.

The stuff of Kodak moments

The cast bring the wonderfully warped Tenenbaums to life through uniformly excellent performances. Ben Stiller is endlessly engaging in his frenetic turn as tightly-wound Chas. Luke Wilson makes for one of cinema’s most loveable losers as aimless yet admirable Ritchie. Gwyneth Paltrow is delightfully deadpan as the enigmatic Margot. Angelica Houston conveys warmth and wit in her performance as Etheline. Danny Glover’s turns in a nuanced performance as Etheline’s boyfriend/accountant Henry Sherman and makes his character an ideal foil to the eccentric Tenenbaums.   Owen Wilson is uproarious as the family’s tagalong neighbor turned affected bestselling author Eli Cash. Even in the midst of these masterful comic performances, Gene Hackman dominates the film as the gleefully amoral Royal.

Quirky, offbeat, and utterly original, are words that serve as apt descriptions for both The Royal Tenenbaums and its titular family. At once an uproarious portrait of familial chaos and a heartfelt tribute to the bonds which hold that chaos together, The Royal Tenenbaums is a family film befitting the modern family. Through its witty script expert performances the film brings the whimsical world of the Tenenbaums to life in all of its hilarity. For a hysterical start to your holiday season, pay a visit to The Royal Tenenbaums.

Classics: A Review of The Road to Calvary By Lauren Ennis

November 11, 2018 marks the 100^th anniversary of the World War I armistice. Over the course of four years millions of lives were lost, empires were toppled, and a generation was left to pick up the pieces of a shattered world. The 2017 miniseries The Road to Calvary expertly captures both the personal and political toll of World War I through its portrayal of the changing fortunes of two sisters during the last days of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. At once a moving tale of love, loss, family, and fate and an unflinching historical chronicle, The Road to Calvary is essential viewing as we mark the centennial of the end of World War I.

It's written by a Tolstoy...it's gotta be good

The story begins as idealistic Daria Bulavina (Anna Chipovskaya) arrives to study law in St. Petersburg. While in the city, Daria is reunited with her sophisticated older sister, Ekaterina (Yuliya Snigir), who exposes her to the city’s flourishing artistic and philosophical culture. As time wears on, however, Daria sees the rising unrest running rampant through both the halls of her university and the streets of St. Petersburg. When World War I breaks out the sisters begin down the divergent paths that will ultimately place them on opposite sides of the barricades during Russia’s ensuing revolution and civil war.

Adapted from Sisters, the first novel in Alexei Tolstoy’s The Road to Calvary trilogy, the miniseries grittily portrays the devastating impact of World War I and its aftermath. While World War I and the Russian Revolution have been portrayed numerous times on-screen, The Road to Calvary stands apart from its predecessors through its balance between the political and the personal. Through its depiction of the triumphs and tragedies experienced by the Bulavina sisters the series relates a compelling universal tale that will resonate even with viewers unfamiliar with its historical context. Even as it aptly portrays the sisters’ tumultuous lives, however, the series never loses sight of the historical events fueling its fictional plot. The series is particularly commendable for its refusal to sanitize or simplify history as it objectively depicts the events of its era, while humanizing all sides and glamorizing none. As a result, the series strikes the ideal balance between entertainment and education as it relates its epic tale of ordinary individuals caught in the sweep of extraordinary events.

The war to end all wars

The talented cast bring both Tolstoy’s characters and the world that they inhabited to vibrant life. The massive cast turns in uniformly superb performances as each actor portrays their role with nuance, depth, and raw emotion. Standout supporting performances include Sergey Koltakov as the sisters’ opportunistic father, and Alexey Kolgan as Ekaterina’s well-meaning but hapless first husband. Svetlana Khodchenkova portrays the downward spiral of Daria’s rival, Liza, with a ferocity and nuance that ensure she steals nearly every scene in which she appears. Andrey Merzilkin takes viewers on an equally fascinating journey in his turn as privileged aristocrat, turned wounded war veteran, turned ruthless criminal Arkady. Anton Shagin personifies the trauma of war as tortured poet Alexey Bessonov. Pavel Trubiner skillfully portrays the internal conflicts of Ekaterina’s second husband, Vadim, as he struggles to find his place in a country that has moved on without him. Leonid Bichevin is equally nuanced in his role as Daria’s husband, idealistic engineer turned world-weary Red Army captain Ivan. Even in the midst of these expert performances, however, the series belongs to Anna Chipovskaya and Yuliya Snigir as the Bulavina sisters. Snigir is captivating in her performance as Ekaterina as she gradually evolves from spoiled socialite to resilient survivor. Chipovskaya is a revelation in her portrayal of Daria’s coming of age as she grows from a naïve girl to an independent and determined woman.

