Here are a few of my favorite Halloween movies that I love!
source: imdb.com
Trick ‘r Treat is a classic! Released in 2007 and featuring an array of actors that many will be able to recognize since they have gained popularity. The movie is made up of a few stories that connect to each other by Halloween, murder, monsters, and children. The tone of the film fluctuates from classic horror elements to cause fear-induced goosebumps and humor for the over-the-top gore, silliness (sometimes), and style of each story. I have a great love for the amazing werewolf (wolves) scene and the origin story behind the bus of kids. I would recommend this movie to anyone that wants to get their full Halloween kicks in one package.
source: imdb.com
Drag Me To Hell is a Raimi brothers movie. The Sam Raimi is responsible for the classic ‘Evil Dead‘ movies that reshaped and influence horror in the 1980’s. ‘Drag Me To Hell’ is a darkly humored horror film about a woman cursed by a gypsy. The acting is superb by the lead actress Alison Loham. There is darkness, mystery, and scares for every scene that are disgusting and halarious. This movie is for those with a bold taste for scary and grotesque humor when it comes to Horror films making it a perfect go-to for Halloween.
source: imdb.com
Jeepers Creepers (the first one) came out in 2001. It can be considered a cheesy-horror film but honestly I think it is amazing. A brother and sister find themselves the prey of a creature that is pretty ‘creepy’. I’ve always seen Jeepers Creepers (the creature) as a mix between the Mothman and Jersey Devil urban legends. This movie has a trademark theme and ending which I believe contributed to the massive amount of sequels that were made after (like Final Destination). A good film for those ready to be really ‘creeped’ out and fear the open night sky.
Thank you for reading my writing and reflections!
I plan on posting another list of my favorite Halloween movies soon!
iZombie is a series based on the DC comic of the same name originally released in 2010. The TV show began in 2015 and is still running. There are currently four seasons out but I will be covering just the first three. The main premise of the show is about an underground existence of zombies in Seattle, Washington. Their existence was the result of a energy drink (similar to toxic sludge) at a 4th of July boat party turned massacre.
The main character is Olivia, a med student who is newly engaged to Major (Major what? No, his name is Major) after being scratched by a zombie on the boat. Olivia’s (also called ‘Liv’, lol pun on Live) life dramatically changes as her skin and hair loses color and her craving for brains (dowsed in hot sauce) becomes more voracious. Liv becomes a medical examiner, coroner, for the police department allowing her access to fresh brains which she consumes in secret. Her partner, Ravi, also works as a coroner and quickly discovers her eating brains. Ravi’s reaction is the first of many markers in the show that makes it unique for the zombie genre. Ravi is intrigued by Liv’s condition and begins researching the cause for her zombification as well as a cure which is the overall goal for the entire series.
The next character that plays a major role in the series is Clive Babineaux, a detective at the police department. This is where it gets interesting. In this story, after a zombie eats a humans brains they have spontaneous visions belonging to that person. So, after Liv eats the fresh brains she finds in the morgue, suddenly she begins to have visions that relate to the victims death. She is compelled to help solve mysteries relating to homicides and soon teams up with Babineaux who is led to believe she is a psychic with incredible accuracy. The duo begins to solve mysteries, some of which are related to the mysterious energy drink that caused this secret zombie outbreak. Along with Ravi’s help, these three find themselves getting closer to the truth.
Other Key Characters:
Peyton, Liv’s best friend who works for the legal system, learns that Liv is a Zombie.
Major, Liv’s ex-fiance that struggles with a changed Liv and later learning of her Zombification.
Blaine, a ‘Spike-like’ character reminiscent of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show, who is refreshing, evil (at times), and highly manipulative. An admirable adversary for Liv.
These characters are interwoven throughout the story and play out their own particular story lines that contribute to the overall story as a whole.
Key aspects that bring something new to the Zombie genre:
Eating brains gives you visions.
There are zombies already among us, living in secret.
There are zombie-led organizations that influence the lives of humans and zombies.
