Before there were Haunt (2019), Hell Fest (2018), and The Houses October Built (2014), there was Scary Movie (1991). As one of the early "haunted attraction gone wrong" films, Scary Movie helps sets the scene with loving tributes to retro Halloween visuals, classic horror movies, and clever whodunnits. Director Daniel Erickson's 1986 short film Mr. Pumpkin previously glimpsed his particular brand of mischievous Halloween fun, which is now on full display throughout Scary Movie. Even Butch "Eddie Munster" Patrick is on board for this campy ride!
One thing that surprised me about Scary Movie was the genuinely twisting mystery at the heart of it. I know my plot predictions were thrown off at least once during the course of the action. I was also impressed by how little profanity and adult content were used to tell the story; there is just enough edge sprinkled across the cast of characters to make them unique, without becoming overbearingly explicit. If you're looking for an edgier film with a similar aesthetic, The Funhouse (1981) is always available to view - but I personally prefer Scary Movie for this very reason, considering how seamlessly it blends with the 1980s/1990s general audience Halloween content I grew up watching on television.
Make no mistake, this is a horror film with blood in all the right places - but one which keeps you guessing and laughing all the same. I hope more viewers come to find this hidden gem for their Halloween movie nights. While I understand that it might not necessarily be a great fit for everyone, it is sure to tickle the funny bones of viewers interested in 1980s horror, haunted attractions, and lovingly-executed independent filmmaking. The aesthetic is nostalgic, the mystery is strong, and the cast delivers for an all-around Halloween treat.
SIMILAR TO: The Funhouse (1981), Hell Fest (2018), Scream (1996), Evil Dead 2 (1987)
FURTHER VIEWING: Mr. Pumpkin (1986)
One thing that surprised me about Scary Movie was the genuinely twisting mystery at the heart of it. I know my plot predictions were thrown off at least once during the course of the action. I was also impressed by how little profanity and adult content were used to tell the story; there is just enough edge sprinkled across the cast of characters to make them unique, without becoming overbearingly explicit. If you're looking for an edgier film with a similar aesthetic, The Funhouse (1981) is always available to view - but I personally prefer Scary Movie for this very reason, considering how seamlessly it blends with the 1980s/1990s general audience Halloween content I grew up watching on television.
Make no mistake, this is a horror film with blood in all the right places - but one which keeps you guessing and laughing all the same. I hope more viewers come to find this hidden gem for their Halloween movie nights. While I understand that it might not necessarily be a great fit for everyone, it is sure to tickle the funny bones of viewers interested in 1980s horror, haunted attractions, and lovingly-executed independent filmmaking. The aesthetic is nostalgic, the mystery is strong, and the cast delivers for an all-around Halloween treat.
SIMILAR TO: The Funhouse (1981), Hell Fest (2018), Scream (1996), Evil Dead 2 (1987)
FURTHER VIEWING: Mr. Pumpkin (1986)