Pumpkin patches, carved pumpkins and corn mazes are all staples of the fall season. While these outdoor activities are enjoyable for some, others prefer staying indoors to watch movies.
‘Dead Poets Society’
Directed by Peter Wier in 1989, “Dead Poets Society” touches on topics such as finding a unique voice, pushing past societal expectations and living life on one’s own terms. The film follows the story of teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, and his journey teaching in an all-boys preparatory school.
Keating uses unique methods in his teaching in order to connect with his students, who face immense pressures from their parents. With the help of Keating, students Neil Perry, played by Robert Sean Leonard, and Todd Anderson, played by Ethan Hawke, learn to get out of their comfort zone and pursue their aspirations.
“[I enjoy] the main message and the story,” senior Aanvi Dwivedi said. “I also like the characters a lot. I felt like they were relatable and I liked their friendship.”
Performances by actors Williams, Hawke and Leonard are praised for their raw emotion shown in their characters which led to the winning of the BAFTA award for best film.
The story centers around the fall season as it takes place at the beginning of the school year, visuals surround scenes with lighting that encapsulates the feeling of the fall weather. “Dead Poets Society” is a PG-rated movie that streams on Hulu.
‘Trick ‘r Treat’
In this story, directed by Micheal Dougherty in 2007, the residents of a small town are interrupted by an ongoing tradition that creates chaos on Halloween. They must face ghosts and ghouls, and are terrorized throughout the movie after extinguishing a Jack-O-Lantern before midnight. Throughout this film, many twists arise.
“Trick r’ Treat,” as the name suggests, takes place on Halloween, bringing the fall spirit by spooking viewers with the idea of an “innocent” Jack-O-Lantern pursuing civilians on the holiday.The film discusses Halloween traditions and the potentially terrifying consequences for those who violate them. “Trick r’ Treat” is an R-rated movie that streams on HBO Max.
“I remember being both spooked and fascinated,” senior Laksha Muruganandam said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards because it captured the feeling of fall so well.”
‘Hocus Pocus’
A classic Halloween movie, directed by Kenny Ortega in 1993, “Hocus Pocus” focuses on three children: Max, played by Omri Katz; Dani, played by Thora Birch; and Allison, played by Vinessa Shaw. When they explore an abandoned house, they unleash three evil witches, known as Sarah, played by Sarah Jessica Parker; Mary. played by Kathy Najimy; and Winifred Sanderson, played by Better Milder. With the help of a magical talking cat, they must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Similar to “Trick ‘r Treat,” this movie occurs on Halloween and contains classic Halloween themes like witches and trick-or-treating. The movie brings together, through the Sanderson sisters, the importance of the bond of sisterhood. “Hocus Pocus” is a PG-rated movie that streams on Disney+.
“I’m more of a horror person,” sophomore Amelle Ahmed said. “I like scarier movies. It’s like going on a roller coaster, just that thrill of [being scared].”
