What to Watch in the Theater:
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (PG) is in theaters now. Friends Sonny and Sam accidentally bring to life Slappy, a creepy ventriloquial figure from one of Stine’s books. This sequel focuses on ONE of R.L. Stine’s creations, but he helps plenty of other frights come alive as Slappy takes control of Halloween night. It’s up to the kids to save their town, with some help from big sis, Sarah. This fun family adventure also features great comic relief by Ken Jeong.
Our rating: 4.33 out of 5
Halloween (R) opens today. We watched the original 1978 film in preparation for this one, and it turns out that was exactly the right thing to do. This direct sequel to that film takes place 40 years after the events of the original, with Laurie Strode still obsessing over Michael Myers and preparing for his eventual escape. Turns out she’s one smart lady, and not the kook everyone makes her out to be, when Michael DOES escape and another killing spree begins. Much more gory than the original, this movie does NOT disappoint in the scares and twists department.
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
Thoroughbreds (R) is available on DVD. This story about two entitled teen girls who rekindle an old friendship after one euthanizes her horse in a very graphic way, would be better left untold. It was both boring and disturbing, and there was nothing to evoke sympathy to the plight of either of the main characters, who were just each incredibly annoying and uninteresting in their own ways. Solid acting from promising young actresses, and even Anton Yelchin’s final performance couldn’t save this one.
Our rating: Skip this one
Maniac (TVMA) is a Netflix original miniseries. This sci-fi story takes place in the not-too-distant future, with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as the lead characters. They each have their reasons for joining a dangerous pharmaceutical trial which taps into their dreams – he for money (and some sort of delusional quest?) and she to satisfy an addiction to one of the three drugs in the trial. We learn more about each of their lives (and how they become connected) as the episodes progress, and look forward to watching the rest of the series.
Not rating until we’ve finished all the episodes.
Plus box office results, movie news, what’s out on DVD & Blu-Ray and more!