It wouldn’t be October without studios pumping out horror films for Halloween. And it wouldn’t be Halloween without, well, "Halloween." John Carpenter’s 1978 classic has inspired a longlist of sequels and remakes since its chilling debut, and this month we get a new instalment with "Halloween Kills." Jamie Lee Curtis, who made her film debut — and earned her "scream-queen" nickname — in the original "Halloween," reprises her role as Laurie Strode, who will do seemingly anything to keep her superhuman brother, Michael Myers, at bay. "Halloween Kills" opens at Camana Bay Cinema on 15 October.
This month also gives us a new venture from acclaimed director Ridley Scott with a star-studded period piece, "The Last Duel." Based on Eric Jager’s 2004 novel of the same name, this film sees King Charles VI decide that a dispute between a knight in his court and his squire will be settled by way of a duel. Real-life buddies Matt Damon and Ben Affleck do double duty as writers and actors in the film and are accompanied by Adam Driver, Jodie Comer and Alex Lawther as King Charles VI. "The Last Duel" opens on 15 October.
KIDS CLUB
Film adaptations of classic television shows rarely outshine the original source material, but 1991’s "The Addams Family" is an exception. It gave us the breakout role for Christina Ricci for her near perfect performance of Wednesday Addams, but the film also gave venerable and veteran actors such as Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia and Christopher Lloyd some the best character roles of their careers playing Morticia Addams, Gomez Addams and Uncle Fester, respectively. Cosy on up to Cousin Itt for the Kids Club showing on the morning of 16 October.
On 30 October, the eve of All Hallows’ Eve, catch the spooky Disney standard of "Hocus Pocus." Bette Midler leads a trio of witches, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who have been accidentally resurrected from the dead by a bored teenager who moved to Salem from California.
CLASSICS
You wouldn’t think it, but in a month of spooky horror films, the eeriness of a Coen Brothers’ comedy really ties the month's film line-up together. "The Big Lebowski" remains an endlessly quotable romp as the years go on, justifying the cult-like adoration of its fans. It's interesting, marvellous and thorough. Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) leads a simple life bowling, drinking White Russians and listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival, but when he’s caught in the middle of a case of mistaken identity, he enlists the help of his buddies in his quest for restitution for a ruined rug.
Sit back, take it easy and enjoy the ride for one night only on 12 October. The Dude abides; so should you.
If you're more inclined to a classic horror film, "The Nightmare on Elm Street" shows on 19 October.
This article was originally featured in the October 2021 print edition of Camana Bay Times.