THE STANDARD
October Issue
Haunted events and places, affordable costumes and other Spooky Season happenings
A note from the editor
Midterms, fall break, changing leaves and pumpkins everywhere are a good indicator of what time it is in the Springfield area.
Spooky season!
With the timing in mind, I thought it’d be a good idea to have our staff share a few of Springfield’s Halloween secrets with our readers to get into the Halloween vibes before we head into the latter half of first semester.
In this issue, you’ll find all things spooky including haunted places around the area, how to have a sustainable Halloween, a list of unscary horror movies for the faint of heart and so much more that should get you into the spooky spirit without a doubt.
Join us in preparing for one of my favorite times of the year and, as always, thank you for reading!
Jayden Pettus, Editor-in-Chief
Standard staff
Editors
Jayden Pettus editor-in-chief
Ella Conklin campus administration editor
Ava Gorton campus activities editor
Maddux Radosevic sports editor
Alyssa Roney arts and culture editor
Reporters and visual artists
Brooke Benne reporter
Makanaka Bgoni reporter
W. Paul Bohlen sports reporter
Emmy Crawford illustrator
KC Culbertson sports reporter
Elizabeth Dedert sports reporter
Elise Dust reporter
Tabitha Easterwood photographer
Robin Garner reporter
Lily Hale reporter
Matthew Huff photographer
Spencer Justice photographer
Ruby Knight reporter
Jorja Lageschulte reporter
Hailey Lampley photographer
Hunter Meacheam reporter
Audrey Moore photographer
Ayricka Pointer reporter
Isabella Reed reporter
Rylie Robinson reporter
Jamie Santner sports reporter
Ellie Sellers reporter
Abby Sommer reporter
Cover design by Jayden Pettus
On the cover:
An inflatable pumpkin and pumpkin patch in Nixa, Missouri, just south of Springfield.
Photo by Jayden Pettus
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Screenshot from missourihorrorcon.com
Missouri Horror Con will feature a costume contest and special guests Michael Biehn and Devon Sawa.
Seven spooky events to check out during October
MAKANAKA BGONI Reporter
Qmakanakabgoni
Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween season! From spooky haunted houses to family-friendly parades and costume contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this October. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate with thrills, chills and plenty of treats!
Field of Screams
Every Weekend of October
7 p.m. - 12 a.m.
2142 N Sports Complex Ln., Nixa, MO, 65714
Pick your poison, a chilling and spooky half mile trail with haunting characters, or a haunted maze with clowns at every turn. At the Haunted Forest or Coulrophobia, choose one – or both – at your own peril. This year will bring new and recurring characters and scenes, so grab your friends and get ready for a night of fright and fun.
Haunted History Walking/Bus Tours
Walking Tour: Every Friday and Saturday of October, Bus Tour: Oct. 24-25
5:30 p.m.
154 Park Central Sq., Springfield, MO 65806
The History Museum on the Square is illuminating the haunting stories of downtown Springfield. The walking tour will take you to The Calaboose, Historic Fox Theatre and TaBak Co. The bus tour will go to Springfield
Commercial Street and Drury University. Whichever route you choose, you will be getting a night filled with both ghostly and true crime stories of Springfield.
Missouri Horror Con Oct. 11-12
Saturday 10 a.m–6 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
635 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806
Dress up as your favorite spooky character at this year’s Missouri Horror Con! There will be a costume contest, and special guests including Michael Biehn from “The Terminator” and Devon Sawa from “Casper,” “Final Destination” and “Chucky.” Enjoy workshops, gaming, fan panels and more. This two-day event is perfect for fans of horror stories of all mediums.
Walking with Ghosts: An Evening of True Crime Hauntings
Oct. 18
7 p.m.
514 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, MO 65714
Come experience a night of hair-raising ghost stories based on true murders. Paranormal researcher Amy Bruni brings accounts of mystery and true crime along with mementos and relics. By the end of the night you will be checking over your shoulder for ghosts and other spirits.
Thriller on C-Street: Macabre
Promenade Oct. 18
7 p.m.
224 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO, 65803
The annual Halloween parade is coming back to Commercial Street! Enjoy performances of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and more in this six block procession along the historic C-Street.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct. 24
8 p.m.
325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806
The area-favorite theater, the Gillioz, is showing the film “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This musical tells the story of a couple who finds their way to the castle of scientist Dr. FrankN-Furter. They go on to meet eccentric people and the doctor’s creation, Rocky Horror. Dress up for the character contest and come see this cult classic!
