Here are five movies from various platforms that families may want to consider, as recommended by the Deseret News arts and entertainment department. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations or ratings are included.
The Addams family has been a part of family entertainment for 80 years. What began in the pages of The New Yorker evolved into a 1964 TV series and two feature films in the 1990s. The recent animated movie continues the legacy of Charles Addams — just in time for Halloween. Here are five spooky, classic films for families to consider.
In theaters: ‘The Addams Family’
The creepy and kooky family is back, and this time the Addams are preparing for a visit from their relatives. But a home remodeling guru has different plans for the family and its New Jersey home, situated in an abandoned asylum. Josh Terry for the Deseret News gave the macabre film 3 stars out of 4 and said there are little details that will please fans of the TV show. He also noted the “dialogue is packed with dark puns, and the endlessly creepy atmosphere is utterly charming.” The Dove Foundation said the animated feature “provides heavy themes of family bonds and acceptance,” and awarded the film its “Dove Approved” seal of approval for viewers ages 12 and older. The website cautioned that “certain creepy elements” aren’t suitable for young children. “The Addams Family” is rated PG for macabre and suggestive humor, and some action.
DVD: ‘The Ghost and Mr. Chicken’
This 1966 classic film stars Don Knotts as Luther Heggs, an aspiring reporter who gets his big break when he spends the night in a haunted mansion. His firsthand account makes him a hero, but when Luther is sued for libel, he must return to the scene and prove his story. Parent Previews called the film “spine-tingling, funny-bone tickling” and said fans of Knotts will “appreciate how he struts his stuff in this slapstick thriller proving this comedic chicken is — a la king.” The film is not rated.
DVD: ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’
This retelling of Washington Irving’s story features the beloved crooner Bing Crosby as the narrator of the 1949 Disney animated short film. As part of “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” double feature, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” story follows Ichabod Crane, a gangly schoolmaster, who falls in love with local beauty Katrina Van Tassel. But town bully Brom Bones will have none of that. Common Sense Media noted the “memorable creation” of the school teacher, with a “truly gripping” climactic sequence. The website gave the classic stories 5 stars out of 5 and recommended the film for viewers ages 6 and older.
DVD: ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’
Halloween isn’t complete without Charles M. Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Join the Peanuts gang in celebrating Halloween and awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Lucy is her normal horrible self, and the film features teasing and name calling, so expect a lot of “blockhead” and “stupid” and “good grief.” Common Sense Media called the film a classic that promotes “American Halloween traditions like trick-or-treating and apple bobbing.” The website gave the film 5 stars out of 5 and recommends the animated film for viewers ages 4 and older.
iTunes: ‘Hocus Pocus’
When teenager Max accidentally brings three 300-year-old witch sisters back to life on Halloween night, he enlists the help of his young sister, their new friend and a magical cat to steal the witches’ book of spells and stop the sisters from becoming immortal. While Common Sense Media states that this Disney film is “done in the playful, spooky spirit of Halloween,” parents should note that some of the film’s content is not appropriate for young children. The website gave the film 3 stars out of 5 and recommends the film for viewers ages 10 and older.