Zombies are presented as individuals, or together as a minority group under attack by humans. For the most part the zombies try to blend into society in fear that their discovery will lead to their death (‘death-death’ for the living dead: beheading etc).
Although some of these aspects may already be in other comics/movies/tv shows, I believe it is the approach that gives iZombie its uniqueness.
Key aspects about the show that stand out:
There are comic-book qualities to the show, for instance, the memorable intro that is presented as comic book panels, chapter breaks that are marked by a still of the last shot which morphs into comic-like art, and the precise structure of each episode that is form fitting to a comic in a series.
iZombie possesses qualities that can mark it as a meta-show, the show’s ability to be self-reflexive. For example when characters discuss zombie movies/shows within itself while hinting at a critique of iZombie (I noticed this more often in Season 3).
A killer soundtrack, often songs are sung and performed by the character Blaine throughout the series. They are mostly classic rock hits among others but the songs add a little more ‘art’ to the show. Often the songs are sung/played at the end of each episode to gain an emotional effect from the audience while also reflecting what just happened.
This show has high ratings and a lot of admirers for its style and subject matter. I among them find this show to be very well put together and genuinely intriguing to watch. I look forward to watching Season 4, especially after the the end of Season 3 which left me aghast.
(Note: Contrary to professional movie/tv show reviews, I did not include the actors/actresses names after introducing the main characters. I have included the link to imdb.com that possesses all this information. This is just me writing informally.)
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my writing!
“Reflection: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling” will include my thoughts on the books, movies, The Cursed Child Playscript, and the controversy surrounding the story of Harry Potter.
Is the story of Harry Potter a bad influence because of the elements of witchcraft and wizardry?
Reading the Harry Potter Series: Diving into a Magical World
For the past eight months, I have been rereading the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. Growing up, I only read the first four books. I was one of the few people in my friend groups who did not finish reading the series. But I did watch every single movie when they came out. I also collected wands, Harry Potter merchandise, and related books (Fantastic Beasts and Quidditch Through the Ages).
I did not plan on my return to the Harry Potter world to align with the commemorative 20 year anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but it conveniently worked out that way.
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Reflection of the Harry Potter Series: A Journey from Childhood to Adulthood (Books 1-7)
I became enthralled with the Harry Potter world after seeing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the theater in 2001. I kept the popcorn bag and movie tickets for years. Immediately after seeing the movie, I immersed myself in the Harry Potter world, collecting movie merch and the books. I remember reading the first two Harry Potter books when I was a kid and being completely sucked in (this was around the same time I became the avid reader I am today).
One of My Favorite Books in the Series: The Prisoner of Azkaban
When I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I was around ten. I remember thinking that I was nervous and scared to keep reading. The first two books were amazing, but it wasn’t until Prisoner of Azkaban that I felt like I was reading a scary story.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban became my favorite book and movie for its dark content. The death of Cedric Diggory brought a new level to reading the books when I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. First, they were getting bigger (literally in physical size and number of pages). Second, the death of Cedric brought gravity to Harry’s story. It felt like Voldemort’s threat reached beyond the world of Harry Potter and bled into the reality of my childhood.
Recalling What Happened in the Books
Rereading the first four books, I was amazed at how much I remembered. I read the third and fourth books multiple times growing up, but because of the increasing size of the books, I felt overwhelmed.
Reading them this time with having years of learning under my belt and a soon to be BA in English, I found myself dissecting the books, in the same way, I would a piece of 20th Century Fiction (natural habit for me now but for some yawn-evoking).
Pinpointing Elements to Analyze in the Harry Potter Book Series
Key aspects that I noticed and took notes on included character development, details on the Harry Potter world, the magic elements, and the classic story plot of good versus evil. These aspects sound simple enough, but when I took the time to pick them apart, suddenly, the genius of J.K. Rowling was obvious.
Reflection on Character Development in the Harry Potter series: The Golden Trio of Misfits, Harry, Ron and Hermione
I felt at certain times, especially as the books became darker and more dangerous, the character development was fascinating. The complexities within each character, the struggles, fights, and relationships reflected the characters’ ages accurately.
