BY TONY CHEONG: Halloween is right around the corner, so it's time to rent those scary movies that make you spill your popcorn, clutch your partner and wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares.
Maybe even swear off scary movies — which I've done — until October comes around the next year.
The first scary movie I saw was "Carrie," based on a novel by, who else? Stephen King. Ever since, I've been hooked. You might even call me a connoisseur of horror flicks.
So, gentle readers, here are five recommendations:
BY TONY CHEONG: Halloween is right around the corner, so it's time to rent those scary movies that make you spill your popcorn, clutch your partner and wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares.
Maybe even swear off scary movies — which I've done — until October comes around the next year.
The first scary movie I saw was "Carrie," based on a novel by, who else? Stephen King. Ever since, I've been hooked. You might even call me a connoisseur of horror flicks.
So, gentle readers, here are five recommendations:
Halloween: Yeah, it's obvious, but it's obvious for a reason. I'm speaking of the original, and it's not for those with weak bladders or heart problems. Michael Myers will get into your head and STAY there. Meanwhile, you can never get into HIS head, except you know he's cra-cra, hates his sister and loves to… slash.
Carrie: Carrie has special powers and ridiculously eerie eyes, a heart-thumping combination. But this is a different kind of movie, at least for me. Carrie is a scary and sympathetic character all at once. And I'm glad when all those bullies get what's coming to them.
Nightmare on Elm Street: Again, the original. The introduction of the extremely disturbing Freddy Krueger. Burnt. That gloved arm with a scissor-hand. And worst of all: He gets you in your sleep. Whaaa? You mean I can't take a nap in the safety of my own home? What is this world coming to? Horrifying, but brilliant.
The Shining: Blood. Lots of blood. "Redrum! Redrum!" All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Speaking of Jack, Nicholson's transformation from writer to ax-wielding psychopath might be the creepiest — and best — villain depiction in movie history.
Amityville Horror: It actually happened. Enough said.
While writing this column, two things struck me: 1) This is a pretty solid list; 2) I'm getting soft. Know how I know this? My all-time favorite Halloween show — absolutely, positively, 100 percent — is Charles Schulz' masterpiece TV program, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."
Dreamy Linus out there in the pumpkin patch, wagering his purity against the cynics, hoping against hope…
Yep. That does it. I know what I'm watching tonight.
Do you have a question, comment or news tip for Tony? Email her at tonyontown@yahoo.com.
