_{“Double, double toil and trouble: fire burn and cauldron bubble. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.”}

Boo! Did I scare you? October is upon us HFU students! The nights are colder, the fashion is infinitely better, and there’s a certain ominous chill in the air that seems to sweep away children and adults alike. As Halloween approaches, I feel we could all use a bit of festivity in our everyday lives! This October, I’ve recommended 3 (non-spooky, for us scaredy-cats out there!) movies to stream during this eerie month! 

1. Clue (1985) dir. Jonathan Lynn— “What are you afraid of, a fate worse than death?” “No, just death, isn’t that enough?”

Professor Plum in the kitchen with a pipe! Or was it? This campy, star-studded film is the perfect segue into the Halloween season, as it combines elements of a whodunit mystery and comedy in a seamless manner. Deriving the title and plot from the 1949 board game “ClueDo,” Clue explores topics of murder, identity, and incredibly fashionable mid 1950s clothing.  After being invited to a dinner party by a mysterious figure known as “Mr.Boddy,” a motley group consisting of the butler, Wadsworth (Tim Curry), the widowed Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), scandalous Miss Scarlet (Leslie Ann Warren), studious Professor Plum (Christopher Llyod),questionable Mr. Green (Michael McKean), high-strung Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), and traditional Col. Mustard (Martin Mull) are thrust into the situation of an unknown murderer on the property. What follows the strange murder of “Mr.Boddy” is nothing short of entertaining, as the verbal jousting between characters offers hilarious interactions and memorable quotes. The dialogue itself is quite clever, and Clue remains incredibly thrilling despite the singular location it takes place in. If you’re looking for a wildly pleasurable viewing experience, a refreshing take on a beloved board game, and an answer to the question “Who killed Mr.Boddy?,”Clue is the perfect film for you this Halloween season!

2. Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021) dir. Kirk Thatcher — “Gee, no one says goodbye here. They just ghost you… oh, I get it.”

Hear me out, the Muppets actually have some of the best holiday films of all time. Though Jim Henson has long since passed away, the Muppets franchise continues to be just as entertaining as it was in the 1970s!  Muppets Haunted Mansion is quite simple in its 49-minute plot, but the comedic timing of the cast mixed with the spooky guest star appearances make for a memorable TV special. Beloved celebrities (yes, celebrities) Gonzo the Great and Pepe the Prawn are challenged by a deceased magician’s butler (literally Will Arnett with a mustache) to spend the night in a haunted estate. If Gonzo and Pepe fail to spend the entire Halloween night in the mansion, they will be trapped there forever with the ghosts, ghouls, and Darren Criss in a chillingly fashionable railroad cap. While the ultimatum may seem quite heavy for a non-spooky film recommendation, Muppets Haunted Mansion makes up for it in its outlandish jokes and catchy songs. Did I mention it was a musical? Maybe the film is scary after all…

3. Practical Magic (1998) dir. Griffin Dunne — “Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can”

Of all the films I’m recommending you this October, Practical Magic remains the most fashionable, and aesthetically pleasing. Centering around two witch-y sisters from Massachusetts, Practical Magic is an adoring mix of the romance, comedy and horror genre. The sisters, Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) battle topics of obsessive men, an inquiring Aidan Quinn, and even a pesky rosebush throughout the film. With a gorgeous exploration of female familial relationships, with the added historical backdrop of the Salem witch trials, this film is sure to leave you grabbing a witch hat for your costume this year. I mean, Stevie Nicks, the white witch herself, is on the soundtrack! Another benefit of Practical Magic is that it is so exquisitely 90s, with Nicole Kidman’s small sunglasses and Sandra Bullock’s choker necklaces. So if you’re looking for fall fashion inspiration, the Owens sisters are your gals! Get your lime and your coconut (you’ll understand soon enough), and stream Practical Magic for an adventure through sisterhood, independence and a glorious soundtrack! 

The midnight hour is close at hand HFU, so make sure you’re getting the most out of the Halloween season. Check your candy before you eat it, wear a warm coat during your All Hallows Eve festivities, and tune into these three films for the best Halloween experience you can rent! All treats no tricks, happy watching HFU!

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Susie DiPietro is a fourth year English major, and Creative Writing minor at Holy Family University. She is currently interning as a Co- Executive Editor of Tri-Lite, and her interests include vintage music, film, and fashion.