Following a small child’s life from birth to the final face-off with Voldemort at the age of seventeen is no small feat. The books contain the growing pains of a young kid but also the anguish of a child fighting for his life and trying to survive all while going to school, making friends, and growing up.
Moving onto the Order of the Phoenix
While reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry and his friends begin to feel differently. Their attitudes, actions, and behavior appear to be maturing while possessing the complications of teenage years.
Harry is continuously being pushed beyond his limits, fighting alone, or fighting with Ron and Hermione (who have their own issues). Barely surviving attacks and life-threatening adventures, the trio uses their talents, wits, and strengths to keep going, but underneath it all, is the theme of friendship and love that keeps them alive.
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Reflection on The World of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter Series
It is the little inventions and unique approach to magic and fantasy that make’s me admire J.K. Rowling as a writer. The simple idea of Quidditch (a wizarding sport that includes balls, hoops, and broomsticks) or the talking, moving, exploding candies to the more significant complex idea of Horcrux’s are all excellent examples of Rowling’s creativity.
For an author to sit down and think out these particular elements of their own fictional world is a feat that should be respected. Making complex fantastical ideas work within a piece of fiction requires skill. There are many places where Rowling’s magical creations could not have worked.
Still, honestly every aspect is so thoroughly thought out and woven together perfectly with the concept and theme that there is almost nothing that I could think of that could have been improved.
Good vs. Evil: Defeating Voldemort and the Other Bad Guys
I think we understate the gravity of the good versus evil storyline in Harry Potter. Rowling could have easily made the story simpler where it was only Harry Potter versus Draco Malfoy, but instead, she gave Harry more sorrow and pain.
The villain wasn’t soft around the edges or toned down, Voldemort killed, tortured and sought out Harry’s death throughout the series. Voldemort is the ultimate villain representing ignorance, hatred, and power-hungry selfishness. The political and social commentary that thrives under this story of Harry Potter is what really intrigues me.
What Real-World Evils Can Voldemort and Other Bad Guys Compare To?
The whole idea of Voldemort wanting wizards to rule over muggles, that ‘purebloods’ are the only real wizards and that ‘mudbloods’ are nothing, bring to mind the horribly similar goals of the Nazi’s in World War Two. The whole concept of House Elfs, Goblin rights and wars, and how wizards regard and treat magical creatures (think of the Centaurs and Giants). These details add social commentary on our reality in the fantastical world of Harry Potter.
Not only is there pure evil represented in Voldemort but also realities in child and adult relationships (not all adults are functional, they are complicated and have their own problems as well).
For instance, the short connection between Harry and Sirius Black (his Godfather), who is continuously reminded of James when he sees Harry and on more than one occasion, treats Harry as if he is James.
Another example is the complicated relationship between Harry and Dumbledore (Headmaster at Hogwarts), in the last three books, Dumbledore’s attention to Harry becomes more questionable, is Dumbledore using Harry to defeat Voldemort? Did Dumbledore really ever care about Harry?
Dumbledore’s intentions are complicated and mysterious most of the time since he is presented as good and whole, a sort of father figure, master protector, and mentor for Harry. But as Dumbledore’s past is revealed, his intentions are questioned by Harry and others.
(All of this is concluded and revealed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows)
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The Other Villains in the ‘Good vs. Evil’ Plot: Lockhart, Umbridge and Pettigrew
Gilderoy Lockhart, an egotistical writer, and briefly a professor of the dark arts at Hogwarts, puts Harry and his friends in danger for fame and glory.
Dolores Umbridge (works for the Ministry of Magic) hides her beliefs and support for Voldemort in public but soon reveals how evil and treacherous she really is when she temporarily becomes Headmistress of Hogwarts.
Peter Pettigrew a.k.a Scabbers, an animagus wizard who hides as a household pet in the Weasley family for years before discovery (finally redeems himself in the Deathly Hollows) his lies and devotion to Voldemort to save his own skin is repulsive.
