Halloween is not just about candy but the festivities as well. Scary movies and themed treats are some of the reasons for the season. This comprehensive list will help you choose what Halloween movie to watch and what fun treats you should make for it.
The Shining:
The Shining is a classic but haunting take on possession and the spiral into insanity. The movie centers around Jack (played by Jack Nicholson), his wife Wendy (played by Shelly Duvall), and their son Danny (played by Danny Lloyd) as they move into the Overlook Hotel as Jack becomes the winter caregiver. Their son Danny is plagued by physical premonitions labeled the “shining,” and is shown to have the ability to communicate with the dead. As the winter carries on, Jack is thrown into his work, writing a novel he plans on publishing. As it starts to go nowhere Jack is slowly pushed further into insanity, caused by the hotel’s shady path and ominous spirits. Wendy and Danny are forced to fend for their lives and survive Jack’s insane and murderous rampage. This movie is truly chilling, from its eerie line delivery and the authentic acting this movie is sure to get under anyone’s skin.
For this movie’s snacks, I would say some “bloody” popcorn is a fun and innovative treat. Just take some buttered popcorn, marshmallows, an unused paintbrush, and some red food dye. Take the popcorn and put it in a pot, set it on low heat, and begin to mix in the marshmallows. When fully mixed in, take the mixture set it in a high-walled bowl, and set it to the side to cool. Now take the red food dye and dip the paintbrush in it. Now flick the covered brush onto the popcorn, this will give the effect of splattered “blood.” For the drink, I would do Virgin Bloody Mary to recreate the infamous bloody elevator scene.
Frankenweenie:
Frankenweenie is a lighthearted and spooky stop-motion film directed by Tim Burton. It has a simple premise but can sell a fun and spooky experience. The story follows a boy with a knack for science, who loses his dog, and in a spark of genius, he reanimates his dog, turning him into “Frankenweenie.” This movie is not just a fun concept but an entrancing visual as the whole movie is shot in black and white. This is a great family movie night pick as it’s not only fun to watch and see where it goes but will give the little ones a spook to set off the Halloween season.
Frankenweenie is a perfect family movie night film so when thinking about the corresponding snacks what immediately comes to mind is Franken Rice Krispies. To do this you will need marshmallows and two different cereals, preferably one being Rice Krispies. To start, put butter and your marshmallows in a high-walled pot, and let the butter and marshmallows fully melt, turning it into a sticky and sweet mixture. Then put in BOTH of your desired cereals and mix. To achieve the most Frankestien looking rice krispies don’t mix thoroughly, leaving parts that are more integrated than others. When your cereal mixture is done line a Tupperware with wax paper, then transfer the cereal mixture into the Tupperware and let it cool in the fridge until firm. For the drink, a Shirley Temple will do. You will need Sprite, grenadine, and mint green syrup. Take your grenadine and layer it on the bottom of your glass, then fill the cup with Sprite. After take your mint green syrup and pour little by little on the top of the Sprite. When done you’ll get a fun and tasty drink to go along with your movie night.
Halloween Town:
Halloween Town is a lighthearted and campy Halloween coming-of-age movie, following Marnie, a teen girl obsessed with Halloween and all that is spooky. Her mom shields Marnie and her two younger siblings from all that is spooky, especially Halloween night. When Marnies kooky and mysterious grandmother comes into town Marnie and her sibling’s lives are turned upside down as they discover a secret world filled with monsters and ghouls alike. But not everything is pumpkins and daisies, an evil is brewing in Halloween Town and now Marnie and her family must find a way to stop this darkness from spreading through Halloween Town.
For this movie, I recommend a sweet and salty treat, chocolate-covered pretzels. To do this grab your pretzels and chocolate of choice. Start by melting your chocolate in a pot and wait for it to fully liquefy. Now take your pretzels and dip them into the melted chocolate, place the pretzels on a baking sheet, and let cool in the freezer. For the drink a simple apple spice tea with a cinnamon stick. You can find spiced tea at any grocery store as well as cinnamon sticks.
Whatever movie you choose know that movie nights are not just about the snacks, but about the company. Whether it be your family or friends enjoy this time with them and have a great Halloween.
