Whether students are interested in slightly spooky movies or Halloween classics, the BYU–Hawaii library has plenty of options to help them celebrate the season.
Corpse Bride
Victor, a man preparing to be married, goes out to the woods to rehearse his lines for his wedding. After accidentally proposing to a dead woman named Emily, he is dragged down to the land of the dead and must find his way back home.
Ellie Toia Valdez, a senior from Arizona majoring in graphic design, said “Corpse Bride” is her favorite Halloween movie because although it’s “weird and a little creepy,” she loves the clay animation. She said she watches the movie every year to celebrate Halloween.
Hannah Beckstrand, a senior from Utah majoring in psychology, said “Corpse Bride” is one of her favorites as well. “I love it because it’s not too scary, but it has everything that a Halloween movie should have, like ghouls, a corpse and an interesting plot,” she explained.
Casper the Friendly Ghost
Known as a young friendly ghost, Casper haunts an abandoned mansion with his mischievous uncles. Trickery, romance and hysterics ensue when an after-life therapist and his teenage daughter investigate the house and its ghosts.
Kelly Beazer, a junior from Arizona majoring in psychology, said “Casper” is her favorite movie to watch around Halloween because it reminds her of spending time at her grandparents’ house. Beazer said she enjoyed watching the movie when she was younger because it wasn’t too scary.
Hocus Pocus
After Max Dennison moves to Salem, Massachusetts, he explores an abandoned house with his sister and friend. Although he doesn’t believe in superstitions, he jokingly frees a coven of witches and, with the help of a magical cat, tries to save the town from the evil witches.
Averi Strickenberger, a senior from Colorado majoring in psychology, said she “used to dress up as a witch for almost every Halloween because of how much [she] loved the movie [“Hocus Pocus”] growing up.”
Practical Magic
Sally and Gillain Owens explore magical powers after Gillain’s boyfriend dies unexpectedly. After teaching themselves a crash course in magic, they are tasked with alleviating the suspicions of the town and fighting off an evil spirit.
Olive Phillips, a sophomore from Idaho and Kuwait majoring in intercultural peacebuilding and political science, said “Practical Magic” is her favorite movie to watch during Halloween because it has the “perfect 90’s spooky vibe.” The humor, interesting plot and actress Sandra Bullock make it one of the best Halloween movies, she said.
Monster House
Three young teenagers struggle to convince the adults in their town that a neighbor’s house is a living creature that is out to harm them. Afraid the house will hurt innocent trick-or-treaters, the teenagers set out to destroy the house.
Spencer Mordy, a senior from California majoring in exercise science, said one of his favorite Halloween movies is “Monster House.” He said with a smile, “It’s thrilling, but not scary enough you are going to pee your pants.”
Illiana Sua’ava, a senior from Hawaii majoring in human resources, said “Monster House” is a throwback movie for her family because she watched it every Halloween with her siblings.
Ghostbusters
After scientists lose their jobs at a university, they set out to battle supernatural activity in New York City. During their fight, they come across another dimension and must destroy the gateway to save the city.
Mark Tabbilos, a senior from the Philippines majoring in TESOL, said “Ghostbusters” is fun, hilarious and has a great sense of adventure. •