IN A NUTSHELL:
If the name "Spirit Halloween" sounds familiar to you, it's because it's a real store in the United States and Canada. It's open every year from August to October to get customers in the Halloween mood and sell them all the costumes and decorations they'll need for the creepy holiday season. The store must look odd to viewers in other countries that don't celebrate Halloween!
The story definitely has a "Stranger Things" vibe. When a new Spirit Halloween store appears in a deserted strip mall, three middle school friends who think they've outgrown trick or treating make a dare to spend the night locked inside the store Halloween night. But they soon find out that the store is haunted by an angry evil spirit who has possessed the creepy animatronic characters. The kids embark on a thrilling and spooky adventure in order to survive the night and avoid becoming possessed themselves.
The movie was directed by David Poag and written by Billie Bates. Hey, Billie! My maiden name was Bates! I wonder if we're related!
THINGS I LIKED:
It's always fun to see Christopher Lloyd in anything. He gives a fun over-the-top performance as the villain in this flick. He's looking pretty old in the movie, yet he still has incredible energy and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, we don't get to SEE him but for a few minutes in the beginning, but we do get to hear his voice as a spirit during much of the movie.
Rachael Leigh Cook is so cute. It's hard to believe she's getting roles as a mom.
The trio of adventurous boys is played by Donovan Colan, Jaiden Smith, and Dylan Martin Frankel.
Fun fact: Do you remember Toys-R-Us stores? Me too. My 4 sons and I spent a lot of time in money in those while they were growing up. It's sad they all closed. They still sell toys online though. The big building in the movie where the Spirit Halloween store is set up was a previous Toys-R-Us store in Rome, Georgia.
The scary movie has plenty of jumps and scares, creepy moments, and adventurous moments that kids will get a kick out of.
One of the characters' names is Bo. I have a son named Bo!
Question: So, how old do you think is too old to go Trick-or-Treating?
Fun soundtrack.
There are several side stories that parents will appreciate because they teach valuable lessons.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
Ultimately, the movie feels like an Infomercial for the store. Did you know the Spirit Halloween store also has a YouTube channel?
Some of the visual effects and acting aren't that great.
None of the acting is Oscar-worthy; however, it fits this type of movie and budget.
It would have been fun to have a little bonus scene after the final rolling credits.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Like all movies geared toward teens, there is farting.
Some "mild" profanity
Destruction
Kids trespass in a store
There are some scary images and moments that could easily frighten young children. Ages 10 and up is probably best recommended.
THEMES:
Second marriages and blended families
Death of a loved one
Tradition
Halloween
Trespassing
Spirits of the dead
Friendship
Curses
Growing up
Accepting change
Possession
