Staff Picks: Halloween books & movies
By Shannon Okas ’15
With Halloween quickly approaching, I asked the member relations office and Union director for their list of the spookiest and most memorable seasonal books and movies to get us in the Halloween spirit. Indeed, our staff has quite the eclectic taste in preferred October entertainment. Check out what we recommend and this season, don’t let yourself feel out of the loop as Halloween spirit sparks conversations about the best scares!
Sarah Artz
Member Relations Director
Favorite Halloween Movie: The Descent
Sarah loves this creepy thriller that tells the story of a group’s spelunking adventure, gone wrong. What they encounter while they’re exploring a far-off cave is sure to keep you on the end of your seat.
“The Descent is just super scary! Most of it is shot in the dark, so you can’t really tell what is going on, you just hear creepy sounds and then see flashes of. It’s perfect for curling up on the couch on fall night with a blanket (to hide behind) and a bowl of popcorn.”
And if you dare, watch the movie before heading out to Cave of the Mounds for their HOLLOW-een cave tour.
Mark Guthier
Wisconsin Union Director
Favorite Halloween Movie: Hocus Pocus
According to Mark, f you haven’t ever seen Hocus Pocus, you are really missing out. Check out this Disney story about three witches who are resurrected after 300 years and are up to no good. It’s a great way to feel spooked without all the usual horror flick gore.
“It’s a great movie for the whole family; we used to watch it all the time with the kids when they were younger. It’s just a light and fun way to enjoy Halloween!”
Marc Kennedy
Communications Director
Favorite Halloween Movie: Night of the Living Dead (the original)
Favorite Halloween Book: Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Mark has a great eye for horror! He suggests the old film, Night of the Living Dead, the original spark of the zombie obsession. If you’re more of a literary fan, Salem’s Lot by Stephen King is sure to get you in the Halloween Spirit.
“I remember the first time I saw this film was years ago on a Halloween night, all alone. It’s an old black and white horror film that is actually REALLY scary, so it’s perfect if you’re somebody who likes to be spooked on Halloween!”
“Stephen King is a great horror writer. The whole book is really creepy since it’s about disappearances in a small town.“
Scott Spychalla
Membership Program Assistant
Favorite Halloween Program: It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
According to Scott, if you’re looking for a classic (and kid-friendly) Halloween program, this is the perfect choice. We all know and love the famous Charlie Brown, so take some time to throwback and reminisce this Halloween season.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a fun take on Halloween. It’s got that good Charlie Brown nostalgia to it.”
Austin Lanners
Member Relations Intern
Favorite Halloween Movie: Poltergeist
If you’re in the mood for a good haunting story this Halloween season, Austin suggests the 80’s horror film Poltergeist! Consider yourself warned, after watching, you’ll never look at TV static the same!
“It’s a great classic scary movie. I feel like Poltergeist was one of the first movies that actually scared people. It may not be considered super scary for today’s standards but it’s creepy without being too cheesy.”
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Shannon Okas is a UW-Madison junior majoring in strategic communications. Her favorite Halloween movies are The Strangers and Halloweentown.
“I have no better excuse than Halloween to gather with friends, curl up in a dark room and be absolutely horrified. The Strangers is the perfect movie to accomplish this. On a lighter note, I am also a huge fan of the Disney Channel Original Movie, Halloweentown, that is played about five times per day throughout October. I simply cannot resist that DCOM nostalgia; it still makes me wish I could fly around on a broom.”