Candlelight Orchestra: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics Oct. 26
6:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Drury University, 900 N Benton Ave., Springfield, MO 65802, Springfield, 65802
The spooky season gets even spookier with this performance of Halloween classics. Featuring well-known scary movie themes and a room lit up with candles, this string quartet show is sure to provide an eerie night.
Screenshot from historymuseumonthesquare.org
The Haunted History Walking and Bus tours will take you to various allegedly haunted places in downtown Springfield.
Hotel of Terror continues operation amid property acquisition dispute
ELLA CONKLIN Campus Administration Editor Q_ellaconklin
Amid lengthy property acquisition negotiations, Springfield’s most notorious haunted house, Hotel of Terror, is open for patrons ready to be spooked!
In 1978, the Mathis family opened Hotel of Terror in downtown Springfield. The haunt’s first October offered a 5 to 10 minute experience with two floors to see.
“The original price was only $2. We brought in a total of $26 on opening night in 1978! The money wasn’t our goal obviously. The fun we had scaring and seeing the customers having a blast was our goal,” the owner, Sterling Mathis, shares on the Hotel of Terror website.
What started as a family passion project has turned into a top-ranked Halloween attraction. Hotel of Terror is now a four-floor, 10,000 square foot experience with a 96-foot slide as the haunt’s finale. Patrons walk single-file through different themed, maze like rooms, vulnerable to a number of scares!
“The main thing with (Hotel of Terror) is it is very claustrophobic, very tight. You can’t run when you get scared,” said Mathis. Mathis was 16 years old when his parents opened Hotel of Terror and he has been improving and caring for the building ever since. Mathis is also the owner of Dungeons of Doom, a more open-concept haunt, also located downtown.
These notorious Springfield haunted houses are a family affair as Mathis and his family have run and operated them for nearly 50 years. Mathis is even related to the owners of Kansas City’s big haunts, Edge of Hell and The Beast. Scaring is in the Mathis family’s blood and they remain committed to terrifying the people of Springfield.
In late 2024, Springfield finalized and approved plans for the Jordan Valley Creek renovation project. The project aims to improve flood prevention infrastructure while revitalizing the section of downtown the creek flows through with a park.
Hotel of Terror is located right on the edge of Main Street Bridge. The bridge runs over Jordan Valley Creek and is over 100 years old. In preparation to renovate the Main Street Bridge and the Renew Jordan Creek project, the City of Springfield began acquisition negotiations with Mathis in 2019.
Originally Mathis was not interested in moving at all, especially after the city didn’t offer him enough to afford to move his business to a new building, he said.
“(The City of Springfield) started out offering $100,000 to buy it,” Mathis said “I said, ‘it’s ridiculous, I’m not doing that.’ Then it progressed up to $650,000, they wanted to buy it. I said ‘no I can’t move for $650,000. It’s impossible. I can’t do it.’ So, then they tried eminent domain.”
After failed negotiations, the Springfield City Council voted to use eminent domain to obtain the Hotel of Terror in February of 2023. Mathis was able to secure enough signatures from Springfield citizens for a referendum petition and the City Council repealed the eminent domain ordinance in May of the same year.
“I told the City Council, ‘Look, if you want to (eminent domain Hotel of Terror), I’ll stay there until my grandkids are in rest homes if the people keep me here,’” Mathis said after the ordinance was repealed. “I’m willing to move it, but I’m not going to move it where it costs me money and I go out of business.”
After the eminent domain ordinance was repealed, negotiations continued for the city to buy the building. Mathis drew up a plan to move Hotel of Terror to the backside of Dungeons of Doom and came up with a total of how much the move would cost him.
“So the price was $2 million. I said ‘That’s what it’s going to cost.’ And (the City) himhawed around a little bit then gave me a contract for $2 million,” Mathis said.
This contract fell through in 2024 as, according to Mathis, the city denied him certain permits until he brought the new building up to code. These additional renovations would cost an additional $400,000 to move Hotel of Terror, said Mathis.
The city sees these demands as Mathis wanting, “guaranteed approval of what he wants to build without having building plans,” said Corra Scott, director of public information and civic engagement for the City of Springfield, in a 2024 Ozarks First article.
