For this installment of Halloween movie month, I’ve included a short reminder of my picture rating system. A full explanation was included the first week.

Characters                                Artistry                               Inclusion

   Scare Factor                              Ending

1. Strangers on a Train

Two men meet on a train. One proposes that they murder a person that causing trouble in each other’s lives–the perfect crime. When one decides to go ahead and commit the murder the other needed, things get scary. As with all of Hitchcock’s work, the characters have distinct motivations, and yet at the same time, the stories are simple, like an arrow. The filming is great, and I am included–what if you met someone randomly who ended up being dangerous? The scare factor is in the charming antagonist. The ending ties it all together.

        

2. Cursed

I don’t know how I missed this in 2005, but Christina Ricci, Judy Greer, Jesse Eisenberg, and Joshua Jackson? Yes, please! When a brother and sister become infected by a werewolf, they try to find out who it is and try to stop the killings. I mostly liked this one as a bit of nostalgia. I’m on the prowl for good werewolf flicks. I don’t have much to compare this one to yet.

          

3. The Craft

This was a repeat for me, but I love this movie! It earns a full five from me, even though it’s hokey. As a teen, I enjoyed it as a “witch lifestyle” movie. As an adult, I appreciate what it says about dealing with bullies. Fairuza Balk, while over-the-top, is fully committed (ha!) to playing the antagonist. Ultimately, it’s a coming of age horror flick, and I like that.

        

 4. Blood and Chocolate

Bottom line: this one did not hold my interest. It was too much paranormal romance, not enough straight-up horror. I’m still on the lookout for some good werewolf movies.

Possible substitutions: The House at the End of the Street or Disturbing Behavior