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OTHER MUSIC AND PROJECTS
CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS
FILM:
ALMOST FORGOTTEN, Independent Short Film - Unita and Joseph composed and recorded the Original Film Soundtrack for an independent film, Almost Forgotten, Produced by Valkyrie Theater of Dance & Drama, written by Janette Lane Bradbury, and Directed by Hugo Pallete. This short film is a naturalistic, modern fairy tale of unconditional love that transports the viewer into a romantic world of sight and sound, and contains breathtaking dance sequences. The film was accepted in several Film Festivals and spawned a CD Original Film Soundtrack. The Soundtrack CD is not available in retail stores or from distributors, but can be ordered by contacting HeartSong Music directly. A copy of the film can be ordered by contacting Lane Bradbury at Valkyrie Theater of Dance & Drama. Please go to links section for contact information for Valkyrie, or contact HeartSong Music.
Unita and Joseph are in pre-production stages of composing the Original Film Soundtrack for an upcoming Feature Film, Even the Least of These, from a screenplay by Janette Lane Bradbury, to be Directed by Lou Antonio (Chicago Hope, Boston Legal). This film takes place in a rural black community in Georgia where racial issues are overcome when it is discovered that "even the least of these" can make a difference. Scheduled to film in Atlanta, Georgia this summer.
MUSICALS:
Unita and Joseph are currently in post-production on the music they have composed for One Night of Choices, a Valkyrie Theater of Dance & Drama production to be performed by the Dance/Drama Performance Group in Los Angeles. The performance group is made up of Multi Religion, Ethnic and Cultural teenagers between the ages of 11 and 17.
NEW CDs:
The year 2007 will be the 10 year anniversary of Through the Veils, the popular debut album of original music by Unita. Unita and Joseph are planning it's re-release sometime in '07. This album will have a new look and will be re-mixed on the best state of the art recording equipment available today. The beautiful layered vocals and string instruments will sound even more beautiful this time around. This new version will also include at least 2 new bonus tracks. One new track will be the new orchestrated version of the title track, Through the Veils, that was written for and featured in the film, Almost Forgotten. There will also be included a brand new song the duo has composed called Labyrinth, that you will not want to miss. This will make her fans and her distributors very happy! Stay in touch for more details about this happy event!
Joseph is almost finished composing his highly anticipated new album of original piano compositions. He hopes to have this CD ready for release by the end of 2006. This music reflects his ongoing love of music that touches the spirit, and the beautiful piano musicianship that his fans have come to know and love. Stay in touch for more details of this joyous new release!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING A NEW CHRISTMAS CD BY UNITA, Scheduled to be released by 2008. Joseph will co-produce and will be featured on keyboards. This CD will be an original and unique creation in the style of Enya and Mannheim Steamroller, containing beautiful, original Christmas compositions as well as Unita's etherial renditions of select traditional Christmas songs.
CREATIVE WRITINGS:
Unita and her friend Janette Lane Bradbury have written a children's book, Mr. Fingerwink, a magical story based on a true childhood experience that changed a young child's life forever. An inspirational book that will touch the heart of both children and adults. Unita and Lane are in the process of finding a publisher and an artist.
Unita's short story, The Butterfly Box, based on a true experience, is in it's final draft. Stay tuned for up to date info.
OTHER MISC CREATIVE INFO:
Celebrity Interviews by Unita: If you would like to read Unita's interview with the cast from the popular Television show, Touched by an Angel, go to http://www2.angelhaven.com/stories/story_Touched.asp OR you can go to google.com and type in Touched by an Angel Interview by Unita and click on angel haven.com.
You can also read Unita's interview with renown Celtic harpist Kim Robertson, at http://www.eldalamberon.com/kimrobertson-instrument.html OR you can go to google.com and type in Kim Robertson Interview by Unita and click on the eldalamberon link.
Joseph and Unita's Dinner and a Movie reviews:
This is under construction. Unita and Joseph enjoy reviewing movies and have done many reviews over the last few years that have been shared with friends. You can read Unita's 2005 Halloween edition of their Dinner and a Movie reviews Below. Eventually a separate link will be available for more reviews.