Currently, according to Mathis, it would cost him $3.5 million to move Hotel of Terror and accommodate the city’s additional demands to bring the building up to code.
“I doubt (the City of Springfield) is going to do (meet Mathis’s $3.5 million ask), so it’ll probably be another eminent domain. It’ll be another big fight and then it’s going to be ugly,” Mathis said.
Kristen Milam, senior communication coordinator for the City of Springfield, explains the Main Street Bridge is deteriorating and currently cannot be used by heavy vehicles like firetrucks and buses. The bridge also currently hinders the stormwater capacity of Jordan Creek, creating flood risk.
Hotel of Terror, located at 334 N. Main Ave., is open until Nov. 1 with $25 admission.
“Overall, the location of the Hotel is costing the community the use of this bridge – impacting our transit system, stormwater system, emergency response and resulting in missed redevelopment potential,” Milam said.
Milam says the city is trying to accommodate Mathis and Hotel of Terror as much as possible.
“The city has explored various design alternatives to try to replace the bridge and accommodate the Hotel of Terror,” she said. “However, the proximity of the building to the creek channel causes great risk to any contractor and construction process we might try. The building also inhibits the natural flow of the creek and doesn’t allow us to realize the flood reduction benefits needed for this area of downtown to redevelop or revitalize further.”
According to Milam, Springfield is committed to giving Mathis fair compensation for the building despite the lengthy negotiation process.
“Negotiations are ongoing,” she said. “They have taken longer than usual on this project because it is a unique business and we are being very mindful of that throughout the process. It is the City’s goal to improve public safety and ultimately for everyone to be happy with the outcome.”
Despite negotiations continuing and the future of Hotel of Terror undecided, one thing is for certain, the haunt is open to patrons this frightening season! Hotel of Terror and Dungeons of Doom are open Friday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday night, patrons can be scared from 7 p.m. to midnight and Sunday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Each haunt cost $25 or a joint ticket can be purchased for $45. Prepare to know true fear as Hotel of Terror’s hallways are said to be actually haunted with ghosts. Hired scarers and animatronics alike stalk to buildings waiting to terrify guests. Take advantage of Springfield’s longest-running haunted houses until Nov. 1!
Photo by Audrey Moore, Qpassmetheaudie
Alyssa Roney (middle) poses with friends before trick-or-treating during Halloween.
RONEY:
To trick or treat?
That is the question
ALYSSA RONEY
Arts and Culture Editor Qalyssa.roney
Every October, I am plagued with a moral dilemma of the gravest nature: should I do as most folks my age do and find a spooky (and, likely smelly) soiree to party at on Halloween, or do I covertly go door-to-door in the Rountree neighborhood to collect candy once the stragglers have left?
I know what you may be thinking, why on earth is a college senior thinking about trickor-treating?
In my defense, it’s a bit of a family tradition. My mom went trick-or-treating in college and was quite successful until she rang one of her professors’ doorbells. Likewise, my diminutive 5’2” stature lends itself easily to the cause of blending in with some of the older kids. With this privilege comes a certain responsibility to lay out the facts of the matter.
1. Residents will probably treat you scornfully. Reddit user jaymun went so far
Unscary Scary Movies: Halloween Movies For Non-Horror Fans
ABBY SOMMER Reporter Qabbys2025
For those of us who scare easily, Halloween horror movies are definitely not on our watch lists. However, if you still want to enjoy a Halloween-themed movie night with your friends this October, don’t despair! Here are some fantastic Halloween movies that are great for non-horror fans.
“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown and Snoopy? This classic Peanuts film is made for those of us who want Halloween vibes without the scare factor. The Peanuts gang sets out to Trick-or-Treat and celebrate Halloween with a party, while Linus waits for The Great Pumpkin. Linus believes that The Great Pumpkin will rise out of the most sincere pumpkin patch and deliver Halloween presents to boys and girls all over the world. He spends the duration of the movie hoping that The Great Pumpkin will rise out of his pumpkin patch.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
“Ghostbusters”
The movie that originated the famous Halloween song, “Ghostbusters” is a Halloween classic itself. When a team of scientists lose their university jobs, they decide to use their tech to fight the supernatural and become “ghostbusters.” As the new business booms, the scientists discover a potential world-ending threat in the form of an ancient Hittite god named Gozer.
