Films that make us yearn for fall in California
Even though Southern California has palm trees and sunny weather year-round, these seasonal movies remind us that we are approaching the most important night of the year: Halloween. Photo illustration by CLARISSE GUEVARRA
Despite being trapped in our homes since March, The Panther refuses to ignore the fact that it is fall and Halloween is approaching. We put together a guide of seven films that make us wish we were outside, smelling the crisp autumn air.
“When Harry Met Sally”
This is the quintessential fall movie. Although it takes place over the course of many years, this movie brings the fall spirit, hardcore. The best rom-com of all time in our opinion, “When Harry Met Sally” follows Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) as they go from being strangers, to friends, to lovers, to friends again. The movie features a lot of scenes of the two walking around New York City amongst some of the most beautiful trees we’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for something to get you in the mood for color-changing leaves but don’t necessarily want something Halloween-themed just yet, this is the film for you.
“Scream”
We always love it when a film can make fun of a genre while also considered a part of that same genre. The first scene of “Scream” is iconic and oft-referenced, but the rest of the film is equally as timeless. By building real suspense and executing several twists effortlessly, the original “Scream” is a top-tier horror movie, and the small-town-in-October setting is perfect to set the stage for the fall season.
“Good Will Hunting”
One of the greatest films of all time, “Good Will Hunting” has all of the above: an honest, realistic portrayal of therapy, one of Robin Williams’s best performances, an Oscar for the screenplay written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (who is still the youngest winner ever in that category) and most importantly, trees! So many beautiful trees. This movie makes us want to move to Boston.
“You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown”
We could recommend “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” a classic and a film undeniably perfect for autumn. Instead, we’d rather take a little time to talk about the B-side on the same DVD. “You’re Not Elected” is a 25-minute story about Linus’ run for student body president, with a campaign run by his sister, Lucy, that is just as funny as “Great Pumpkin.” Snoopy’s “Joe Cool” scene is a sliver of absurdity that we absolutely adore.
“Haunted Mansion”
The 2003 Disney movie “Haunted Mansion” makes you remember the glorious feeling of what it was like to leave your apartment. Based on Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion attraction, this classic follows real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy), his wife Sara and his son on their visit to the Gracey Manor in Louisiana. “Haunted Mansion” uses quirky early-2000s humor to tell a story as old as time. Movies like this one reinforce the true value of a Disney Plus subscription.
“Coraline”
“Coraline” spooked a lot of children to the core when they saw it for the first time after its release in 2009, us included. Coraline Jones and her parents Mel and Charlie move into a creepy, old mansion where Coraline discovers a portal to an alternate universe, where her family has cruel intentions and buttons for eyes. The movie is a must-watch for Tim Burton enthusiasts; it reminds us that stop-motion movies are underrated and can actually be just as creepy as traditional animation, if not more so.
“IT (2017)”
The 2017 installment in the “IT” universe follows a similar storyline to Stephen King’s classic 1986 novel “It,” presenting an increasingly homicidal Pennywise in Derry, Maine. After Bill Denbrough’s little brother Georgie is snatched into the sewer by Pennywise the Dancing Clown, Bill rounds up his friend group, “The Losers Club,” to stop the weirdo from routinely terrorizing Derry. The movie brilliantly juxtaposes an adorable ragtag team of misfits and a crazy killer clown, while also providing a quick and easy Pennywise costume idea if you still feel like dressing up for Halloween.