The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto, will have a couple of special Halloween movie screenings this month.
Both are favorite seasonal films, with one a comedy and the other a horror film that helped define the suspense genre.
Hocus Pocus opens Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. and is rated PG. Released in 1993, it runs one hour, 35 minutes.
Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus remains a delightful family comedy. The film follows Max and his sister as they accidentally unleash three legendary witches on to their town. The kids must stop the witches from acquiring their spell book if they want to save their town. This hammy Disney gem is spooky but never scary as it romps its merry way through the graveyard.
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Halloween, opening on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.
This thriller was released in 1978, is rated R and runs one hour, 33 minutes.
A film that laid the foundation for the slasher/suspense genre, John Carpenter’s Halloween is a simple but horribly effective low-budget suburban horror film. Still relevant and still scary, it has been remembered as one of the most classic horror movies ever made. Make a date on Halloween night to witness cinema’s scariest Michael Myers causing carnage on the big screen.
For online ticket sales for the Halloween favorites, go to www.thestate.org. To purchase your tickets by phone call The State Box Office at 209-527-4697 from noon to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. If still available, tickets may also be purchased the night of the event up to the start of the presentation.