“Monster House”
An animated classic, “Monster House” follows a teenage boy named DJ who lives across from a cranky old man, Nebbercracker, who absolutely refuses to let anyone else onto his property. When his basketball accidentally bounces into Nebbercracker’s lawn, they make plans to sneak over and retrieve it. When their plans go amiss, they find themselves stuck in Nebbercracker’s house, which they soon find out has a mind of its own.
“Halloweentown”
as to say that their college trick-or-treating experience wasn’t even worth the free candy.
2. If you are (candy) corny enough to go trick-or-treating as a college student, you’d better be corny enough to dress to the nines. Attached is a picture of me with my family in 2020 as “Rolling Thunder Revue” era Bob Dylan. Go big, or go home.
3. Kids should have their pick first. If that means being stuck with Tootsie Rolls and Smarties, so be it.
If you think you can keep all these things in mind and still have a good time, I can’t say I endorse the behavior, but I will happily watch you reap the benefits. Also, please show me your costume.
As for me, I think I’ll enjoy a cozy night in this year, savoring my go-to Halloween movie, “Carrie,” with a friend or two and making the most of the last year before I am the one that passes out candy to kids and college students.
Although there has been much debate about whether “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Halloween or Christmas movie, it is still a perfect way to enjoy the spooky season when you don’t want to feel scared. A stop-motion classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” centers around a place called Halloweentown. When their fearless skeleton king, Jack Skellington, stumbles into Christmas Town, he attempts to recreate Christmas in Halloweentown.
“The Addams Family” (1991)
“The Addams Family” follows the strange lives of the rich family that consists of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday,and Pugsley Addams. When a man claiming to be their uncle Fester shows up at their door, they take him in. After a little while they begin to suspect that he is not the real Fester and that something is amiss.
“Hocus Pocus”
In this Halloween classic comedy, a teenage boy named Max struggles to fit in after moving to Salem, Massachusetts. While exploring an abandoned house he accidentally frees a coven of witches, the Sanderson sisters. In order to keep them from causing more havoc, he has to steal their spellbook before they become immortal.
When three young children - Marnie, Dylan and Sophie - find out that their family are witches, they accidentally find themselves in Halloweentown, a town where witches and monsters can live in peace away from mortals. When their grandmother discovers them in Halloweentown, they must help their grandmother find the truth about the citizens of Halloweentown who have been disappearing.
Photo submitted by Alyssa Roney
Photo by Lily Hale
An MSU student prepares their Halloween costume themselves with a sewing machine. There are many alternatives to buying oneuse Halloween costumes.
HALE: Tips for a more sustainable Halloween
LILY HALE Reporter
As Halloween approaches, it is easy to fall into the trap of purchasing a high-waste costume that will be worn once and then promptly be tossed in the trash, contributing to the vast amount of pollution that plagues landfills and garbage dumps. This year, many are opting for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to their costuming habits. Not only are these costumes better for the environment, but they are also better for your wallet!
Let’s investigate the ways in which you can do your part to keep Halloween clean, and save some money.
1. Go thrift shopping
Springfield offers a variety of thrift stores which will contain plenty of hidden gems for
your costuming needs. Whether you’re intending to go as a cartoon character, a classic vampire, or something downright terrifying, you’re bound to find a piece for your ensemble at at least one of these shops around town.
Thrift Haven
1312 S. Glenstone Ave.
Located on Glenstone Avenue, Thrift Haven offers a variety of clothing, as well as books, furniture, electronics, etc. All proceeds go towards the children at Fair Haven, a foster home care facility that has been running on donations for over 60 years. Not only will you be saving money and the environment, but shopping here will help a child in need during the Halloween season!
Blind Community Thrift Store
2713 N. Kansas Expressway
Another charity-based organization, all pur-
chases made at the Blind Community Thrift Store go directly towards furthering programs in Springfield for the visually impaired.
Homewrecker Vintage
1349 S Glenstone Ave. Suite H
The final thrift shop on this list is a woman owned and run business within walking distance of campus. Here, you’ll find vintage men and women’s wear, perfect for older costumes and for rehoming older clothing.
2. DIY!
Whether you’re a skilled crafter or a dabbler in the fiber arts, creating your own Halloween costume can be a rewarding experience. Browse the internet for inspiration, then get to work!
So many costume pieces can be made from items you find around the house: cardboard, glue, and repurposed fabric can go a long way!
3. Get creative with makeup
Makeup and face paint are often the embellishments that make a costume come together. No matter the end goal, a bit of practice in front of a mirror can take your outfit to the next level without breaking the bank or contributing waste to the environment.
