OK, so it's that scary time of year again... no, not tax time - Halloween! Not planning on donning that Donald Trump costume again and hitting the local parties with your ghoul-friend? Here are a few of my personal favorite Halloween titles you might enjoy instead:

First up is 'The Frighteners' (1996), starring Michael J. Fox, Dee Wallace, and John Astin. This serio-comic pic was directed by Peter Jackson (yes, of 'Lord Of The Ring' fame). The lead character, Frank (Fox), gains not only the ability to see dead people; but is able to interact with them as well. He proceeds to use his special ability to run a scam; having some of his 'dead' associates harass unwitting targets, and then offering to exorcize the spirits out of the prospective client's home/life for a fee, of course. This all goes well until a malevolent entity shows up and actually starts killing people. I like Fox's humor in this and he deftly bounces between camp and serious action. This one is not for the kiddies - rated 'R' for violence.

My next selection is 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (also 1996), directed by Robert Rodriguez and screenplay by Quentin Tarantino. This film features an ensemble cast that includes Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Salma Hayek, Cheech Martin, Kelly Preston, and many other familiar faces. A couple bank robbers, with a few hostages in tow, seek a spot to lay low following a violent heist. Unfortunately, their choice yields some unexpected surprises - a truly unique twist on the standard vampire format and pure Tarantino!

Last, but not least is another vampire pic titled 'Near Dark' (1987). Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, 'Near Dark' is a reverse twist on the more recent 'Twighlight' plot, but in this case the vampire is actually the girl and the boy who tries to woo her is mortal. Caleb (Adrian Pasdar) is smitten with Mae (Jenny Wright) and ends up joining her gypsy vampire family as they seek out fresh victims. Lance Henriksen (a favorite character actor) plays the leader of the 'family'. The film plays out like a cross between 'Lost Boys' and 'Bonnie & Clyde'. Bill Paxton is also in this and does a great turn as vampire who loves to ham it up.

Hopefully among these three titles, something will spook your fancy. Witch will you choose?