SPECIAL HALLOWEEN EDITION 2005 - UNITA'S PICKS
Well, just when you thought it was safe…Halloween is almost here and there’s never a time better than now to revisit the “Dinner and a Movie” reviews that Joseph and I started several years ago. This Halloween version is my creation alone, so Joseph will be sitting this one out. Those of you who enjoyed our past reviews will be happy to know that soon after Joseph graduates with his doctorate, he will return to the reviewing. We look forward to many more fun times of movie viewing and dinner ideas. Joseph’s favorite part is the eating part, who would have guessed?
All my life I’ve loved Halloween and over the years I’ve loved scary movies. From the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz to Hitchcock’s The Birds to the Invasion of the Body Snatchers to Rosemary's Baby, it’s been a passion that has evolved. Now I am much more selective, but putting together my favorite Halloween movies for review was a fun project that I hope will be fun for you to read as well.
So without further adieu, read on for a frightfully good time and hopefully a fun guide to some good Halloween movies to rent or buy. I welcome your comments as the debates that might follow are always fun. By the way, pumpkins will be used for rating instead of breadrolls this time. And...if you read until the end, you’ll find a few Halloween recipes that are just yummy.
Unita
HALLOWEEN MOVIES
BY CATAGORY:
SPECIAL CATEGORY:
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (’04); Starring Gerard Butler, Minnie Driver, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson.
Some of you may wonder why I picked this version instead of the Classic Lon Cheney version. Well, because this version is simply the most astonishing vision I could ever imagine. After seeing the play, the movie exceeded all my expectations and then some. It has everything. Its scary, has breathtaking sets, it’s sensual, it’s sad, it’s amusing, it smolders, and it soars with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s amazing music and songs, performed by actors who can really sing. Every frame of this magnificent film is sublime. A gothic love story set in an 1870’s Paris Opera House, haunted by a creature so sad and sexy (in this version) that you forget what a monster he has really become. That is until the story unfolds to reveal his lustful plans for the lovely Christine, and the madness that drives him. The actors are all first rate, with an unexpected, delightful bit by Minnie Driver. Gerard Butler as the Phantom oozes with raw masculinity, and his lair beneath the Opera House almost steals the show. Brilliant and beautiful film directed by Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys). One of my favorites of all time and from now on.
Five Pumpkins +.
GHOSTS
THE HAUNTING (‘63): Starring Julie Harris, Directed by Robert Wise.
A classic. One of the best haunted house movies of all time about a haunted New England mansion known as Hill House. The famous “who was holding my hand” scene never fails to give me the willies. Both Julie Harris and Claire Bloom claim that they experienced genuine ghostly disturbances during the filming. Five Pumpkins.
THE HAUNTING (‘00): Starring Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta Jones. Doesn’t even come close to the chills of the classic ‘63 film, but well worth watching just to look at the magnificent sets of the house (you won’t believe the fireplace) and some nifty special effects. In spite of some wooden acting, it’s still a fun movie, and Liam Neeson is just so easy on the eyes. Three Pumpkins.
THE CHANGLING (‘79): Starring George C. Scott. A first class ghost tale that remains one of my favorites. The great George C. Scott is wonderful as a composer who has lost his wife and child in a tragic traffic accident and moves into a new house that happens to be haunted. What follows is an engrossing and spooky mystery that keeps him obsessed and you guessing until the end. Some genuine chills. Four Pumpkins.
THE OTHERS (‘01): Starring Nicole Kidman. Quite simply one of the best creepy haunted house/ghost stories I’ve ever seen since the ‘63 classic, The Haunting. Beautifully produced, directed and acted, it’s an eerie, tense thriller about a mother’s nightmare to save her children from an unseen force in a mansion on the English Coast. This one’s destined to be a classic and should be seen by anyone who loves to be spooked. You will be. The twist ending is one of the best ever. In a word, Awesome. Five Pumpkins.