4. Host a Halloween swap party
Chances are, if you haven’t already thrown out last year’s costume, it’s sitting in the back of your closet, collecting dust. With this in mind, exchanging costumes with friends can give you the same satisfaction a brand new costume would, without spending a dime or tossing the old one out!
No matter how you choose to dress up this spooky season, bear in mind the environmental impact of your actions. Remember to shop sustainably; the earth, and your wallet, will thank you!
Unlucky or just fluffy? Black cat bias increases during Spooky Season
ELLIE SELLERS Reporter
Qelliehugztrees
Black cats have long been linked to myths about bad luck and witchcraft.
These old beliefs continue to cause harm today, especially around Halloween. As History.com explains, “Written records link black cats to the occult as far back as the 13th century when an official church document called Vox in Rama was issued by Pope Gregory IX… ‘In it, black cats were declared an incarnation of Satan.’” These associations cemented the idea that black cats were evil omens; a superstition that still influences public perception today.
Animal welfare groups continue to challenge these misconceptions, especially during Halloween. Some shelters used to stop adoptions in October over fears the animals could be harmed or exploited, but experts now reject that idea. The University of Florida’s Shelter Medicine Program states, “There is no evidence that adopting black cats around Halloween poses any greater risk to the pets than adopting them at any other time of the year.” Instead, they encourage responsible adoption practices and public education to reduce unfounded fears.
Even so, black cats still face disadvantages in shelters year-round. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reports that “Black cats face two less desirable outcomes at shelters: lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates.”
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science similarly found that “black cats experienced the highest euthanasia and lowest adoption rates, while white cats had the lowest euthanasia and highest adoption rates.”
Psychological research also supports this pattern. Researchers Haylie D. Jones and Christian L. Hart described in their research paper “Black Cat Bias” as the phenomenon where “cats with black coats are viewed more negatively, adopted less often, and euthanized more often than lighter colored cats.” These biases, rooted in centuries of superstition, continue to shape how potential adopters view darker-colored animals.
Black cats deserve the same kindness and safety as all other pets. By rejecting old superstitions and embracing facts, people can help end the unfair treatment of these beautiful animals; not only at Halloween, but throughout the year.
Photo by Jayden Pettus, Qjpettus_media
Typically associated with bad luck and occult-type vibes, black cats can have a tougher time being adopted from shelters as opposed to cats with other color coats. Despite their spike in popularity during the Halloween season, according to a study by researchers at the University of Louisville, black cats still see fewer adoptions during the fall, but selection is often subjective.
Illustration by Ella Conklin, Q_ellaconklin
BENNE: A spoiler-free ranking of the ‘Halloween’ series
BROOKE BENNE Reporter
On Halloween night in 1963, a six-year-old boy from Haddonfield, Illinois, took a kitchen knife and brutally murdered his older sister. His name was Michael Myers — a figure who would go on to become one of the most iconic slasher villains in horror movie history.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, this independent film picks up 15 years after Michael’s crime, during which he has been confined to a sanitarium. Jamie Lee Curtis makes her film debut as Laurie Strode, the innocent and unsuspecting protagonist who has no idea that Michael has escaped and is heading back to his hometown. Donald Pleasence portrays Dr. Loomis, Michael’s psychiatrist, who desperately tries to warn Haddonfield and stop the killer before it’s too late.
With Carpenter not only directing but also composing the film’s chilling, legendary score, Halloween became a defining moment for the horror genre.
“Halloween” (1978) 5/5
The one that started it all. Halloween is a classic horror film that inspired countless others that followed—and for good reason. From its chilling opening title sequence and unforgettable score to the introduction of characters like Dr. Loomis, Laurie Strode, and Michael Myers, it stands as a defining entry in the genre. Its simple yet haunting cinematography, tight editing, and restrained storytelling helped kick off the slasher boom of the 1980s. Decades later, Halloween remains a must-watch.
“Halloween II” (1981) 4/5
Taking place on the same night as the original Halloween, the sequel picks up right where the first film left off. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, though her slightly aged appearance and noticeable wig reveal the three-year gap between films. Laurie is much more meek this time, lacking any personality shown previously. However, Donald Pleasence shines as Dr. Loomis, whose pursuit of Michael drives the story. The kill scenes are well executed, the atmosphere remains tense, and the dialogue, often unintentionally funny, adds a campy charm. Halloween II is an underrated classic that deserves
more recognition.
“Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982) 2/5
The filmmakers original intention for what became the Halloween franchise was to create an anthology series, with each film telling a different story set around the holiday. Michael Myers was never meant to return after the first movie, but the massive success of Halloween led to a direct sequel that wrapped up his story. That’s why Halloween III: Season of the Witch has no connection to the original cast—aside from a brief TV ad referencing the first film. This installment follows Dr. Daniel Challis as he uncovers a bizarre plot by a small-town mask maker. Despite a few eerie moments, solid practical effects, and creative gore, the story is so strange and forgettable that it ended the anthology experiment altogether. The worst part is not a single real witch appears.
“Halloween 4: Return of Michael Myers” (1988) 3/5
Ten years after Halloween II, Michael Myers awakens from a decade-long coma upon learning of Jamie Lloyd, the young daughter of the now-deceased Laurie Strode. Jamie struggles to adjust to her new foster family while haunted by nightmares of Michael. Though Laurie’s absence is disappointing, Danielle Harris delivers an impressive performance for her age and film debut. Donald Pleasence returns as Dr. Loomis, whose over-the-top obsession with Michael adds both tension and unintentional humor. The kills are decent, the acting solid, but the plot was very camp that led to an outlandish yet memorable ending.
“Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989) 3/5
The only way to enjoy this movie is to watch it as a comedy. Picking up a year after the previous film, it continues Jamie Lloyd’s increasingly dire story. Donald Pleasence once again steals the show with a wildly over-the-top performance that’s unintentionally hilarious. Between the absurd creative choices and chaotic plot twists, I found myself laughing more than anything else. It’s undeniably bizarre, and while entertaining in its own way, it’s far from a great film.
“Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995) 1.5/5
This is easily the worst plot in the entire Halloween franchise. It’s disturbing, confusing, and painfully dull—nothing about it makes sense. The theatrical cut drags, though the director’s version offers slightly better kills and action sequences. One fun fact, this is Paul Rudd’s first feature film, and it shows. His awkward delivery results in an unintentionally funny performance and makes it hard to take the already ridiculous plot seriously. Despite a decent effort from the lead actress, the story goes in endless circles of people running from death warnings. Aside from a few creative kills and laughable moments, this installment is a complete misfire.
“Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” (1998) 4/5
As the title suggests, Halloween H20 takes place 20 years after Halloween II. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, now living under the name Carrie Tate and working as the headmistress of a secluded boarding school, where her son, played by a young and charming Josh Hartnett, is a student. Curtis and Hartnett share strong chemistry, convincingly portraying a strained but loving mother-son relationship. While the film isn’t the most sophisticated entry in the franchise, it balances humor, action, and suspense well enough to keep viewers engaged. The ending delivers a thrilling payoff but is sadly undercut by the sequel that followed.
“Halloween Resurrection” (2002) 2/5
The opening scene of this movie is cringeworthy, irritating, and unintentionally funny in how absurd it is. The story follows a group of young adults who get the chance to film their exploration of the Myers house— though it’s clearly not the same one from previous films. It’s no surprise this installment earned poor reviews. While the concept had potential, with its early-2000s “reality TV” twist of capturing murders on camera, the weak acting and questionable creative choices sank it fast.
“Halloween”
(2007) 4.5/5
Rob Zombie takes over as director and reimagines Halloween for the
2000s, crafting a grittier, modern take with a new cast portraying the familiar characters. The result is a creative, funny, and surprisingly intense film. Its sharp cinematography and fastpaced editing give it a distinctive edge, while the performances fit perfectly with Zombie’s raw, chaotic tone. The new direction for Michael, Laurie, and Loomis feels bold and refreshing. Despite its disturbing moments and a slew of bizarre, laughout-loud lines, it’s an entertaining reinvention of the classic slasher.
“Halloween II” (2009) 4/5
Set a year after its predecessor, Rob Zombie’s sequel explores the aftermath of the first film in an unexpectedly compelling way. It portrays trauma and grief with surprising nuance—neither overdone nor shallow—and the returning cast convincingly embodies the lingering scars of the previous events. The film leans more into the mystical than the first, which works at times but doesn’t always land. Still, its blend of dark humor and tragedy keeps it engaging throughout.
