Blackpool’s hidden gem retro-cinema The Regent, has a spooky halloween film programme running up to the end of October. What better way to spend a lengthening post-equinox Friday evening than watching a classic movie with like-minded people? The films shown are selected on the basis of a ‘people’s vote, so don’t go blaming the management. And there are snacks. This follows a fine sci-fi programme that had its fair share of thrills and scares.
First up on 5th October is Hocus Pocus (1993), the plot revolving around the resurrection of three 17th century witches, almost inevitably in Salem, Massachusetts, and the havoc they wreak. Can teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) put witches Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy back in their bottle? Thrill to the bit where they fly around on household appliances, having apparently lost their broomsticks. Not the most serious or scary of occult movies to be honest, but nothing wrong with that. Essential for Bette Midler completists. Rated PG.
The much missed Robin Williams stars in Jumanji (1995 – recently re made) as Alan Parrish, a character trapped inside the eponymous magical board game. Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy (Kirsten Dunst) must win the game to free Alan from his long incarceration inside the game. Features big bugs, nasty monkeys and dodgy rhinos. I haven’t seen this one, so I’ll be trying to get there for a viewing. Rated PG.
Johnny Depp is a past master at playing brilliant but eccentric roles and here he plays Ichabod Crane (crazy name, crazy guy) as a scientific detective unable to believe that a headless horseman has decapitated a number of people. Sleepy Hollow (1999) is based on Washington Irving’s timeless gothic classic ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. Directed by Tim Burton, who was recently kind enough to film a good chunk of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children in Blackpool, the film also stars Christina Ricci (trying to avoid Addams Family stereotyping) and Miranda Richardson (best Queen Elizabeth I ever in Blackadder II). This film has a fine cast and the sets look fantastical. Rated 15 (probably due to strong loss of heads).
No film has been announced for 26th October, the closest Friday to Halloween; if one is announced this article will be updated.
With a fine spooky Halloween film programme selected by the Regent’s regulars, what’s not to like in this collection of memorable movies as we move into the final quarter of 2018? The Regent is just outside Blackpool town centre and convenient for parking and public transport.
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