It’s surprising that “The Halloween that Almost Wasn’t” has managed to become something of a mini-cult classic over the years. It was a TV movie that was almost lost to time, and once reclaimed, has survived thanks to nostalgia. The TV movie was much before my time, so I don’t have any real sentimentality directed toward it. In either case, ”The Halloween That Almost Wasn’t” isn’t the best Halloween special, but it has its heart in the right place, even through the cheesy final scene.
Tag Archives: Music
The Banana Splits in Hocus-Pocus Park (1972)
Before they became hacking and slashing horror movie characters (?), “The Banana Splits” were a niche kids program from the seventies. They were performers dressed in animal outfits that performed original pop rock like “The Monkees” and got in to various misadventures. They’d also show various animated shorts during the program. While I was never personally a fan, “The Banana Splits” were so much more interesting than “The Monkees” ever were. Their animated Halloween special is also one of the highlights of their television life, even if you’re not a fan.
Scooby-Doo and the Legend of the Vampire (2003)
“The Legend of the Vampire” is a bittersweet occasion. As it is one of the many, many “Scooby Doo” animated movies, it is also apparently the first Scooby-Doo movie to feature Casey Kasem, Heather North, Nicole Jaffe and Frank Welker together since 1973. The gang are back together to bring what is a pretty strong and fun mixing of the usual Mystery Inc. exploits and some great rock and roll music. Once again, we see the appearance of The Hex Girls who should, by all rights, have their own animated spin off by now. Ah well, a man can dream.
DTV Monster Hits (1987)
I admittedly was a tad too young to really savor “DTV Monster Hits” as around 1987 I was four. But years later I was able to check out the VHS copy from a cousin, and I’ve been fascinated by this compilation ever since. Although “Monster Hits” is meant to celebrate Halloween, and the long history of Disney being some twisted people under the skin, it’s also a fun compilation of some huge eighties hits. And this was 1987, the peak of the decade where Michael Jackson reigned supreme. And it’s not a surprise that the artist that leads this small compilation is Michael Jackson whose massive hit “Thriller” plays over segments of a lot of Disney animation.
Five Horror Movies with Great Soundtracks
While many love a good horror movie, a movie is only as good as the music that accompanies it. While some movies choose scores, some horror movies also implement a great soundtrack to go along with it. Often times that soundtrack becomes a recurring element throughout the film, enhancing the experience two fold. A good soundtrack is very important, and these are five great horror films with some Great soundtracks.
Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Stage Door Cartoon (1944)
2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.
Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.
Stage Door Cartoon (1944)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Written by Michael Maltese
Music by Lou Lilly
Animation by Jack Bradbury
I love “Stage Door Cartoon” as this is one of the prime shorts featuring Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd with their antics spilling over in to a pubic setting. Every single moment of “Stage Door Cartoon” is pure comedy gold, right down to the writers transforming Bugs’ signature catchphrase “What’s Up, Doc?” in to a bonafide show tune. I didn’t get to see this short until I was able to watch to Cartoon Network back in the nineties, but it’s remained one of my absolute favorites. It’s not only proof that Bugs and Elmer have possibly the best dynamic of the whole Looney Tunes gallery (Yeah, I said it), but when they’re at their best, they can produce some really laugh out loud material.
Tokyo Pop (1988)
Opens with a New 35th Anniversary 4K Restoration by Indie Collect in New York at BAM Rose Cinemas on August 4th and in Los Angeles at the American Cinematheque on August 11th, followed by national expansion.
Watching Fran Rubel Kuzui’s gave me a mysterious sense of déjà vu as her movie “Tokyo Pop” is very much about a misplaced American experiencing culture shock and alienation in an Asian country. Then I realize that Sofia Coppola pretty much conveyed almost the exact same narrative in her acclaimed “Lost in Translation.” Fran Rubel Kuzui’s “Tokyo Pop” from 1988 was an obvious influence that apparently never really was discussed very much. So much of “Tokyo Pop” is similar in tone, aesthetic and the idea of using media as a means of helping people to connect. With “Tokyo Pop” characters Wendy and Hiro use music as a means of connecting in a world where they’re separated by language and culture.