Thrills, chills, and pills

In a year that we have had, how does Halloween stand up to 2020? Trick-or-treating is still on, with precautions, for the kiddies. With no parties, how can we adults get into the spirit so to speak? No fear (pun intended), there is a lot of media to get us in the mood as well. Sadly some of them are duds, which happens. But luckily that is my job to see the eye-rollers so you don’t have to.

Let’s get through those first.

“Ratched” is latest from creator Ryan Murphy for Netflix. Basically, the show is a prequel for the evil nurse from “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” To be honest I was excited to see this show. Other shows have taken film characters and made more of them. “Bates Motel” and “Hannibal” come to mind. (Check those out if you haven’t). Having said that, Murphy’s well-curated confection is ultimately hollow. Great performances from Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor do not make up for hokey storytelling and more than enough references to better horror films. It’s more “Mommie Dearest” than “Cuckoo.”

My suggestion for a better Netflix thriller would be the new version of “Rebecca” coming out October 21. Being a fan of both the novel and the original Hitchcock classic, this story in ripe for different interpretations. The cast looks amazing with Armie Hammer(also in the new “Death on the Nile”, please be coming out this year still) and Lily James of “Downton Abbey” fame. Also Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers, I am in heaven. The cherry on the top of this sundae is acclaimed British filmmaker Ben Wheatley who is known for more modern thrillers. But his impressive visual style feels like a match for the gothic romance at play.

Speaking of gothic, the high concept terror of author Clive Barker has been prime for visual spectacle. Films like “Hellraiser,” “Candyman,” and “Lords of Illusion” have proven that. But also we have been gotten “Midnight Meat Train” and Hulu’s latest “Books of Blood.” This has committed the cardinal sin of all bad horror movies; it is not scary. Don’t get me wrong, there are some rather squeamish and startling moments peppered throughout. But there are no characters to latch onto for us to be fearful for. Britt Robertson is the only one who is giving it her all. The main problem is her segment in this anthology is too short as is all of them. Upon further research, the original concept was as a series in the vein of “The Twilight Zone” and “Tales from the Crypt.” That would have solved so much and be the better for it.

Hulu does have a more fun horror-themed series that is also humorous. What We Do In The Shadows” is filled with a colorful cast who really sell the great writing. Based on the 2014 film of the same name, we follow three vampires as they navigate modern life as a documentary film crew stay with them. Also their live-in human caretaker Guillermo is gut-bustingly hilarious with his reactions. Both seasons one and two are currently featured on the streaming service right now.

As for basic cable TCM has Peter Cushing as their star of the month which means Hammer Studio atmosphere. Every Friday is Fright Night with classic Universal creature features and more. The Freeform channel has their 31 Days of Halloween and the immortal masterpiece “Hocus Pocus.” Also as a chaser to “Rebecca,” seek out “Crimson Peak” on Cinemax. It is a brilliant ghost story in the old school sense with Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam. All and all, Happy Halloween everyone and spooky viewing!

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