THE FOG (‘80): Starring Adrianne Barbeau, Hal Holbrook. This movie in my opinion has aged well, and there is something about this film that I like. Maybe it’s the around the campfire on a cold and dark night atmosphere, or maybe it’s the campy feel of the film as a whole, but it’s one of my favorite fun but sometimes scary spook movies with the traditional John Carpenter music and ending. And then, there’s The Fog which is truly creepy and holds terror for Antonio Bay and those who will suffer for the mistakes of their ancestors. Can’t help it. Like it. Two and 1/2 pumpkins.
THE FOG (’05); Starring that fellow from Smallville. Not sure who directed it but it was produced by John Carpenter. Hmmm, can’t figure out why the need for a remake, but it was nicely done with some slick and spooky special effects (especially the fog itself) and a different slant to the story than the original. I did enjoy it and it had some scary moments, but it misses on most counts as far as the eerie “campfire” feel of the original. Antonio Bay doesn’t seem the same without Adrianne Barbeau, and nothing could beat the original’s ending with poor Adrianne being chased by the Fog on the top of her radio tower. Chewed my knuckles raw on that one. Carpenter should have directed this one.
Two Pumpkins.
VAMPIRES
After growing up watching all the Hammer Films starring Christopher Lee as Dracula, this is one of my favorite catagories.
BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (‘92): Starring Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves. This Francis Ford Coppola film is a vampire movie at its best. Gary Oldman as Dracula is simply great and this faithfull adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel oozes with a scary blend of blood and romance. A visual delight with some spooky scenes and special effects. I especially love Anthony Hopkins as an eccentric Van Helsing. Be sure to watch for Dracula’s shadow. Winner of three Academy Awards. Four and 1/2 pumpkins.
THE LOST BOYS (‘87): Starring Jason Patrick, Kiefer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest.
This one remains one of my all time favorite teen/vampire flicks. The blend of humor and horror is masterful. I especially like Barnard Hughes as the grandfather who acts as if it’s all just kid stuff instead of the real horror that lurks in the town of Santa Cruz. He’s a priceless hoot! Dianne Wiest is wonderful as the clueless, recently divorced mom trying to keep her family together. The soundtrack adds a hip and offbeat atmosphere to a fun and scary story of teen vampire bikers who stalk two brothers after one falls in love with one of their victims. I never get tired of this one. Four pumpkins.
THE HUNGER (83): Starring Susan Sarandon, David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve.
I read the book by Whitley Striber and it was a real scary read. The movie is not as scary but still as effective and as fascinating as a vampire movie could be. Imagine David Bowie as a vampire who is partner to Catherine Deneuve, a centuries-old vampire capable of bestowing the gift of immortality on her lovers. Then imagine Susan Sarandon as a scientist who becomes her next victim and possible partner (in a lesbian sort of way). It’s bizarre, sometimes scary, erotic and impossible to look away from. Four pumpkins.
INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE (‘94): Starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas. I absolutely loved the Ann Rice novel and the movie did not disappoint me. Even Ann Rice herself, after originally being against Cruise cast as her beloved vampire Lestat, later changed her mind and gave her delighted approval of both Cruise and the movie. It’s a wonderful combination of gothic chills and thrills and it’s a real thrill to see Cruise in such a strange but excellent performance. Brad Pitt is also good as Louis, the tormented vampire who reluctantly stays connected to Lestat over many years. With Antonio Banderas in one of his first major movie roles rounding out the cast, vampires never looked so good. The movie also remains true to the book, thank goodness. Four Pumpkins.
FRIGHT NIGHT (‘85): Starring Roddy McDowall, Chris Sarandon.
Roddy McDowall plays Peter Vincent, a washed-up actor who has just been fired from his job as the host of a late-night horror show. William Ragsdale plays Charley Brewster, a teenager who discovers his next door neighbor is a vampire. Only problem is, no one believes him. He tries to enlist the help of Roddy McDowell’s character as the vampire tries to silence him, by killing him of course. Entertaining, fun mix of comedy and horror, and some graphic scenes that seem tame by today’s standards. I’ve always liked this movie a lot. ”You’re so cool Brewster!”. Three and 1/2 pumpkins.
