As Halloween comes closer and closer and OnBrand’s Spooky Calendar becomes shorter and shorter, I feel it is only appropriate to expand on both this week. For my last and final blog with OnBrand I will be providing my perspective on what makes films great, a passion I plan on pursuing, and perhaps a love of art you can relate too. The films selected are indeed posted on the OnBrand Spooky Calendar so make sure to follow along watching the rest of the month! They say all good things must come to an end, so allow me to leave you as I came, with my thoughts (just my thoughts).

#1 The Nightmare Before Christmas 

I had to start with a classic right? Who doesn’t love this movie (Rayna)? (I’m joking, anyways) From director Tim Burton and collaborative studio Disney a film was born, to stand the test of time in the most untraditional way. Nightmare Before Christmas is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. From the concept, to the execution, back to the musical score, and development in claymation, this movie has it all. My favorite thing about this film is the mere enjoyment of playing it twice, once on Halloween and once on Christmas, just as its meant to be played (at least in my head). This movie is for children, this movie is for adults, this movie is for all people who have ever felt either connected to the holidays or just longing for something different in life. You’ll connect with the character’s motivations, you’ll sing, laugh and maybe even catch the occasional subliminal message, really, try it! If you haven’t, checkout out this film, get out from under the rock you found during quarantine, and indulge yourself in the universe, enjoy! 

#2 Insidious 

Okay, this one terrified me the first viewing (and every viewing after that). Back in 2011 I thought I’d seen it all, until April came around. When I saw Insidious for the first time it showed me that a film (no matter the genre) doesn’t have to follow any prior guidelines. You can orchestrate what’s in your mind for the world to experience no matter what’s before or after you. This time around James Wan director in chief created a universe and made all audiences understand the vision to truly be impacted by its content. A film about a haunted family (cliché) yet with a very interesting twist and integrated plot. This movie went on to set the foundation for the insidious franchise. This film was a new perspective on a timeless concept and (in my personal opinion) holds up so well, many have tried recapturing what Wan accomplished all those years ago (Very M. Night Shyamalan of you Wan!).

#3 Happy Death Day 

Originality? I think so. Happy Death Day stars Jessica Rothe and is directed by Christopher Landon, this film is like if you took Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and made it scary, we have Happy Death Day. (By the way if you wanted to watch an action version of Groundhog Day check out Edge of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise.) Happy Death Day is as simple as they come, a man with a knife hunting a blonde girl but don’t skip ahead this one’s different. A film that requires imagination yes, but a situation all can envision themselves in and thus relate to. The acting, editing, dialogue and real-life scene-work brings a certain charisma that leaves you fulfilled and empowered by the end credits. If you like this film and don’t mind branching out a bit more be sure to check out Happy Death Day 2! (Not as scary but twice as interesting!)

#4 Cabin In The Woods 

You know the director of The Avengers 2012, Joss Whedon? Well he helped write this story. Alongside director and screenwriter Drew Goddard The Cabin in the Woods is exactly what you think it is (which means it’s not). A group of friends staying the weekend in a cabin (guess where) in the woods, but something feels off from the opening titles. I love this motion picture because again a person had an idea and was presented the right tools to share what they felt and now we get to all bask in the glory. A fun, witty, unexpected horror tale that will leave you shocked and guessing until the last second before a fade to black. Good writing, very detailed oriented and more humor than expected. 

#5 Coraline 

There’s a war with this one. Those of whom who prefer Nightmare Before Christmas above Coraline as the better claymation film and vice versa. It’s like asking what Spider-Man you prefer, Tobey Maguire or Tom Holland? I believe for me, one to be nostalgic and the other to be accurate, that being said I vote for Coraline as the claymation masterpiece. What’s awesome is that we live in a world of Star Trek and Star Wars you can have both so enough bickering and bantering let me tell you why I love Coraline. Honestly what’s not to like about the story of a hero who just wants to be accepted and embraced (don’t we all?). Coraline received mixed reviews because parents back in 2009 were expecting a children’s movie and when they took their kids, they were presented with something a bit different. Coraline is a story of change, false idols, independency and danger. A film like this deserves to be presented in the right context so the viewer (you) can receive the appropriate payload. If you’ve seen this film and weren’t a big fan at some point give it another shot, you may be surprised how its morals change with you through time. 

#6 Get Out 

Get out, need I say more? Jordan Peele’s (Key and Peele) pictorial debut showcases the fact that every comedian has a dark side. This film embraces moments of shock while simultaneously intriguing the audience each passing second. A horror film that succeeds in the reality of the everyday world, by simply being the best honest story it can be. A noir style depiction of a classic, “meet the in-laws” story of course with a spin. A film to be studied and applauded for years to come, please do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven’t already. 

#7 Shutter Island 

We all love Leonardo DiCaprio right, we can all agree? How about his long-term friend and my favorite director the incredible Martin Scorsese? Well what if I told you they crafted a mystery movie surrounding an insane asylum set in the 1950’s, would you watch it? Maybe, maybe not but here’s why I did. Shutter Island brings forth “grade A” acting from anyone in front of the camera while displaying an intriguing tone throughout the entire film. A steady well-informed movie that I would set time aside to watch and understand (maybe even watch twice) to fully grasp the story as intended. Shutter Island is a master storyteller at work with friends awarded with Oscars and Golden Globes, a perfect psychological thriller you NEED to watch at least once in your life. (What’d you think of the ending crazy right?)

#8 Beetlejuice 

Yes, ladies and gentlemen Burton gets two, it’s Halloween season what’d you expect? For good reason however, Beetlejuice is a classic among classics. Staring an all-star cast of Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder this film is as crazy and corky as it gets. The plot consisting around a married couple haunting their home when a new family invades and so they turn to a bio exorcist, the rest is history! This film is the quintessential Tim Burton experience so if you’re not a fan this may not be the film to turn the tide, however if you could find enjoyment in this his other works aren’t too far behind! 

#9 Scary Godmother

Didn’t see this one coming, did you? Well as the time comes to an end, I wanted to include a personal favorite of pure nostalgia and honestly a great Halloween series. Scary Godmother was actually a book series written by Jill Thompson that was produced into two movies. Scary Godmother was one of those tv specials that would play the week of Halloween and man would it set the mood. A Cinderella rendition for a new generation, Scary Godmother is all the fun craziness a child experiences while trick or treating. If you want a blast from the past or to experience mine be sure to check this one out, and the sequel! 

#10 It 

THIS IS IT, THIS IS THE END, (like what I did there)? Let me, let you in on a little secret, this is my favorite scary movie. It, and I do mean the more recent 2017 version (shoutout Tim Currey), is what I consider a perfect film. A film I personally wouldn’t change a thing about, the story, the characters, the life brought into this universe of all to enjoy is truly a marvel and what better writer to do it than Stephen King. This film is composed of thrills, sequences of scare, humor and realism between kids and a monster. A franchise I hope lives on for the “killer clown” aspects has frightened me since I was boy, this movie made me conquer that fear. A full circle moment I assure you, so if for nothing else you have to check out this one, I guarantee there will at least be one memorable line you’ll be repeating for weeks to come. 

That’s all folks, that is my list of 10 Halloween Films I leave you with and why, on this day. I hope you all have the very best Halloween 2020 can provide you and  stay safe and vigilant in these dark times. Don’t forget to vote and do your part to be a better human being today. Thank you for taking a second to read what I wrote as it really does mean the world to me. I hope you continue with Rayna and Birdi through OnBrand as they have some amazing stuff in the works that all can be a part of. I salute you readers and thank you for your time, remember to enjoy it. As always and forevermore thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. 

Godspeed, 

Brandon