And of course, Severus Snape is presented to readers and characters almost throughout the entire series as an evil man who torments Harry and is a double-spy (Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort follower). In the end, Snape is revealed to have protected Harry and impeded Voldemort the entire time, an unknown ultimate hero of the story.
The Harry Potter Series: When Magic Becomes Reality in the Movies
Multiple directors did the Harry Potter movies. Because of this, each movie has a particular feel and style that changes over time while a reflection of the Harry Potter series subject matter in each film (in my opinion, this is successful). The movies do leave out a lot of events, info, and details from the books but stay true to the storyline.
I found that at specific points, the movies almost paralleled the book precisely, then diverted off, or changed this and that.
Example: the Battle at Hogwarts, Neville’s role or how Doby is buried and where.
Little details and little things, but overall the movies are done well and even now hold up with the special effects used today (think of the Sorcerer’s Stone troll scene in the girls’ bathroom).
It has only been six years since the last Harry Potter film was released, but it feels like it was forever ago. It is incredible to think that I had this fantastic story growing up alongside me for almost my entire childhood.
Harry Potter is an inspiring story that encourages people to treasure friendship, and encourages one to fight against evil and intolerance.
From Screen to Play: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
I am not a big fan of scripts or screenplays. I find them to be a story without meat, just the bones, and hard to digest.
Admittedly I was fascinated by this story of Harry’s child, Albus, and Draco’s child Scorpius, as they try to fix the past but, in the end, fight against evil alongside their parents. I found the first part (the playscript is divided into two parts) lagging and without the cherished narrative of Rowling. It is simple, using the characters to tell another Harry Potter story, for the next generation.
The second part I found interesting because elements from the first part were finally beginning to tie together with the rest of the story and make sense. Reading the playscript feels more like a cartoon version of events than the life-like one in the books.
Overall, I recommend that any Harry Potter fan read The Cursed Child if they want to quench their thirst for the Harry Potter world.
Of course, there is also Fantastic Beasts, but that is another discussion for another time when it comes to a reflection on the Harry Potter series.
I have heard countless times from people that the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft practices and satanism. I remember when there were articles and news stories about Christians and other religious groups banning and burning Harry Potter books in fear that they promote devil worship.
Even now Harry Potter books are under attack in public libraries and other places because of their content, but regardless of this millions of Harry Potter books have been sold.
The fear of the devil and magic (from a Christian point of view) stems from fear of unknown pagan religions that include their practices and beliefs. Harking back to the time hundreds of years ago when Christianity was only barely beginning to take hold and the persecution of pagans was starting.
The story of Harry Potter should be treasured for what it teaches children and adults. That love, friendship, and family should be valued above all else and that in the face of evil and intolerance, we must come together and fight. Harry Potter promotes acceptance, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
I believe that this message in the story of Harry Potter is vital and one that can help nurture and guide children and adults into becoming caring, empathetic, individuals.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, why do you love the world of Harry Potter? Do you prefer the books over the movies or vice versa? Do you think Harry Potter is a good influence or bad one and why? Leave a comment and start a conversation!
Thank you for reading my reflection. If you enjoyed this read please like, comment, and share! ?
I am a big fan of the Hemlock Grove series that was featured by Netflix from 2013-2015. After starting the first season I was instantly pulled into this strange horror/suspense series and shortly after I decided to read the novel (Hemlock Grove) that the Netflix series was based on by Brian McGreevy.
The novel possesses traits that remind me of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (format and stylistic approach). The narration jumps from character to character and includes text and email dialogue as well. I found McGreevy’s approach to trademark horror elements (monsters, murder and mystery) intriguing. It’s as if Hemlock Grove is an evolved version of a classic Victorian novel only with more gore and the inclusion of technology. Overall the novel is as good if not better than the Netflix series and left me wanting more.
What I love about the Netflix Series:
The characters are played by talented actors that give the characters amazing depth and complexity. As the series progresses these characters evolve and change (few for better, most for the worst) and this progression is wonderfully portrayed by the actors. Their ability to pull the inner struggles and desires from the core of these characters adds to the series as a whole.
