Flick or Treats? The Choice is Obvious

Today I pose a question originally asked by one of the most revered figures of the 1990s: the knife-wielding killer from Wes Craven's "Scream."

"Do you like scary movies?"

If the answer to that question is yes -- and since this is the Friday before Halloween, it should be -- then here are a few frightening flicks you might want to check out in the coming days.

Tonight at the AFI Silver in Silver Spring, catch one of the creepiest vampire movies ever, "Nosferatu," a silent film presented with the accompaniment of a live orchestra. But that's only the beginning.

The AFI continues its horrorfest through Halloween, with nightly screenings of the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Wicker Man." Leatherface on a large screen? Exponentially scarier.

Of course, AFI isn't the only creepy movie game in town. On Oct. 30, theaters around the country will break out a double feature of "Halloween 4" and "Halloween 5." Yes, I know neither is as good as the original. But Donald Pleasence is in both and that counts for a little something in my book.

And on Halloween night, the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse will charge a mere dollar for tickets to the modern -- and perhaps only -- zom-rom-com classic "Shaun of the Dead," which screens at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the 9:50 p.m. showing of Rob Zombie's update of "Halloween" also cost a buck that night.

Yes, yes, I hear you. Zombie's version also pales when compared to the awesomeness that is 1978's "Halloween." But it's a dollar. And the Drafthouse has beer. Even John Carpenter would tell you that's a good deal.

--Jen

By Jen Chaney |  October 26, 2007; 11:11 AM ET Movies
Previous: Pumpkin Carving Still On | Next: Steal a (Chance to Talk About a) Taco