“Halloween” (2018) 3.5/5
Much like H20 ignored the sequels after Halloween II, the 2018 reboot wipes the slate clean, by erasing every follow-up, even the second film. It revisits Laurie Strode decades later, now a hardened, paranoid survivor who has spent her life preparing for Michael Myers’ inevitable return after his 1978 capture. Watching her so deeply traumatized is almost darkly funny, considering she only lost four friends in the original, which is nothing in comparison to the following films. The slow pacing and heavy buildup create solid suspense, though at times it drags under the weight of its own nostalgia and references.
“Halloween Kills” (2021) 4/5
The best thing about this film is right there in the title; the kills. The murder scenes are relentless and inventive, keeping you on edge and genuinely concerned for anyone standing in Michael Myers’ way. It’s a faster, funnier, and more thrilling ride than its predecessor. While some of the references feel overdone, a few callbacks to the original are cleverly executed. The plot and action deliver plenty of excitement, though the ending leaves something to be desired.
“Halloween Ends” (2022) 2/5
Finally, the last film in the Halloween franchise ends as a major disappointment. Aside from the first ten minutes and the final twenty, there’s little worth watching. The story takes an odd and misguided turn, offering a strange interpretation of the aftermath of the previous film. Awkward dialogue and a cringeworthy plot only make things worse, leaning too heavily into mystical territory that doesn’t fit the trilogy’s tone. The cast does what they can, but the script gives them nothing to work with, making this entry, much like The Curse of Michael Myers, one of the franchise’s weakest.
Rankings:
1. “Halloween” (1978)
2. “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” (1998)
3. “Halloween” (2007)
4. “Halloween II” (1981)
5. “Halloween II” (2009)
6. “Halloween Kills” (2021)
7. “Halloween” (2018)
8. “Halloween 4: Return of Michael Myers” (1988)
9. “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989)
10. “Halloween Ends” (2022)
11. “Halloween Resurrection” (2002)
12. “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982)
13. “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995)
years, but now is open for tours
Where to hunt ghosts around Springfield
ADEN ZUCCARINI, RACHEL THOMASEE Reporters
DAden_Zuccarini
Throughout my time in Springfield, Missouri; I have come to know this town as rich in history.
Sometimes that history comes with a paranormal effect and especially if that history holds emotional connections.
There are a few places to discover this October, for the thrill seeking individual and for the historically minded.
Pythian Castle
Pythian Castle has a long history in the town from being an orphanage, nursing home, World War II Army post, and as a home. The building celebrated its 111th birthday on July 1st, the 40,000 square foot building has existed in Springfield for well over the last century.
The Order of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal order founded in 1861, built the home in 1914 to house the orphaned family and elderly within the society.
Once the Second World War commenced, the U.S. Government looked to acquire the house and surrounding property to establish a general hospital for the burned and injured.
Prisoners of War were kept both on-site and in a cell-block in the basement; the cell-block has been relatively unchanged since World War II.
Many stories and pictures speak of ghosts and spirits within the building. From the youth who lost their lives in the Castle’s orphanage days to its era as an Army Non-Commissioned Officers club, there is much to see in this historic location.
The Pythian Castle offers ghost tours of the establishment throughout the year.
Wilson’s Creek Battlefield State Park - Battlefield, Missouri
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was an important one in the context of the American Civil War. In the context of the Civil War in the state of Missouri, it was of the utmost importance.
The union army attacked the southern army at Wilson’s Creek on Aug. 10, 1861.
This battle was the first when a union general officer was killed in combat, that being Brigadier General Nathanial Lyons, who was killed in the confederate charge of “Bloody Hill”.
Over 500 were killed in the battle, making it the fourth most costly in the state of Missouri. With over 1,700 wounded, on both sides, it was the second most costly in the state of Missouri. The first most, The Battle of Westport, has casualty numbers still being debated in academia.
A terrible loss of life in such numbers creates the conditions for an eerie setting among the hills and valleys nearby. For the historians and trail-hikers, many opportunities can be had to experience the drab and posthumous battle for themselves.
Clara Thompson Hall - Drury University
Clara Thompson Hall on the Drury University Campus was built in 1927 after the name-
sake’s adoptive mother, Louise Wallace, donated to Drury University a large sum of $1 million ($18.5 million, 2025). With such a large donation, three buildings were erected on the Drury campus, Clara Thompson Hall, Wallace Hall for Women, and Harwood Memorial Library.