DRACULA (‘79): Starring Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier. Until Francis Ford Coppola’s version, this was my favorite vampire movie. Frank Langella also starred in the hit Broadway play this movie is based on, and he is one mesmerizing and sexy count. Full of atmosphere and gore, this stylish movie is the real deal. Be sure not to miss the scene where Lucy enters the count’s castle for the first time, and the creepy horse and carriage that carries her there. And watch the count’s eyes. How does he do that?
Three and 1/2 pumpkins.
NEAR DARK (‘87): Starring Lance Henriksen. There are two things that are interesting about this tale of vampires in the American Southwest. One is that this is a film about vampires that in no way relates to the Bram Stoker version. The other is that it is directed by a woman. I admired Kathryn Bigelow’s film Blue Steel with Jamie Lee Curtis, and she recently directed the Harrison Ford Film, K-19: The Widowmaker. Lance Henriksen is always an interesting actor to watch (Alien, Aliens, Millenium, Pumpkinhead), and here he plays the ancient leader of a gang of gun-toting vampires. Check it out. It’s intense, violent and different. Three pumpkins.
Three pumpkins.
In 1981 there were three werewolf movies released: WOLFEN, THE HOWLING, AND AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. The first one I saw was Werewolf in London directed by John Landis, about two college guys wandering the English moors on vacation, who make the mistake of taking a short cut. I’ll never forget it. I had never seen anything like it. It was scary, amusing, very atmospheric and the special effects were amazing for it’s time. In my opinion, this movie is a classic. Four and 1/2 pumpkins.. Next was the Joe Dante film, The Howling, about a Colony of werewolves that a television reporter, played by the wonderful Dee Wallace (E.T.), stumbles upon. It’s campy, spooky and an excellent werewolf movie with groundbreaking special effects. Three and 1/2 pumpkins.. That brings me to the terrific film, Wolfen,based upon a novel by Whitley Strieber. The book was one I could not put down. The movie was an excellent film with the great Albert Finney as Detective Dewey Wilson who investigates some brutal murders, and discovers what is thought to be a superior species of wolf that is hunting in the slums of New York. It may be a bit outdated, but this is an exceptional movie of intelligence that still chills with some frightening scenes and an engrossing, edge of your seat story.
The effects used to show scenes through the eyes of the “Wolfen” effectively keeps the move true to the book. I also love the Native American legends and spirituality that are woven throughout. If you haven’t seen this one, I highly recommend it. Four and 1/2 pumpkins.
And....
SILVER BULLIT (‘85): Starring Gary Busey, Corey Haim, Megan Follows.
I can’t help but like this movie, mostly because of Gary Busey’s comic and delightful part as the sort of drunk uncle of Marty (Corey Haim), a wheelchair bound boy who finds himself being stalked by a werewolf. This adaptation of a Stephen King short story has its scary moments as the residents of Tarker’s Mill try to find the killer of several children and other town members. I especially like the “To Kill A Mockingbird” type narrative by Marty’s sister played by Megan Follows. A good Halloween movie that still holds up. Three pumpkins.
WOLF (‘94): Starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader.
This movie is worth watching just to see Jack Nicholson turn into a werewolf. I mean, it doesn’t get more bizarre than that. Whether intentional or not, Nicholson’s werewolf is a salute to the classic Lon Chaney version. Be sure to check that one out if you’ve somehow missed it. I love the chemistry between Michelle Pfeiffer as the romantic interest and Nicholson as a book editor who gets bitten. Spader turns in a good performance as usual and there’s a great bit part by David Hyde Pierce (Frashier) that should not be missed. To top it off, the comedy/horror in this film is first rate. Four pumpkins.
THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (84): Starring David Warner, Angela Lansbury, Stephen Rea. Director Neil Jordan (Interview With A Vampire) created a remarkable film with a Grimms-Fairy Tale ambience mixed with genuine horror. It’s Little Red Riding Hood in fantasy/horror form. This has long been one of my favorites about a girl who sets out through the woods to visit her grandmother. An original, both foreboding and fascinating. Three and 1/2 pumpkins.
