Spooky screenings in October
If you’ve already worn yourself out with hayrides and haunted attractions but still want more horror this month, many theaters locally are playing spooky cinema ranging from retro classics to chilling J-Horror flicks. Make note of these upcoming screenings (if you dare).
If you've already worn yourself out with hayrides and haunted attractions, but still want more horror this month, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some spooky theater and cinema, from retro classics to chilling J-Horror flicks.
Make note of these upcoming screenings (if you dare):
If you're not a gory horror fan, but still appreciate some monster-themed flicks, Theatre N at Nemours (1007 N. Orange St., Wilmington, Del.) is hosting a Midnight Musical series that pairs perfect with the Halloween season. On Saturday, Oct. 18 lovers, monsters, and a hilarious transvestite perform the remarkable "Rocky Horror Picture Show," and on Saturday, Oct. 25 Dr. Frankenstein's grandson takes on his own experiments during "Young Frankenstein".
If you call yourself a horror buff, but have never seen a J-Horror genre film (or Japanese horror film), you're missing out. The Bryn Mawr Film Institute (824 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr) presents three selected J-Horror films by Tidepoint Pictures President and veteran Japanese independent film producer/distributor Tetsuki Ijichi. The three selected films are:
"The Room": A world premiere screening of movie whose main character is convinced a ghost is present in her room. A Q&A with director David Shin will follow after the screening. Screening is on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 8:30 p.m.
"Shady": An unlikely pair of people gets along until one's sinister side is revealed. Screening is on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 8:30 p.m.
"It's A Beautiful Day": A Philadelphia premiere screening of a J-Horror slasher film. Screening is on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m.
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) takes a break from the dance parties on Wednesday, Oct. 22 for a double movie screening featuring the famous sweater monster Freddy Krueger in "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and the classic zombies in "The Return of the Living Dead." The screening starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission gets you both screenings, popcorn, and a drink.
The catacomb-dwelling, piano-playing performer better known as "The Phantom of the Opera" gets a spotlight this Halloween on Sunday, Oct. 26 as the Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville) screens the 1925 silent masterpiece with a live musical performance. Check this film out at 2 p.m.
With the opening of Dilworth Park (Broad and Market Streets) in September, there hasn't been a shortage of events. On Tuesday, Oct. 28 the plaza's Pictures in the Park series goes paranormal during a screening of the thriller "The Sixth Sense." The showing is set to take place at 7 p.m.
If you appreciate retro horror flicks formatted in 35mm film, you're in for a treat (no trick). The Philadelphia Film Society introduces a six-film series featuring zombies, vampires, masked murderers, and more ghouls hiding in the shadows during Sinister Series at the Roxy Theater (2023 Sansom St.) On Sunday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 2, shiver away during these selected films:
"Dracula" (1931): The PFS "velcomes" the Sinister Series with the ancient vampire, Count Dracula. The screening is on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7:15 p.m.
Bram Strocker's "Dracula" (1992): A vampire in England in search of a visitor's fiancé. At least the Queen of England is safe…or is she? The screening is on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 9 p.m.
"House of Usher:" A man, a fiancée, a mansion, and a terrifying story, we'll leave the rest for you to figure out. The screening is on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
"The Pit and the Pendulum:" A man in search for the true reason of his sister's mysterious death turns into a thrilling adventure. The screening is on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 9:30 p.m.
"Halloween:" It's Michael Myers, he is psycho. Run. The screening is on Friday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at 11:59 p.m.
"Night of the Living Dead:" An original zombie that started the craze that inspired many films and TV shows produced today. The screening is on Friday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at 11:59 p.m.
"Is that your wife? What a lovely throat." The famous 1922 horror flick, "Nosferatu" will be screened with a live musical performance playing throughout the film at PhilaMOCA (531 N 12th St.) on Friday, Oct. 31 for two showings: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.