Burton classics shine on Halloween movie nights

It's an overcast night, but a full moon is seen through breaks in the cloud. A light wind is stirring the dead leaves on the pavement, and a dead tree branch scrapes loudly against a darkened windowpane. Flickering candles light the jack-o-lanterns' toothy grin, and dim streetlights cast intimidating shadows against the houses.

Tucked safely inside a warm house, those too timid to venture out into the night with the witches and zombies sit with their popcorn and candy in front of the television, preparing for a night of spooky Halloween movies.

Beetlejuice (1988, directed by Tim Burton) isn't exactly a Halloween-themed movie, but it has all the elements for a good scare. The creepy comedy follows two recently deceased homeowners as they try in vain to rid their home of the new buyers. But their tame personalities lack the scare-power to frighten the family, so they turn to Beeltejuice, a people-exorciser with some unorthodox tactics.

This is a classic Tim Burton film that really showcases his affinity for black humour and dark comedy. A great movie to watch anytime, but made even more spectacular when the undead are walking the streets.

Halloween (1978, directed by John Carpenter) is considered by many horror movie buffs to be the first film in a series of slasher films starring first-name serial killers. While Jason and Freddie may be more widely recognized in today's slasher fan clubs, Michael Myers was indeed the godfather of teenage serial murders.


The first Halloween movie was the big-screen debut for Jamie Lee Curtis, who played the sweet babysitter being tormented by Michael Myers, an escaped mental patient. After much running, screaming and hiding, Michael is killed. Until the sequel that is, where he is resurrected and killed again. Repeat for Halloween III, IV, V and VI.

Hallowen H20 is the final installment of the Halloween story; following Laurie 20 years after her first run-in with Michael, as she tries to save her son and his friends from becoming Michael's next victims.

As with any slasher film, this movie requires a willing suspension of disbelief to truly enjoy it. All the plot holes, physical impossibilities and inconsistencies aside, the Halloween epic is one of the true horror stories of our time. (Note: virtually all need-to-know information can be found in Halloween I, II and H2O. Skip the rest.)

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! (1966) is the ideal movie to pop in the VCR if you're stuck at home handing out candy or babysitting the little ones. Charles M. Shultz's classic cartoon features Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the crew in a kid-friendly tale.

Does the Great Pumpkin exist? Only Linus believes in him, and spends the night in a cold, dark pumpkin patch instead of trick-or-treating with his friends. It's a great story for young witches and warlocks, but the time warp is still entertaining for the older crowd.

If frightening children and making them question all things good is the ultimate goal of Halloween movie night, there is none better than another timeless Tim Burton gem, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Children will be terrified of Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny and all other mythical do-gooders after watching Jack Skellington muscle his way into holiday stardom by kidnapping Santa and trying to recreate the spirit of Christmas in Halloweentown.

Earning a place at the top of the Halloween movie must-see list isn't easy, but the outstanding animation, clever musical numbers and brilliant storyline propel Burton's morbid comedy to the frontline of Halloween entertainment. Another reason this movie is so monumental — not only is it a tribute to the spirit of Halloween, but it also doubles as a superb Christmas movie.

There are, of course, legions of other great thrillers at the video store that would make fine Halloween viewing, but these are the best of the best. Any one of these films will create the supernatural, undead, mystical and magical atmosphere that so perfectly describes Halloween night.