SATAN
ROSEMARY’S BABY (‘68): Starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon.
Who could forget this Roman Polanski hit movie about a young wife who believes she and her unborn child are being stalked by witches. This film remains one of the all time great Satan themed movies. The sinister and chilling story creepily unfolds into the supernatural realm with the skill of a master storyteller. Everything normal turns into a horrifying nightmare for poor Rosemary. Ruth Gordon won an Academy Award for her role as a creepy and weird neighbor. Old New York City apartment buildings never looked so scary. One of the best movies of its kind. Five pumpkins.
THE OMEN (‘76): Starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner.
This Richard Donner film is a humdinger of a ride. Forget all the sequels, this one is first class all the way from the cast to the slick production. Poor U.S. Diplomat Robert Thorn (our beloved Gregory Peck) and his wife have no idea (at first) that the child they are raising is Lucifer’s son, destined to annihilate the world. Gory, chilling, genuinely scary at times, and I’ll never forget the last fifteen minutes as I found myself halfway down on the floor between the seats of the movie theatre. This was the first horror movie to ever win an Academy Award for Best Score. Four pumpkins.
THE EXORCIST (‘73): Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller. This is the granddaddy of all Satan movies. I don’t care how much it’s made fun of these days, if you go back and watch it again it still holds up. This movie based on novelist William Peter Blatty’s best-seller novel about a true exorcism in the United States gave me and half of America nightmares. I remember the book being almost too scary for even me to read, and then the movie scared the daylights out of me. I still get a chill up my spine if I hear the eerie score, and to this day I’m still scared to go up into an attic. I recently purchased the special edition DVD with eleven minutes of additional footage and still can’t bring myself to watch it. I will though, as soon as I find my bible, a cross, some holy water and lots of garlic. Wait, that’s for vampires. Well, it couldn’t hurt. Four and 1/2 pumpkins.
WAR OF THE WORLDS (’05); Starring Tom Cruise, Dakotta Fanning.
This contemporary re-telling of the classic film from a story by H.G. Wells is quite simply stunning. Speilberg’s version is told through the eyes of an American family fighting to survive a battle for the future of mankind. In my opinion it is a masterpiece in every respect from the amazing special effects to the jaw dropping, edge of your seat ride Speilberg delivers in his now famous, signature style. One of the best sci-fi/horror flicks of our time.
Five pumpkins.
ALIEN ; Starring Sigorney Weaver, Tom Skeritt.
Everyone knows by now that this movie started a new standard for sci-fi horror. I’ll never forget almost not making it out of the theatre intact before this one was over. Ridley Scott’s film is atmospheric, terrifying, introducing a new monster to beat all monsters with its skeletal ickyness and acid blood. It made Sigorney a star. Made America scared, really scared. It spawned ALIENS , an excellent film and best of all sequels, thrillingly directed by James Cameron. Other sequels followed but none ever matched this one or the original, no matter how much more of a budget they had.
Five pumpkins.
SIGNS (02) ; Starring Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix.
M. Night Shyamalan spooked us good in Sixth Sense and follows up with this unusual and excellent sci-fi thriller based on the crop circle phenomenon. Easily my favorite movie by this director. Mel Gibson is just great as a Pennsylvania farmer and former pastor who has given up the church since his wife was killed. The chills slowly begin as something strange happens in his cornfield, and the terror grows as a gradual but scary invasion around the world begins. This film is totally human, something you don’t usually see in this type film, with a man fighting for his family and his faith. An old fashioned scary story with terrific actors and cinematography.
Four and a half pumpkins.
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (’78); Starring Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum.
Nice re-make of the “56 classic with Kevin McCarthy. In fact, Kevin McCarthy makes a cameo appearance in this version. The classic version gave me nightmares when I was young, especially the part in when Kevin McCarthy finds his friend/love interest has been turned into a pod. The vision of her cold, wax like body in that scene was chilling. This version has much to be admired as far as remakes go and is true to the story and the chills. Donald Sutherland is excellent in the lead as is the ensemble cast around him. Creepy and good.
Three pumpkins.
