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14 THE OBSERVER • OCT. 28 - NOV. 3, 2010
Scary movies
“Trick ‘r Treat”
BY NICHOLE WILLIAMSON
Staff Reporter
A confusing and frustrating film, “Trick ‘r Treat,” puts a slightly humorous spin on the classic tales of Halloween: the bus driver with a shady past, the college virgin, the high school principal with unusual extracurricular activities and teenagers looking to cause some trouble. While all the stories are interwoven by a creepy child-like character, Sam, the constant jumping forward and backward leaves holes in the plot and too many unanswered questions. The film focuses closely on honoring the age-old traditions of Halloween, such
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as leaving jack o’ lanterns lit to ward off evil spirits. Failure to follow the rules can lead to some gory consequences. Directed by Michael Dougherty and released in 2008, “Trick ‘r Treat” isn’t a must-see film of the horror genre but it’s good enough to warrant a rental viewing.
“The Shining”
BY GIANCARLO GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY NINA KANARSKAYA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The graveyard was only one part of the lawns decorations which included flying gouls and pumpkin lights. Graveyards were a popular decoration for front lawns which often included the return of the undead. Skeletons crawled out of flower beds in this front yard and monsters were hiding by the front door. Carved pumpkins are simple decorations that students can create themselves with any design they want.
Halloween party tip #1: watch your drinking BY PRESTON PRENDERGAST
Staff Reporter
Halloween is all about having a sweet costume and a good time, but one thing students can forget about during this spooky fall festival is being safe. Officer Mark McPherson of the CWU police department said students should be extra careful with their beverages. “Never leave your drink unattended, if you leave it alone than pour it out and get a new one, this goes for both men and women,” McPherson said. “Also, open your own drinks and don’t take opened beverages from strangers or you might end up like Stiffler from American Pie.”
Staff Reporter
Even after 30 years from its release, “The Shining” still brings it to the screen with ferocity and frightening pace, leaving movie goers stunned in its wake. This epic horror film rewrote the genre and made Jack Nicholson a film legend. His performance as Jack Torrance, a writer looking to get away with his family for the winter only to slide into insanity, made it his signature role. Shelly Duvall as his wife brings a level of hysteria that matches Nicholson’s power while their only son, played by Danny Lloyd, deals with manifest psychic powers that drive the narrative into the supernatural. The haunted hotel where the family stays oozes with evil and its ghosts play a
The CWU wellness center, located on campus, also has a handful of tips for students going out this weekend. “Everyone should be alert to drinking cups that are colored differently for men and women,” said Whitney Pickering, a wellness center coordinator. “When you go out this Halloween be sure to use the buddy system and to know where your buddies are at all times.” Jay Conrad, a wellness center coordinator, said that students can also easily control the quantity of alcohol they consume. “To help watch how much you drink, try using the little shot bottles instead of bringing a whole fifth,” Conrad said. “Also, be sure to charge your phone and keep it on you. You might need it to call 911 or your friends for help.” Students don’t have to go off campus to find a fun time this Halloween, as most residence halls on campus will be hosting events. “Every dorm will have their own special event for Halloween,” said Jordan Yanev, exercise fitness major
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major role in the unfolding nightmare. Director Stanly Kubrick’s reworking of the script created the ghost girls in the hallway, the gushing blood in the elevator shaft and the infamous insane and macabre line, “Heeeere’s Johnny!” Stephen King wrote the novel but “The Shining” as a film is a whole other animal. It knocks you off your feet with its masterful tracking shots, its intense performances and its wild ending. Rent this monster and prepare to get your head blown off.
and Resident Assistant. “My dorm will be hosting a scary movie night so bring some popcorn and a warm blanket to hide under.” Although there are various events around the residence halls this weekend, there are no large school events available to students as a going-out alternative. A part of that is due to homecoming being the week before Halloween, and that event planners don’t know what students want for an event. According to Steven Ross, vice president for student life and facilities, the student board of directors would be willing to plan an event on Halloween in the future but they need student input to organize it. The student board of directors doesn’t approve of underage drinking, but they want all students to be smart and safe this weekend, Ross said. During this spooky Halloween night be sure to play it safe and get treats, not tricks. Be smart, use the buddy system and if you have to drink then bring your own to the party.