Netflix’s approach to the subject matter and their knack for gory details satisfies my need for an ever evolving horror/suspense show that recognizes the chuckle that comes with vampires and werewolves but also adds more and makes it unique to its predecessors. These vampires (Umpirs) and Werewolves are different from the mainstream ones that have been over glorified and given too many (almost unbelievable) moralistic traits but they also contain key elements that horror fans recognize. For example the stereotype of gypsy werewolves and aristocratic origins of old vampires is paired with a werewolf gone ‘berserk’ (lol) a.k.a. Vargulf and an Umpir who uses money and science to better understand her species.
Throughout the series there is no restraints on the use of blood and bodies. The show is rated MA for Mature for a reason. I personally love the over the top use of blood and dead bodies. At certain times in the series (season one) the blood is used precisely to instill fear of the mysterious monster that is terrorizing Hemlock Grove. In season two blood is used in exaggeration (I think to reflect the gravity of the events taking place, as well as Roman’s ever increasing blood lust). The best example of the over to top use of blood is in this scene from season two episode five,
(source: youtube.com user: Nippy93)
Roman’s need for blood is seen in this ‘daydream’ of his as he fantasizes about drinking Miranda’s blood. The music and slow motion reflect his lust filled desire to indulge in his Umpir appetite.
Alongside the use of blood and classic monsters, the story also includes unknown creatures that I have never read about (I also study folklore and mythology). This inclusion of other strange creatures is intriguing and demonstrates the stories ability to evolve and adapt to a modern audience.
The soundtrack is varied and includes many different songs spanning across multiple genres. I am curious to know if the soundtrack was chosen in collaboration with others in the production of the series or if the music is just a particular taste of one individual. I find the soundtrack refreshing and remarkably reflective of the show as a whole.
(Here is a spotify playlist that includes the songs used in the Hemlock Grove series)
With every show and story there comes a fandom. I usually indulge in looking up behind the scene photos or extra information on the actors and actresses of a series that I love but with Hemlock Grove I find myself admiring the characters from a safe distance. I’m not concerned about the questionable relationship between the two main characters, Roman and Peter, but love to dissect their attributes and actions while I read/watch Hemlock Grove.
Many lovers of Hemlock Grove gravitate to Roman Godfrey (played by Bill Skarsgard) because of his looks and of course his role as an Umpir. From what I’ve found there is little obsession over Peter (played by Landon Liboiron) which I think is a shame (or I just haven’t looked hard enough). Personally I’ve always gravitated to werewolves in horror novels and films versus vampires because of the honesty in which the werewolf operates. A werewolf cannot hide in a crowd when transformed, it is a brutal creature that kills versus a vampire that looks like anyone else when it is killing, save it’s fangs and distorted face. But really it all comes down to preference.
Overall, I would recommend Hemlock Grove to anyone that is open minded and loves Horror/Suspense shows. I can see Hemlock Grove as an acquired taste for some people and probably ridiculous to others. I personally love the Netflix Series (even with season three’s conclusion) and the novel by Brian McGreevy. I plan on re-reading the novel this summer and watching the series over again (I can’t count how many times I’ve seen the whole series, over and over again).
Please feel free to leave any responses in a comment below! I’d love to converse with any other fans of the series or expand on this small reflection in the future, given a specific topic.
If you are reading this Thank You for taking time out of your day to read my writing! I hope you return in the future!
I have debated on doing a reflection on Fight Club (1999) for a while now. I know I could analyze and critique hundreds of points in this film but have decided to do a small reflection on Tyler Durden’s Philosophy of Life for today.I found this short snippet labeled with this title (Philosophy of Life) on Youtube and thought it is the perfect slice from the movie to include with this post.
Youtube vid:
I want to address a handful of items that have stood out to me from watching Fight Club and reading the novel (published in 1996) by Chuck Palahniuk multiple of times over the years.