Clara Thompson Hall has long been rumored to contain a haunted setting. From musicians witnessing auditorium chairs rising and falling, as someone would when leaving the venue after a concert, and the sound of music emanating from the practice spaces well after dark.
These claims purport to have been around since the 1950s and were beginning to be documented by the university’s archives by the 1970s.
Kentwood Hall - Missouri State University
Kentwood Hall on the Missouri State University campus is the oldest dormitory that the university has to offer.
Photo by Aden Zuccarini
Pythian Castle, built in 1913, was erected by the Knights of Pythias. It has served many uses over the
throughout the year.
The dormitory was built in 1926 by a local real-estate developer, John T. Woodruff. It bore the name “The Kentwood Arms Hotel” for nearly 58 years before conversion by the university. It sports a ballroom affectionately known as the “Crystal Room” and public areas that are restored to look as it would have when it was a prestigious hotel along Route 66.
In September of 1960, then presidential candidate Richard Nixon planned a stop at Springfield and chose to stay at the Kentwood Arms Hotel. During this time
In 1978, when Kentwood Hall was still the Kentwood Arms Hotel, a fire on the sixth floor claimed the lives of two guests, per the New York Times. Neither of the casualties were immediately identified.
It was acquired by Missouri State University in 1984, being sold to the university by John Q. Hammons.
The early, plaster art-deco design of the interior, paired with the history of the building allows for a wonderful look back into Springfield’s history.
Phelps Grove Park
Phelps Grove Park can be found between Grand Street and Portland Street, near the Missouri State campus. It was one of the first parks by the Springfield Parks Board in 1914.
Many legends about the park persist to this day. It is a speculated path of retreat for the confederate forces during the Second Battle of Springfield in 1863. It is also legend that in the late 1800s, a wedding horse-drawn carriage flipped while crossing the stone and mortar bridge at the park’s south entrance.
Purported sightings of a “Bridal Ghost” haunting the bridge. This follows the trend of her being in a white wedding gown and under the bridge, standing in the creek bed below. This follows the popular tales of the “White Lady” ghosts in American society.
The subject apparition is of local legend and nothing more, as no sources can cite a death in the area in this way. For the many who might look to ghost-hunting this October, this site is one to test the water of.
Springfield Little Theatre
Springfield Little Theatre, professionally known as the Landers Theatre, produces plays and hosts broadway musicals. Though it has a history of paranormal encounters by the staff and visitors to the venue.
Opened in 1909, the theatre is steeped in local history. In 1920, according to the Springfield News-Leader, a fire had consumed the building and threatened the city.
Though with the lowering of an asbestos curtain onto the stage, the flame was contained to the stage and dressing-rooms. The News-Leader wrote,”The cause was believed to be an explosion in the boiler, which set fire to a large pile of coal”.
Chuck Rogers, stage designer and co-technical director for Springfield Little Theatre, spoke to KSMU about a few of his experienc-
File photo/The Standard
Kentwood Hall, built in 1926, is the oldest residence hall on campus. The building was purchased by Missouri State in 1984 following the closure of Kentwood Arms Hotel.
es in the facility.
During the night, he had a first-hand viewing of a ‘person’ staring at him in the foyer of the theatre. After asking the presumed person to leave the building, as it was after close, the person walked into the auditorium. Rodgers pursued to remove them from the building when he found that they had disappeared entirely.
Other oddities and unexplainable instances have been noted: sounds of people walking the halls with an empty building and ‘odors’ that would be fitting for a different era of the building.
The Little Theatre of Springfield offers ghost tours throughout the year at Landers Theater in downtown Springfield, on Walnut Street.
Springfield National Cemetery
One of Springfield’s most famous historical sites, the Springfield National Cemetery, was established in 1867 as a graveyard for deceased Civil War soldiers. In the years since, it has become open to all veterans and now even houses remains of soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Visitors report seeing apparitions of Civil War-era soldiers, unexplained lights in photographs and glowing gravestones. The cemetery is open for visitors year-round from dawn until dusk.
October is a favorite time of year for those who love all things scary and strange, especially enthusiasts of the paranormal. Fortunately, Springfield offers several locations with rich histories and rumors of paranormal activity for anyone looking for an adventure during the
File photo/The Standard
A fire on the sixth floor of Kentwood Hall claimed the lives of two individuals in 1978, further pushing the idea that the building is haunted.