Another John Carpenter film that has risen over the years to cult status. A remake of a ’51 film, Carpenter’s film contains astonishing special effects and a tense, well written script of a group of men in an isolated Antarctic environment fighting to stay alive when an alien infects the camp. It’s been buried in the ice for centuries and now it’s been released on an unsuspecting world. I really like this film as it is a good example of the best horror/sci-fi out there, even by today’s standards.
Three and one half pumpkins.
HALLOWEEN (‘78): Starring The Shape, Jamie Lee Curtis. John Carpenter’s first installment of the Halloween movies about Michael Myers stalking his sister is one of the best examples of a low budget creeper of a movie that will scare you plain and simple. With very little blood and gore, it does the job with good direction, scary plot, creepy music, and intense, edge of your seat, jump out of your seat chills and thrills. The night HE came home is one of the best that paved the way (unfortunately) for many ripoffs, including some of its own sequels. Three and 1/2 pumpkins.
DON’T LOOK NOW (‘73): Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Chiller about a couple who go to Venice to forget the traggic death of their child. The tragedy stays with them however, as they keep seeing their dead child reappearing.
This is an amazing film that keeps you transfixed, mystified and horrified at the end. If you like psychological, dreamlike chillers, this one is excellent. It also has one of my favorite love scenes in any film I’ve seen. Four pumpkins.
SLEEPY HOLLOW (‘99): Starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken. Finally, a GREAT version of the Headless Horseman. The animated version scared me silly as a child, and since then I have longed for a good, scary movie about Ichabod Crane and the Headless demon that haunted him. This gothic version directed by Tim Burton has a few new twists, and it delivers with its slick production, acting and special effects which are all first rate. The scenes with the Headless Horseman are spooky indeed, and Christopher Walken is at his devilish best as the Headless demon. Johnny Depp as Ichabod, is simply priceless. Beautifully filmed and stunning to look at. It has become one of my Halloween favorites.
Four Pumpkins.
BLACK CHRISTMAS (‘74): Starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder.
This movie came out several years before the movie Halloween, and I remember it gave me the creeps big time. It’s a very effective thriller about a psychopath hiding out in the attic of a sorority house, and I made the mistake of going to see it by myself, at night, when I was living alone. Normally I’m not that dumb, and guess what. I kept a big kitchen knife under my bed that night. Really, I did. This is a creepy, scary movie that shocked me at the time, never knowing that John Carpenter would come along later to scare me even more. I’m adding it to my list not because I liked it so much, but because it’s a real good example of “before Halloween” scary movie making with a twist ending and a good cast. Two pumpkins.
Other good movies worth mentioning here that I like are FLATLINERS (great cast with Julia Roberts first starring role and spooky story about what happens after we die), JEEPERS CREEPERS (a real original creeper for sure with good acting and a monster that’s really scary), DARKNESS FALLS (the tooth fairy in witch form) and THE RING (good mystery and horror with some creepy effects and one scene that made me almost crawl out of the theatre on my knees). Next update I will do reviews of these and any other new additions. Three pumpkins except for Flatliners which gets three and one half pumpkins.
And two creepy and scary classics: THE BIRDS, JAWS. It just doesn’t get any better than these two. Hitchcock at his best with a chillingly believable creepy and classic film where birds are the star of the show. Speilberg’s true classic horror film where a great white shark terrorizes residents of Amity Island. This movie is the reason me and many others never go into the ocean anymore. Seriously. More on these at a later date. Five + pumpkins.
FUN/COMIC
*All of these are three and 1/2 pumpkins except Young Frankenstein, which is four pumpkins.