First,
Tyler’s Critique on Consumerism in America. In the youtube vid, Tyler comments on the evolution of man and how in modern society they have become consumers,
“We’re consumers. We are by-products of a lifestyle obsession. Murder, crime, poverty, these things don’t concern me. What concerns me are celebrity magazines, television with 500 channels, some guy’s name on my underwear. Rogaine, Viagra, Olestra.” (rottentomaotoes.com)
Tyler also advocates, letting everything go and not fulfilling society’s standards for men. Ultimately he wants revolution,
” I see in fight club the strongest and smartest men who have ever lived an entire generation pumping gas and waiting tables; or they’re slaves with white collars. Advertisements have them chasing cars and clothes, working jobs they hate so they can buy shit they don’t need. We are the middle children of history, with no purpose or place. We have no great war, or great depression. The great war is a spiritual war. The great depression is our lives. We were raised by television to believe that we’d be millionaires and movie gods and rock stars — but we won’t. And we’re learning that fact. And we’re very, very pissed-off.” (rottentomatoes.com)
The social critique found throughout Fight Club is relevant especially now. We are walking advertisements, branding ourselves through our purchases of clothes, cars, and food. And the products that we buy which are made for pennies, costs us $$$$ just to own. For the middle and lower class, often working two or three jobs is necessary to survive but with the bombardment of messages that tell us ‘How to be Happy’ and How to have a ‘meaningful’ and ‘fulfilled’ life, we are left scrambling to keep up with others, buying products so that we can be perceived as ‘complete’ and ‘happy’.
“You’re not your job, you’re not how much money you have in bank, you’re not the car you drive, you’re not the contents of your wallet, you’re not your fucking khakis, you’re all-signing all-dancing crap of the world.” (rottentomatoes.com)
But what Tyler reveals (and what resounds with audiences even now) is that things don’t make people happy, working shit jobs don’t make people happy, doing what we love to do (what we’ve always wanted to do) makes us happy. This is evident in Tyler’s threat to the convenience store clerk (gun to the back to his head) “What did you want to be?!” (Movie: Fight Club 1999)
Tyler pushes men and the audience to reflect on their lives. We are what society makes us and for most of us we accept this regardless of how miserable it makes us.
Now this is only one aspect of Tyler’s seemingly evolving philosophy which eventually leads to acts of Terrorism that (pre-9/11) are intriguing acts on their own. Tyler wants to dismantle the corrupted society of modern man and free the oppressed.
In these messages, the novel and film have become a legend and cultural icons for the working class and men. Tyler Durden as a character has become a mythical figure that inspires revolution and freedom of thought in the oppressed modern society. He asks us to question our lives, what we value and our roles in society. He asks us to FIGHT BACK.
Tyler has become more than a literary presence but an ideology that has spread across the world inspiring men and women to act, and create their own ‘Fight Clubs’ (real or in other forms). This creation, Fight Club, is a remarkable achievement for Chuck Palahniuk and still inspires readers (and watchers) today.
There is also the discussion that Fight Club (film and novel) is for specifically male audiences. As a woman, I agree only partially with this discussion since almost everything I love is labeled ‘masculine’ by culture that I love. I can see the critique on the male role in society, I see comments on ‘hyper masculinity’ and what it means to ‘be a man’. I can see ties to the struggle of self under the pressure of society (in regards to men) and I can see that the only female role: Marla Singer represents the ‘hitting bottom’ female counterpart to Tyler (give her credit, she ‘hit-bottom’ way before Tyler and lives in it).
As a woman appreciating the film and text of Fight Club, I take away the social critique and acknowledgement of male roles in society, the grittiness (and violence, love that too!) and deep resonance with the aching modern soul that is so perfectly articulated in this legendary story. I would never advocate to change Fight Club for female viewers but I would argue against people that say Fight Club is ONLY for men.
This is only a small reflection, and I labeled it appropriately ‘PART #1’ for a reason. I want to expand more on Fight Club and plan to add more to my discussion sometime this weekend.
