“Being normal is vastly overrated.”
When I was a kid, Halloween was the only holiday I looked forward to. The idea of dressing up and going to houses to get free candy was the best gig any kid could ask for. I would beg my parents to let me trick r’ treat as late as I could. When I was wasn’t planning my costume, I was searching for scary movies to watch on television. One night, I came across across Disney channel hosting their month-long October marathon of Halloween movies.
One of those films, Halloweentown, caught my eye and forever solidified my love for the holiday.
Released in 1998, the film tells the story of 13 year-old Marnie Piper (played by Kimberly J. Brown), who discovers she comes from a long line of witches who reside in a town full of supernatural creatures, called Halloweentown. They make up the general population and live “normal” lives like humans. The film also stars Judith Hoag, Robin Thomas, and the late-great Debbie Reynolds as her grandmother, Agatha Cromwell.
Marnie’s character is what makes this film more relatable than other kid’s movies. She’s an ordinary kid who loves Halloween. Brown brings a sweet but fierce performance to the character. Up until the beginning events of the film, Marnie has always felt different and been teased for loving monsters. Her curiosity and passion for the holiday are what help bring the world of Halloweentown to life. She is in awe from the moment she steps into the world; it’s her own personal Disneyland. Much of her personality derives from her grandma Aggie, who is also a witch. Reynolds is charming and inspirational in the role, embracing the idea that being different is okay. She sees the potential in Marnie and wants her to embrace her “weirdness” for Halloween.
The film does a good job building up the world of Halloweentown, a fictional place full of friendly frights. Creatures such as werewolves, goblins, and taxi-driver skeletons make up a good population of the town. It has the right blend of CGI and practical effects when creating the monsters. With a modest TV budget, they put a lot of effort towards trying to make it feel authentic for the supernatural to reside in. Some of the visual effects are dated, but the animatronics still hold up. They offer some interesting story beats such as a werewolf who owns a hair salon and the main cast having to gather tears from a ghost.
The film was shot in St. Helens, Oregon where the residents work to keep much of the scenery intact. Since its release, the people of the town have tried to recreate the look of the film and have an annual Spirit of Halloweentown festival during the month of October. The festival boasts food, haunted houses, performances, and all-around love for Halloweentown. Last year, much of the cast made an appearance to honor Reynolds.
After 20 years, the film still resonates with me. It’s fun, scary, and embraces Halloween to its fullest potential. It’s classic 90’s Disney that many, including myself, loved watching growing up. Best of all, it has a great message that everyone can relate to: It’s okay be different. Its okay to love being scared. Its okay to be obsessed with monsters and ghouls. Its okay to love Halloween.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, kids. And happy 20th, Halloweentown.