My favorites in this catagory are Buffy the Vampire Slayer (‘92), The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Beetlejuice(‘88), Ghostbusters (‘84), The NightmareBefore Christmas (‘93) and of course, Young Frankenstein., and Lake Placid. Buffy is a blend of teen comedy/horror that made it big at the box office and inspired one of my all time favorite ever TV series. The TV series is much better ( I still miss it and watch reruns), but the movie has it’s amusing moments and is a fun ride with a refreshing twist on vampire lore. Rocky Horror is of course a cult classic that lives on and on, although I’ve never been to one of the sing -a- longs. Time Warp me there and maybe I’ll go and make a fool of myself. I loved Beetlejuice mostly because of Michael Keaton who is a ghostly hoot, and Ghostbusters is still one of my favorites. Who could ever forget the Marshmallow Man threatening New York City? If only it were as innocent and fun as that now. Tim Burton’s Nightmare was a trip and a truly original film that became a hit at the box office as well as with critics. If I had to pick one out of this group, it would be the classic, Young Frankenstein. How can you miss with Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle and a very funny script that’s a tribute to every monster movie ever made. A classic in my humble opinion. Some of you may wonder why Lake Placid is included, well, because it’s fun and good. Yep. Call me crazy but I loved Betty White’s character (her cursing is just too priceless), and one of my favorite character actors, Oliver Platt, as an alligator hunter is his quirky, entertaining self . Along with a fun script that doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s a hoot.
KIDS
All of these are three and 1/2 pumpkins except It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown which is four pumpkins.
OK, This catagory is so fun. I still love kids movies and there are some good ones here. My favorites are The Little Vampire (2002), Casper (‘95), Hocus Pocus (‘93), The Addams Family (‘99), and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (‘66). I loved The Little Vampire, about a nine-year-old American boy (played by Jerry Maguire’s adorable Jonathan Lipnicki) who meets a young boy vampire in a small town in the Scottish Highlands. A cute story that involves a magic amulet, beautiful countryside and lots of fun for adults and children. I actually went to the theater to see Casper, a sweet, live-action film with Bill Pullman as a “Ghost therapist” and his daughter (Christina Ricci) who move into a drafty old manor and find it haunted by a lonely young ghost and a ghostly trio of pranksters. Great special effects and a film for the whole family. Hocus Pocus with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker (before Sex and the City) and Kathy Najimy is an entertaining Disney romp about three witches who return to Salem on Halloween for revenge on those who executed them for practicing witchcraft 300 year earlier. Funny and delightful. The Addams Family is as good as a movie could be without the original TV cast. Brings back a lot of fond memories of the real mysterious and ooky kooky gang. No Halloween is complete unless you’ve watched The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown a least once. If you haven’t seen it you’re a real blockhead. It’s 25 minutes of pure delight. Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween costume party and Snoopy is still searching for the Red Baron as Linus spends the night in the pumpkin patch waiting for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. A real Peanuts classic.
Anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my all time favorite movies ever in the world. Forget all the other scary movies, This is definitely a Halloween movie, which is why I never understood why it was always shown on TV at Christmas or around Easter. Anyway, the flying monkeys and the Wicked Witch (it’s not easy being green) scared me silly as a child and I still don’t like monkeys to this day. Follow the yellow brick road, Over the Rainbow, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, We’re not in Kansas anymore, I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too! There’s no place like home. Need I say more?
Wonderful. Magical. Extraordinary.
OTHER FAVORITES FOR UPDATED REVIEW LATER: There are other movies that I love as well that will be reviewed in the next updated Halloween review: BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE, the classic with James Stewart, PRACTICAL MAGIC with Nicole Kidman, and CAT PEOPLE with Malcom McDowell to name a few.
Well, there you have it. I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I have. For those of you who stayed with me until the end, please enjoy the following Halloween Recipes. And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
UNITA AND JOSEPH’S HALLOWEEN RECIPES
Decadent Halloween Brownies
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
16 ounces chocolate chips
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 eggs
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 7/8 cups sugar
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 tub prepared vanilla frosting
1 tub prepared chocolate frosting
Orange food coloring (or mix red and
yellow)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt together butter, chocolate chips and
unsweetened chocolate in top of double boiler until smooth. Set aside
and allow to cool to room temperature.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs, espresso powder, vanilla and sugar.
Stir in cooled chocolate mixture; combine well. Stir in flour, baking
powder and salt. Mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and
walnuts. Pour into buttered 15-by-10-inch baking pan.
Bake 30 minutes in preheated oven. Let cool completely in pan on rack.
Cover and
chill overnight.
