JWM SPOOKATHON 2017: The ‘Burbs (1989)

An overstressed suburbanite and his fellow neighbors are convinced that the new family on the block are part of a murderous Satanic cult. (IMDb)

The hilarious excitability (see the garbage digging) of the three leads is infectious (rifle-toting, camo-wearing Rumsfield is a riot; obnoxious and manic Art is a quote machine: “Satan is good, Satan is our pal…”), helped along by the campy horror soundtrack, overly dramatic camera movement, and classic unfolding mystery of the creepy next door neighbours in the dilapidated old mansion (what are they burying in the backyard at night in the pouring rain?). Spooky, goofy fun.

7/10 (Good)

CREEPY QUOTE: “A thermostat on a home furnace; is that supposed to go to 5,000 degrees, you think?” – Art Wiengartner 

SPOOKY STILL:

 

Stand By Me (1986)

After the death of a friend, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy. (IMDb)

A gorgeous nostalgia-drenched boyhood adventure tale that’s more than just loveable characters, slapstick mishaps, and funny one-liners: A remarkable young cast (with a strong supporting turn by a greasy Sutherland) delivering effortlessly natural performances (their retro middle-school banter is golden) brings to life a superb script that puts childhood wonder and imagination next to the adult themes of death and tragedy to create a truly authentic and affecting adolescent character study.

8/10 (Great)