Celebrating Halloween

Halloween–October 31, eve of All Saints’ Day (Christian); there are also roots in the Celtic tradition–is a very interesting day. Some call it a tradition, and others call it a holiday. This may just be a play on words; either way, Halloween is acknowledged every year in a big way.

As a child, I used to enjoy picking out or putting together a costume to wear and go trick-or-treating with my sister and friends. Also, during the month of October there was usually a fair in town with a haunted house included. Even though sometimes I was scared, I still felt excitement from the experience. Then there was the pumpkin exercise. I liked carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the seeds.

Now as an adult, I appreciate candy being on sale in October and greet the trick-or-treaters who stop by my home. I think this is harmless fun, and notice most people seem to embrace this tradition. Happy Halloween on October 31st and have a joyful All Saints’ Day on November 1st!

My Summer 2009 Vacation

Last week I went to Southern California. First, I spent three days in San Diego (the city where I was raised), and visited with family and friends. I had not seen the friends in over 20 years, so it was wonderful spending time together. During this time, Comic-Con was taking place. I did not attend, but saw crowds of people downtown who seemed very enthusiastic. Some were wearing Batman and Iron Man shirts and outfits.

Second, I went to Pasadena for the Action On Film International Film Festival (http://www.aoffest.com/). My screenplay, AFRAID FOR YOUR LIFE, received a Best Script nomination. I did not win, but it is always an honor being recognized for my work. I also watched some good independent movies. Two of them were ONE PERCENT FULL (http://onepercentfull.blogspot.com/), which is an action-drama with a message, and a comedy titled THE STEVIE WONDERSHOW (http://www.steviewondershow.com/).

While in Pasadena, I spent some time in South Pasadena checking out HALLOWEEN (1978) locations. It seemed like the logical thing to do! I went to the “Myers House,” which has been relocated, and is now an office building. Across the street from the “Myers House,” I saw the “hardware store,” which is actually a restaurant, where “Sheriff Brackett” and “Dr. Loomis” had a conversation. Next, I visited the “Strode House.” The people who live in this home graciously leave pumpkins on the porch so that fans of the film can pose with them for pictures, which is what I did. The final stop was “Haddonfield High School,” which is actually South Pasadena High School.

In addition, when in South Pasadena visit the Fair Oaks Pharmacy (http://www.fairoakspharmacy.net/). I had seen the soda fountain on the Travel Channel and wanted to check it out. It is located on historic Route 66, and truly does have the best ice cream, as highlighted on the Travel Channel.

Lastly, I spent some time in Los Angeles’ Chinatown and Hollywood. Chinatown was a fun place to shop. I went to Hollywood to find the Star of my cousin, film pioneer Oscar Micheaux (http://shorock.com/arts/micheaux/). It is located at the Hollywood and Highland intersection in front of a sushi restaurant.

Our vacation ended with a stop in Modesto (Central California) to see Carman (http://www.carman.org/). The concert was sold out and the audience was full of energy. Overall, I had an excellent time.

Are You On Remake Overload?

In the past few years Hollywood studios have released a lot of remakes. Most of the movies are horror or science fiction: Friday the 13th, My Bloody Valentine, Prom Night, The Amityville Horror, When a Stranger Calls, Halloween, War of the Worlds, The Last House on the Left (in theatres March 13, 2009), Children of the Corn (will air on television this year), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and so many more.

It is rare for someone to remake a comedy; however, as stated in my January 9, 2009 entry, there may be a MEATBALLS remake on the horizon. Also, I remember at one time there was going to be a remake of REVENGE OF THE NERDS, but that was cancelled. I really like the original REVENGE OF THE NERDS; it is a classic. So I am happy the remake did not happen.

As far as the FRIDAY THE 13TH and HALLOWEEN remakes, their filmmakers refer to them as re-imaginings. Many think that they are calling them re-imaginings so that they can keep the franchises going and take stories into different directions. This will end the original storylines.

I think it is okay to produce remakes, but are you on remake overload? Some of us have to realize these movies are not remakes in the eyes of the younger generations (under 25 years old). In many cases these remakes are “originals” to them.

Halloween Franchise

The movie, HALLOWEEN (1978), inspired many filmmakers, not just the ones making horror movies, but directors shooting other types of films, too. It inspired me because it was an independent movie made for a small amount of money ($320,000 US) by enthusiastic individuals who were fairly recent film school graduates, was a box office success ($55 million–one of the most successful independent films of all time), and people still talk about it today. Millions of fans showered affection on this film, and its legacy still lives on.

HALLOWEEN was successful because of its very talented crew and cast. The story, written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, about a six year old boy (Michael) who killed his 17-year old sister (Judith) one Halloween night was good: as a result of the murder, his parents had him placed in a sanitarium. Fifteen years later, he escaped and returned to his hometown: Haddonfield. His psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, knew exactly where he was going and followed him because he believed he was evil.

In addition to a good story, the technical aspects were excellent. The directing (Carpenter), music (Carpenter), lighting, cinematography, sound, editing, etc. were above average. And this was the feature film debut of Jamie Lee Curtis. She was wonderful in this movie. Overall, everyone in the cast was likable and believable, especially Donald Pleasence who played Dr. Loomis.

A movie like this had never been done before, so it was extremely frightening and other filmmakers imitated it. It even imitated itself, because there have been seven sequels, a remake, and in August a sequel to the remake will be released. I saw all seven sequels. They were entertaining, but not excellent like the original. The sequels had graphic violence and gore, which were absent in the first movie, and critics dismissed them. On the other hand, the original HALLOWEEN received many critical reviews (both good and bad).

Another problem with the sequels is the lack of story continuity. I guess since there were various writers and directors, this should be expected. HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is an exception. It, like HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II, were written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, and was a totally different story not involving Michael and Dr. Loomis. I like it, but missed seeing the two main characters. Many people, including the producer and owner of the franchise Moustapha Akkad, have said that the movie should have just been called SEASON OF THE WITCH, and not associated with the HALLOWEEN franchise because it is a good movie.

I like the documentary, HALLOWEEN: 25 YEARS OF TERROR, because it takes viewers behind the scenes of the entire series. Also, there are interviews with cast and crew, and footage from the October 2003, 25-year Anniversary Convention – Return to Haddonfield held in Pasadena, California (one of the filming locations of the original HALLOWEEN), including panel discussions with cast and crew. In addition, there is art, videos, and music from the fans.

This franchise certainly has some dedicated admirers, and I think that is wonderful. I have not even mentioned all of the other products, including fan films and comic books, which have been created by many people who love this franchise. As a filmmaker, I hope and pray that I will have such a following some day. It seems like it would be nice having so much support from people all over the world who would encourage me to keep doing what I enjoy, especially during the times when things may not be going so well.

I still watch these movies, especially around Halloween (October 31), because they are fun. I like suspense, and want to follow the series. I have even seen the 2007 remake directed by Rob Zombie. I am not sure what to say about the remake, but I remember after the movie was over people silently exited the theatre. Usually people talk, and I like to stay in the theatre to read the credits and listen to the music, but not this time; I walked out right after the movie ended with everyone else. I am not sure if I am going to see “remake part two.” Maybe curiosity will take over.