A story is only as good as it's characters, so since it's the Halloween season still I thought I would countdown my favorite characters. So let the countdown begin!
10) Billy the "Good Zombie" (Hocus Pocus)
Though he does not get a whole lot of screen time, Billy still provides a lot of fun moments in the movie. Given how he at first works for the witches, there's also a feeling of worry that he might catch up to Max, Dani and Allison and gives the film more of a chase feeling. In the end though, he winds up helping them and earns his rest in peace...again.
9) Lonesome Ghosts (The Lonesome Ghosts)
Quite bored, these playful ghosts decide to call Mickey, Donald and Goofy to their home to have some fun scaring them. Even though our heroic trio are the main focus of the shorts, the ghosts provide plenty of fun interactions and are some of the more fondly remembered characters from the older Walt Disney shorts.
8) Marnie Piper (Halloweentown Series)
Despite the actress change in the fourth film, the character of Marnie is still rather enjoyable largely in part to her character growth. In the first film she does start out as a tad obnoxious, but through the films grows to a powerful and confident witch who is capable of handling herself. With some help from her friends and family. Even then, we get to see her grow closer to her mother and brother from her initial attitude towards them that leaves them at odds with each other.
7) Witch Hazel (Trick or Treat)
One of the rare "good" witches, Hazel is an enjoyable character with her zany attitude. Even though she appears in only the one cartoon short, and it's comic adaptation she still manages to come across as a lot of fun - even stopping to make a potion with a spell that's "the real thing, you know right out of Shakespeare"
6) Samhain (The Real Ghostbusters)
As I've said in my review of the episode, Samhain is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. Simplistic design aside, I still rather enjoy his overall visual look because it's not overly distracting. Instead we get a rather creepy villain who is also quite powerful given how he can change the clock tower and lord over all the various minions and spooks in the city. Sadly though, he is captured after the Ghostbusters come to save the day.
5) Samhain (Supernatural)
The origin of Halloween, Samhain is one of the more well known demons in the Supernatural world. Unlike the black-eyed demons, Samhain appears to be a higher up given how his eyes are similar to Lilith. Much like the Ghostbusters version, this Samhain is able to summon and control demons and zombies. But if I had to place a bet, I'd be willing to say this guy would win out in a fight between the two versions.
4) Witch Hazel (Broomstick Bunny)
Though she appears in more than just the one Halloween short, Witch Hazel is just too much fun to leave out. From her comical cackle, to the hairpins left in her wake as she zooms off it's no doubt that this Witch can bring the comedy. Putting that aside, she also knows how to get down to business and has a threatening side as she chases poor Bugs with an axe.
3) Grandma Aggie (Halloweentown Series)
Partly higher up on the list due to the wonderful performance that actress Debbie Reynolds gives, but Grandma Aggie is also a wonderful character in a series that does hit a slow note in the fourth installment. Definitely the highlight of the series, Aggie's wise ways and grandmotherly nature make her a charming character that is a delight to watch in action.
2) Headless Horseman (Disney's Sleepy Hollow)
Even though he does not appear until the very end of the short, the Headless Horseman is still quite a frightening sight to behold. The simple design, much like Samhain, works in his favor and couples well with all the suspense that builds up to his appearance. The flaming pumpkin that he throws at Ichabod at the end of a scary chase is just the icing on the cake as the cartoon reaches it's climax.
1) The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
It would be impossible to list the Sandersons as separate characters, given how well they play off each other in their interactions. Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kath Najimy work so well together to bring this trio of witches to life and deliver the comedy, and the scary, a mile a minute in Hocus Pocus. From all of their great lines, interactions with each other, interactions with the present day and the showstopping number they perform the Sandersons have it all. One would be hard pressed to not laugh as you watch them seek out their book so they can suck the souls of all the children in Salem.
Showing posts with label Bette Middler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bette Middler. Show all posts
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hocus Pocus
Pure. Damn. Fun. Enough said.
Well, not really. Hocus Pocus to me is the perfect Halloween film. It's a lot of fun, the performances are great and the story itself is enjoyable. But let's just dive right in.
A long time ago there lived the Sanderson sisters, Winnifred (Better Middler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy). The trio of witches possess a book given to Winnifred by the devil himself and use this to brew all sorts of nasty potions. The primary one they use allows them to suck the life out of children, thereby extending their own lives. As they renew themselves, they are interrupted by Thackery Binx who has come to save his sister. Sadly this is all in vain as his sister is killed and he is turned into a black cat, forced to live with his guilt.
