With just one cinema left in the Kitsilano area, why not have a go at hosting a Halloween movie night in the comfort of your own home (or your friend’s nice place)? Here’s a a selection of great Halloween movies, from vintage flicks to family-friendly films and scare you senseless slasher fests. We’ve also thrown in some spooky food & drink ideas.
Great Halloween Movies for Movie Night
No Fear Flicks
Desensitized by all those blood-splattering torture-featuring scenes of the latest releases? Dare to try one of these hair-raising films from a little while ago: The Shining, The Sixth Sense, or Cape Fear. Serve with Bloody Mary cocktails and Capricciosa Pizza (pizza available from Novo Pizzeria on Burrard Street).
Vintage Titles
For those who prefer less decapitation gore and more captivating suspense, Alfred Hitchcock classics are always in good…ahem…taste. A few to consider are Vertigo, Rear Window, or Dial M for Murder. Serve with martinis, olives, cheeses, and crackers (snacks available at Jackson’s on 4th Avenue).
Scare You Silly
Warning: these titles are not kid suitable. House of 1,000 Corpses offers a never-ending gore-fest with zombies. Halloween, which invented a whole new genre of slasher movies, takes place on Hallow’s Eve and will scare the living daylights out of you. The Evil Dead (2013 version) removes the lame bits from the original and adds shock and blood. It’s sure to disturb your night’s rest. Serve red-themed comfort food such as: baked ziti, meatloaf and ketchup, red velvet cake and stiff Halloween-themed cocktails.
Casual Observer Cinema
Having a few friends over, some of whom may be talking throughout the entire show? Not to worry, just pick one of these well-known blockbusters where you don’t really need to know what’s going on every minute: Jaws, The Thing, or Alien. Serve with craft beers (check our listings for Kitsilano beer & wine stores) and salsa & chips (the crunchy noise won’t matter anyway).
Family Friendly Videos
With the whole family watching, try Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, or Frankenweenie which are probably suitable for older kids, while The Addams Family, Monsters, Inc., or Casper shouldn’t frighten the little ones too much. Serve with home-made (non-alcoholic) spritzer using sparkling water and a favourite fruit juice (both available from Whole Foods Market on 4th Avenue), and, of course, popcorn.
Where to get any of the above movies? Try Videomatica, Limelight Video, Varsity Video (Point Grey), Netflix, Video on Demand from your cable provider, or iTunes.
Last modified: October 18, 2013
