Neal Justin's TV picks: Halloween movie treats

October 30, 2019 at 8:26PM
Elsa Lancaster and Boris Karloff in the 1935 movie "Bride of Frankenstein."
Elsa Lancaster and Boris Karloff in the 1935 movie “Bride of Frankenstein.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Jeepers creepers

For those inclined to spend part of their Halloween in front of the screen, there are plenty of treats to choose from.

• I don't want to be scared!: "Live With Kelly and Ryan" spoofs great viral moments in their annual costume party, with drop-ins from celebrity guests. (9 a.m., KSTP, Ch. 5)

• I want something for my kids that won't give them nightmares: Try 2015's "Goosebumps," a smart adaptation of the R.L. Stine books starring Jack Black. (6 p.m., FXM)

• I want a horror movie that will also make me think: It's rare that the genre gets award recognition, but 2017's "Get Out" broke out of the box thanks to its not-so-subtle social commentary. (6:30 p.m., FX)

• Give me some classic chills: 1935's "Bride of Frankenstein" is the perfect marriage between gothic horror and ill-fated romance with Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester doing the ultimate monster mash. (7 p.m., TCM)

• I need to spend the evening with Stephen King: Just when you thought it was safe to send in the clowns came the latest — and most successful — adaptation of "It," with Pennywise terrorizing small-town Maine. (7 p.m., TBS)

• Just scare me. Period: OK, OK. Calm down. You've got two no-frills choices: "Halloween" (6 p.m., AMC) or "Friday the 13th" (6 p.m., IFC). It's your funeral.

Neal Justin

Jack Black, Odeya Rush and Dylan Minnette in "Goosebumps." (Hopper Stone/TNS) ORG XMIT: 1174913
Jack Black, Odeya Rush and Dylan Minnette in 2015’s “Goosebumps.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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