In large bowl, whip vanilla frosting until light and fluffy, using
electric mixer. Use food coloring to dye frosting deep orange color.
Using favorite cookie cutters such as pumpkins, cats or leaves, cut
shapes out of chilled brownies, carefully loosening from pan with
spatula. Decorate brownies with frosting. Makes about 1 dozen.
This recipe is from Cristina Ferrare, host of The Family Channel's "Home
& Family" show
Eerie Witch's Brew
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 c Cranberry juice cocktail
1 c Chopped candied ginger -- (1 jar)
3 md Oranges
1 cn(12-oz) thawed frozen apple juice
concentrate
1 6 oz cn ) thawed frozen limeade concentrate
2 c Seedless grapes
4 c Water
2 Bottles (32 oz each) gingerale
1 lb Dry ice -- up to 2 lbs
Instructions:
A smoking cauldron of punch made with grapes and orange peel
masquerading as eyeballs and worms.
A SERIOUS CAUTION: never touch dry ice; use tongs to handle
In a 1 to 2 quart pan, bring 1 cup of cranberry juice and candied
ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil, uncovered, about 2 minutes,
set aside.
With a vegetable peeler, pare peel (colored part only) from oranges;
cut peel into thin 2-inch-long worms; or use an Oriental shredder to
make long shreds. Add orange peel to cranberry mixture. Cover and
chill at least 4 hours or as long as overnight.
Juice oranges; put juice in a 6 to 8 quart pan or heavy bowl. Stir in
cranberry-ginger mixture, the 3 cups cranberry juice, apple
concentrate, limeade, grapes and water. If made ahead, cover and
chill up to 2 hours. Add ginger ale and about a 1 pound piece of dry
ice (DO NOT put small pieces in punch or cups); ice should smolder at
least 30 minutes. Ladle into cups. Add any remaining ice when
bubbling ceases.
Makes 5 quarts; allow about 1-1/2 cups for a serving.
Pumpkin Cookies
Categories: Cookies, Holiday
Yield: 1 Servings
1/2 c Shortening
1 1/4 c Brown sugar
1 c Pumpkin puree
2 Eggs
2 c All-purpose flour
2 ts Baking powder
1/2 ts Salt
1/2 ts Ginger
1 ts Cinnamon
1 ts Nutmeg
1 c Raisins
1/2 c Chopped nuts
Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
In a second bowl, cream the shortening and work in the
brown sugar and eggs. Mix well.
Stir in the pureed pumpkin. Add the nuts and raisins.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing well.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter on an ungreased cookie
sheet. Bake at 375F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Witch's Brew ll
36 ounces Unsweet apple juice concent -- thaw, undiluted
5 cups Water
4 cups Vodka -- can use water instea
1/2 cup Lime juice
1/2 gallon Lime sherbet -- softened
8 cups Club soda -- chilled
Combine apple juice, water, vodka, and lime juice in a large bowl. Cover and
chill. Just before serving, spoon sherbet into a large punch bowl; slowly pour
apple juice mixture and club soda over sherbet, stirring gently.
WEREWOLF IN THE WALDORF SALAD
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 lg Apples
1 tb Lemon juice
1/2 c Golden raisins
1/2 c Walnuts -- chopped
1 c Diced celery
1/2 c Mayonnaise
1/2 tb Milk
1 t Sugar
1/2 Iceberg lettuce
8 Endive
--or other curly, leafy gree
Alfalfa sprouts -- a large han
4 Carrots -- peeled
--sliced lengthwise into 2-i
4 Radishes
Peel, core and dice the apples; toss in a large
bowl with the lemon juice. Add the raisins, nuts and
celery to the apples and toss together. In a small
bowl, mix the mayonnaise, milk and sugar until well
blended. Add the dressing to the other ingredients and
toss. Place 2 or 3 letuce leaves on individual salad
plates and spoon the salad over the lettuce in a
"head" shape. To create the werewolf in your Waldorf,
decorate each salad with pointy endive ears, alfalfa
sprout hair and beard, pointy carrot fangs and
radish-half eyeballs.