Halloween // I’m sorry Halloweentown High

I’m sorry Halloweentown High. For the past 16 years, I’ve been saying you were the worst entry in the Halloweentown franchise. But now I realize I was wrong. In fact, you may even be the very best. You’re the last Halloweentown movie to reunite the entire original cast— beloved Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown (fie on the imposter Sara Paxton!) Judith Hoag, Joey Zimmerman, and Emily Roeske. You used your budget wisely— instead of dozens of poorly costumed characters, you had half a dozen well costumed creatures (the first movie is particularly egregious in this aspect— why are Marie Antoinette, Civil War soldiers, and Buckingham Palace Guards in Halloweentown???). You give Debbie Reynolds more than one costume! And several funny lines! And a sweet little romance. You soften the mother character and see her really support and encourage her daughter. You have a young Finn Wittrock— and he’s in a healthy and loving relationship with a strong well-rounded Kimberly J Brown as Marnie Piper.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I guess all these years I just didn’t like the fact that the movie didn’t take place in Halloweentown. But now I realize— the movie works! I used to always say Kalabar’s Revenge was my favorite... but you might be edging it out for the top spot. And it’s certainly better than the abomination that came after it.

So thank you, Halloweentown High. Thanks for giving us one last great spin with Debbie Reynolds and Kimberly J Brown as everyone’s two favorite Cromwell witches. I promise I won’t wait 10 more Halloweens before watching you again.