Sisters before misters

War epic, family saga, and romance are just a few of the words that aptly describe The Road to Calvary. Through its intelligent script, excellent performances, and eye-catching scenery and costumes the series transports viewers to the distant worlds of both Czarist Russia and the early Soviet Union. Through its blunt portrayal of the impact of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Russian Civil War upon the lives of its characters, the series evokes the devastating ways in which these events impacted people on all sides from all walks of life. For apt insight into World War I and its aftermath and a fitting tribute to the ordinary people who endured these extraordinary events, hitch a ride on The Road to Calvary.

For more about Soviet Russia be sure to check out my debut novel A Boy's Best Comrade available now on Amazon.com and available on Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo on October 13.

Classics: 3 Halloween Features for the Faint of Heart By Lauren Ennis

The thrills and chills have begun and things are going bump in the night. That bewitching hour is upon us once again. Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate all things spine-tingling, but for some of us the horrors of Halloween are all fright and no fun. This week I’ll be turning the spotlight on three screen favorites that will help even the most faint of heart to get into the spirit of the season.

And you thought you had a weird family...

The Addams Family: They may be creepy, cooky, and altogether ooky, but the only screams you’ll hear with this family are screams of laughter. Adapted from an offbeat comic strip both the 1960’s television series and the 1990’s film franchise chronicle the comic exploits of the monstrously misunderstood Addams’. While the film franchise features the deadpan wit and darker sensibility of the original comic and the television series focuses upon family friendly humor, all adaptations capture the daily absurdity of life for the fiendishly fish out of water family. Through their gothic tendencies and passion for all things macabre the wonderfully warped clan make for a delightfully distorted satire of the modern American family. Even in the midst of family fun, however, the Addams’ deliver plenty of gothic goodies and wicked whimsy to go around. For a frighteningly good time for the whole family spend some time with The Addams Family.

That slight come hither stare, it's witchcraft...

Bell, Book, and Candle: The common complaint that ‘I married to/am dating a real witch’ is taken to a whole new level in this hit romantic comedy. Like its television counterpart Bewitched, Bell, Book, and Candle follows the mismatched romance between a modern-day witch and a hapless mortal. The film begins with sultry witch Gillian lamenting her boredom and desire for a new romance. When Gillian crosses paths with a school days rival out with her fiancé, Shepherd Henderson, Gillian sees her opportunity to enjoy some wicked fun. She then casts a spell to seduce Shepherd out of spite more than genuine attraction. Complications ensue, however, when she breaks the code of witchcraft and begins falling for her spellbound target. Combining Halloween hijinks with all the classic elements of romantic comedy the film is a delightful alternative for couples looking to get into the spirt of the season without the shrieks. The film reunites Vertigo costars James Stewart and Kim Novak, who manage to convey even more chemistry in this second outing. Together the pair create cinema magic with Stewart’s folksy everyman acting as an ideal foil to Novak’s supernatural sophisticate. With scene-stealing supporting performances from Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester the film is guaranteed to have you screaming with laughter. For a bewitching viewing experience spend a spell with Stewart and Novak in Bell, Book, and Candle.

Now that's how you put on the Ritz!

Young Frankenstein: Madcap adventure plus mad science proves the formula for comedy gold in this Mel Brooks classic. The film follows strait-laced scientist Victor Frankenstein (that’s pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’) as he reluctantly takes up the family business. The story maintains the framework of the familiar Frankenstein tale with Victor traveling to the ancestral estate and following down his grandfather’s famous path of madness, mayhem, and monsters, but with the crucial addition of Brooks’ signature humor. As a result, the film aptly pays homage to the monster movies of the 1930’s while spoofing the classic horror genre. Led by Brooks’ regular Gene Wilder the film features an expert comedic cast that includes Terri Garr, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, Madeleine Kahn, and Gene Hackman. Easily one of Brooks’ most outstanding efforts, the film has attained iconic status and continues to be referenced across popular culture. Combining classic horror and contemporary comedy this monster mash is a Halloween must.