Movie Monday: McNally Family Halloween Traditions

Next Monday is Halloween and in the McNally household there are three films that are ALWAYS played around this time and another that I am particularly fond of and so am throwing in the mix this year.  In preparation for this festive time I thought I'd give you a brief synopsis of each so you too can make sure they are adorning your DVD player on All Hallows Eve!

HOCUS POCUS

If you haven't seen this then you are missing out on a Disney Classic.  What better way to celebrate Halloween than with the Sanderson sisters, that's Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah (Sarah-Jessica Parker).  In 1693, Salem, Massachusetts, three evil witches are preparing to suck the lives out of children to ensure their youth and allow them to live forever.  Although they manage to take the life of young Emily and turn her older brother Thackory Binx into a black cat that shall live forever, they are caught and hung.  The villagers of Salem weren't quick enough though and the Sanderson sisters managed to make one last plea to their master, the devil and place a curse on the house, promising to return when a virgin lights the black flame candle on All Hallows Eve.  1993 Max does just that and of course all hell breaks loose coupled with a fair few laughs over the sister's interpretations of modern day life.

WHAT LIES BENEATH


Albeit it's really the music that makes you jump more than anything, we've been playing this movie every Halloween since I don't even know when.  Claire Spencer (Michelle Pfeiffer) starts to see and feel some odd goings-on in her New England home after taking her daughter off to University.  Shrugging the bizarre activity off as an over active imagination and far too much time on her hands the scary happenings become more frequent and disturbing.  Husband, Norman (Harrison Ford) tries to put her mind at ease but Claire continues to delve into all sorts of possible answers and as she begins to unravel the story of her distressing past a year ago, a past she had since forgotten due to a traumatic accident, everything suddenly becomes clear.

PRACTICAL MAGIC


One of my favourite movies ever, from the music to the backdrop of the very eccentric New England home.  The Owen's women have a curse placed on the men they fall in love with by ancestor Maria, who was accused of witchcraft in the 1600's.  Whilst Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gilly (Nicole Kidman) battle with the opinions of others and their judgement over their witchy history, a sticky jam arises with an abusive boyfriend that leaves all the Owen's women in a bit of a bind.  Spellbinding story!

THE CRUCIBLE


Adapted from the Arthur Miller play based on the famous 1692 Salem Witch Trials, I hold a soft spot for this due to playing Elizabeth Proctor in the school play some years ago now.  It documents the hysteria surrounding the trials and enforced by the children who began to accuse,whilst introducing Salem villagers whom were actually killed or accused at the time.  It touches on storylines however that are thought to be inaccurate and created purely for entertainment purposes.  Abigail (Winona Ryder) begins to accuse fellow town folk of Salem of witchcraft after being caught dancing naked in the woods with other young girls of Salem.  The lies spiral out of control and the girls are all mesmerised by Abigail and her accusations, part excited by the concept of being in control of the village and part fearful that they would be accused next if they rebelled.  Amongst the accused is both John (Daniel Day Lewis) and Elizabeth Proctor who were Abigail's former employers and John her ex-lover.

*Image taken from www.imdb.com

Some Hocus Pocus!

There are certain seasonal events which make me wish I lived in the States.  They really seem to go to town with their decorations and festive attitude.  Halloween is a prime example. I love it.  Ever since my mum bought home some Halloween decorations from a trip to the US, back when I was about 12/13, Halloween has been a major deal in my house.  Every year I buy a few extra decorations, replenish the black and orange candles and cook an autumnal themed meal.  This year was no different...

I hollowed out three pumpkins and looked for inspiration from Martha Stewart.  My favourite is the one in the middle, which is Martha's "haunted graveyard" jack o'lantern.  Instead of cutting into the skin like the other two, I drew the outline of the picture and then scraped at the skin, so that when a candle is placed inside it looks like this...

I also further decorated the inside of our house, although I focus mainly on our dining room, which you'll understand why just shortly...

For the autumnal feast, I made spiced pumpkin soup with toasted garlic pumpkin seeds, using the insides of two of my pumpkins, a sausage casserole and then these ghoulish treats...

These were Devils Food Cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery cookbook iced with vanilla buttercream, which I dyed with green food colouring.  The haunting cupcake toppers were purchased from Waitrose.  We finished the night with a showing of none other than our favourite Halloween themed film Hocus Pocus, which is made all the more apt by the fact that we have our very own black cat.

I was absolutely devastated that I discovered these gorgeous looking scrubs and creams, from Haus of Gloi too late to order in time for Halloween but still intend to give them a whirl soon.  For a full review check out The Gloss Goss which is where I initially found out about them!