The Witches Of Eastwick D: George Miller (1987) 119m
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In a role seemingly cater made for Jack Nicholson, a demonic lothario moves to a New England town after three women (Cher, Susan Sarandon & Michelle Pfeiffer) conjure up his presence. The women discover their powers and a curious mix of dark comedy and horror propels the rest of the movie to its electrifying climax.
A bizarre dark comedy about a couple who have been killed in car crash and inhabit their New England home as ghosts. Finding themselves too nice to be scary, when the new owners move in they enlist the aid of a 'bio-exorcist' to help solve their problems. Michael Keaton is menacingly scary as the incorrigible title character.
The Witches D: Nicholas Roeg (1990) 91m
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Adapted from the Roald Dahl book, The Witches flopped at the box-office despite some glowing critical reviews. Under a decree from the Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston) two boys are turned into mice and set out to prevent the same thing from happening to all the children. Wildly entertaining, but a bit scary for small kids.
Ghost D: Jerry Zucker (1990) 128m
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A real tearjerker that had one cinema in Mexico handing out "for women only" tissues. Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze star as impassioned lovers. Things go wrong when Swayze is rubbed out in bungled hit and has to communicate through a medium (Whoopi Goldberg). A nice mix of comedy and horror with lots of romance.
Interview With the Vampire D: Neil Jordan (1994) 123m
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Based on Anne Rice's bestselling novel, the author's original objection to Tom Cruise landing the lead was soon forgotten after she saw his outstanding performance. A vampire offers a man the chance to become a creature of the night and has to learn the ropes through an interview with his benefactor. Classy horror film.
Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets D: C Columbus (2002) 161m
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The second Harry Potter movie confirmed that the franchise would remain a winner, although the seriously darker overtones worried more than a few parents. Harry returns to Hogwarts School against advice to find a dark force at work within its walls. The Chamber of Secrets holds the key to unravelling the deepening mystery.
Van Helsing D: Stephen Sommers (2004) 132m
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Silly and dumb, but loads of over-the-top fun. Famed monster hunter Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) heads off to Transylvania where Count Dracula is using Dr Frankenstein and the Wolfman for his not-unexpectedly evil purposes. It only gets better when drop-dead gorgeous Kate Beckinsale is tossed into the mix as a Gypsy princess looking to break a family curse. Cheesy stuff.
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban D: Alfonso Cuarón (2004) 141m
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The third film in the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise continues the magic of past efforts. This time Potter must face Azkaban escapee Sirius Black, a maniacal murderer who has it in for him. From a family perspective there is also a skeleton in the closet that must be unravelled. Hogwarts and all its familiar characters are back in this superb entry in the series.