Many years later we find our protagonists, Max Dennison, his younger sister Dani and the love interest, Allison. After being forced into taking his little sister trick or treating, the duo eventually arrive at Allison's house. After discussing the shared interest in the Sanderson's now vacant home, they decide to go and check it out since Allison conveniently has the key to get in. Of course, Max goofs around and accidentally summons the witches back with the Black Flame Candle.
After a close call, our heroes escape and Binx who is still alive and kicking joins up with them to provide whatever help he can. Joining our feisty villains is Billy the Butcher, an ex-lover of both Winnifred and Sarah's who comes back as a zombie to chase our heroes. Many hijinks ensue until finally the witches seem to meet their demise with a trap worthy of Fred from Scooby-Doo. Only without the fail.
This is actually part of the movie that seems to make me question the morals of our heroes. Why don't they have any qualms over burning three women alive? Ah, who cares since they come back anyways!
Ready to face the bitter end, the sisters try to recreate the potion from memory to little success. However, when the good intentions of Max and Allison go wrong, the book lights up their location and allows the witches to get their shot at one last stand. Kidnapping Dani, they make a fresh batch of potion though it nearly all goes to waste thanks to Max who arrives in the nick of time. The kids make their final stand against the witches in the graveyard with the help of Billy (who is apparently a good zombie), stalling for the sunrise. In the end, the witches are destroyed with the rising sun.
This movie is completely fun. The jokes are still hilarious to this day and are delivered constantly. The true highlight of this film is the Sanderson sisters who are wonderfully played and their interactions with each other is a delight. The kids are well done which is surprising in Dani's (Thora Birch) instance given just how fickle some child actors can be, and how they can tend to steal the spotlight. One of my favorite scenes is the "I Put A Spell On You" song and dance performed by Better Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
Always, always, always worth at least one viewing during the Halloween season and can even be fun out of season as well.
Well, not really. Hocus Pocus to me is the perfect Halloween film. It's a lot of fun, the performances are great and the story itself is enjoyable. But let's just dive right in.
A long time ago there lived the Sanderson sisters, Winnifred (Better Middler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy). The trio of witches possess a book given to Winnifred by the devil himself and use this to brew all sorts of nasty potions. The primary one they use allows them to suck the life out of children, thereby extending their own lives. As they renew themselves, they are interrupted by Thackery Binx who has come to save his sister. Sadly this is all in vain as his sister is killed and he is turned into a black cat, forced to live with his guilt.
Many years later we find our protagonists, Max Dennison, his younger sister Dani and the love interest, Allison. After being forced into taking his little sister trick or treating, the duo eventually arrive at Allison's house. After discussing the shared interest in the Sanderson's now vacant home, they decide to go and check it out since Allison conveniently has the key to get in. Of course, Max goofs around and accidentally summons the witches back with the Black Flame Candle.
After a close call, our heroes escape and Binx who is still alive and kicking joins up with them to provide whatever help he can. Joining our feisty villains is Billy the Butcher, an ex-lover of both Winnifred and Sarah's who comes back as a zombie to chase our heroes. Many hijinks ensue until finally the witches seem to meet their demise with a trap worthy of Fred from Scooby-Doo. Only without the fail.
This is actually part of the movie that seems to make me question the morals of our heroes. Why don't they have any qualms over burning three women alive? Ah, who cares since they come back anyways!
Ready to face the bitter end, the sisters try to recreate the potion from memory to little success. However, when the good intentions of Max and Allison go wrong, the book lights up their location and allows the witches to get their shot at one last stand. Kidnapping Dani, they make a fresh batch of potion though it nearly all goes to waste thanks to Max who arrives in the nick of time. The kids make their final stand against the witches in the graveyard with the help of Billy (who is apparently a good zombie), stalling for the sunrise. In the end, the witches are destroyed with the rising sun.
This movie is completely fun. The jokes are still hilarious to this day and are delivered constantly. The true highlight of this film is the Sanderson sisters who are wonderfully played and their interactions with each other is a delight. The kids are well done which is surprising in Dani's (Thora Birch) instance given just how fickle some child actors can be, and how they can tend to steal the spotlight. One of my favorite scenes is the "I Put A Spell On You" song and dance performed by Better Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
Always, always, always worth at least one viewing during the Halloween season and can even be fun out of season as well.
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