Halloween Howl-Fest: WINNER

With the dawn of Halloween, so too comes the end of this year's Halloween Howl-Fest. It's been a real blast. And now, for the last and final time, here's how the bracket shaped up. Are you interested to know which film was the winner? Take a look . . . 

That's right! The winner was the 1984 hit, Ghostbusters. Surprised? Excited? I know I was. Ghostbusters has long been one of my favorite movies. And after several weeks of voting, has proved itself Halloween Howl-Fest champion. Three cheers (or should I say howls?) for Ghostbusters!

However, I have to admit, as much as I love Ghostbusters (who couldn't love a movie with such sage advice as "When someone asks if you're a god, you say YES."), I have to admit that there was one other movie I really thought would win. And according to your responses, some of you felt the same way. So my friend Andy suggested that I might consider having a Zombie Champion, aka. a movie cut in one of the earlier rounds that "rose from the dead". . . so to speak. 

Needless to say, it's an idea I felt more than appropriate for this event. So I went through all your comments (from ALL the Howl-Fest posts since the very beginning), and found that there were two movies in particular that people felt were unfairly killed off. And how fortuitous, one of them happens to be my absolute favorite Halloween movie. Want to know witch, I mean which, films win the title of Zombie Champion? 

And what a coincidence; both films are about nemeses that rose from the dead. The perfect Halloween Howl Fest: Zombie Champions. 

Well, I hope you've all enjoyed my Halloween Howl-Fest. I certainty have. And a big thank you to EVERYONE who voted, and in particular to those who voted round, after round, after round. I loved hearing your comments and learning more about everyone's spooky movie taste.  

Oh, and one more thing . . . HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Halloween Howl-Fest: The Finals

Well, we've finally made it to the last round in my Halloween Howl-Fest. "This is it. Don't get scared."(Sorry, channeling on of my favorite Christmas movies now. Wrong holiday.) 

Anyway, we've come down to the final two movies. Witches versus ghosts. He Who Must Not Be Named versus Who you gonna call?. And it's time to decide which films is going to go all the way. 

I'll be sad to see the end of this Howl-Fest. It's been a lot of fun. But all good things must come to an end. So cast a spell . . . I mean your vote, and let me know which movie you think deserves to win this year's Halloween Howl-Fest!

P.S. On a separate note, are there any other movies you wish had made it further? I know there are a few I am devastated about. Take one more look at the bracket and let me know if there are any films you think we slashed too soon . . .

Happy Monday!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Semi Finals

I have to admit, I've been secretly rooting for these Top 4 films since the beginning. They're some of my favorite Halloween flicks, and I'm thrilled that they made it to the Semi-Finals. The problem is, now I don't know which two I think should be knocked out. Good thing it's up to you guys! Take a look . . .

So, which movies do you think should move on? Will it be family friendly witches, or one of the greatest horror films of all time? A team of four against an angry hoard, or . . . well, another team of four against a different type of angry hoard? Only you guys can decide! Happy voting.  

Halloween Howl-Fest: Quarter Finals

Well, we finally made it to the Quarter Finals of this year's Halloween Howl-Fest. Are you interested to know which teams . . . I mean films, made it into the Top 8? Take a look at which movies you voted as the most haunted, spooky, terrifying and flat out awesome of this bracket!

So, what do you think? Any surprise dark horses? Movies you wish had made it further? I have to admit, I kind of thought (and hoped) Hocus Pocus would sweep the whole thing. But there are still eight awesome films to vote for, and only YOU can decide which one will go all the way. So cast your vote and let me know which four should make it to the Semi Finals!

Happy voting!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Monstrous (Round 3)

Well, I can't say I'm shocked at the outcome of this one. With the exception of Hellboy and The Mummy (which went back and forth), the votes were pretty well stacked in certain movies' favor. Take a look at the Top 4 Monstrous movies . . . 

These are some pretty great movies you guys have picked - it's going to be tough to narrow it down to just two! Let me know which films should move on. And don't forget to check back MONDAY to see which films from the Magical, Supernatural, Undead and Monstrous conferences made it into the Quarter Finals. 

Have a great weekend!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Monstrous (Round 2)

It's been interesting this week, with the addition of the triple-header. I thought it might split the votes a little more, but nope. There were three runaway wins on this one. Take a look at which films made it into Round 2 . . .

And don't forget to check back Friday to see which movies made it to the next round!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Monstrous (Round 1)

We've made it to the final conference in my Halloween Howl-Fest, and it's a killer! Well, not literally, but some of the characters sure are. For this round we're dealing with monsters, everything from ghouls to werewolves. And for the first time in this challenge, we'll be looking at a couple triple-headers (aka. three movies going against one another instead of just two). Remember, you can still only vote for ONE of the three movies. 

Take a look below and let me know which movies you'd like to see make it to Round 2 . . .

I hope you all have a monstrous Monday! And a special shout out to the best cousin in the whole wide world. Happy Birthday Allie!!!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 3)

I'm definitely pleased with this week's voting. Three out of the top four movies were the ones I was going for. My picks were definitely better for this particular conference. What about you guys? Any surprises? Disappointments? Take a look at the Top 4 teams . . . 

And of course, don't forget. I won't be posting the Top 2 until Monday, October 21st when I announce the Quarter Finals for all four conferences. But please check back this coming Monday (the 14th) for the Top 16 teams in the final conference: Monstrous! Have a great weekend everyone. 

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 2)

Thanks to everyone who voted for the Undead: Round 1 of my Halloween Howl-Fest. Check out which teams moved on and be sure to let me know who you'd like see make it to Round 3!

Happy blogging!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 1)

I have to say I've been waiting to get to the Undead conference of my Halloween Howl-Fest since the beginning. Some of my favorite movies made it into this category . . . and here's hoping they make it to the next round.  But what are your favorites? Do you prefer zombies or vampires? Paranormal middle schoolers or teenage vampire slayers? Let me know by casting your vote!

I can't wait to see what everyone votes for! Are there any other movies you think I should have added to the list? I'm always on the hunt for new supernatural fright fests. And as always, happy blogging!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Supernatural (Round 3)

Thanks everyone for all the congratulations and best wishes! I hope everyone's week has been as good as mine. As for the Halloween Howl-Fest, check out which films made it into Round 3 . . .

Don't forget, I won't be posting the top 2 teams until Monday, October 21st when the Quarter Finals for all three conferences are announced. So you can still vote for your favorites up until then. But definitely check back on Monday when I'll announce the top 16 teams of the UNDEAD conference. This is going to be a fun one. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

IWSG and Halloween Howl-Fest: Supernatural (Round 2)

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by my favorite blogger and author of the CassaFire series, Alex J. Cavanaugh. A big thank you to this month's co-hosts, Julie Luek, Rachna Chabria, Beverly Fox and Ilima Todd. 

This month I am thrilled to announce that I'm feeling rather secure (not because anything great has happened in my writing career, but because I'm on cloud 9 after getting engaged last Friday), so rather than whining about my writing woes as I usually do I simply going to say JUST KEEP SWIMMING! I've settles on this as my writing mantra for the month, and I think it's an excellent mantra to stand behind. Give it a try with me!

And now, back to my Halloween Howl-Fest. I probably definitely wouldn't have predicted this going into Round 2 of the Supernatural Conference, but it appears that most people prefer classic films to their more modern supernatural counterparts. Poltergeist beat out the ever popular Paranormal Activity. The Shining trounced The Haunting. Who'd have thought? I mean, that's my personal preference, but I didn't expect people would vote the same way. What an excellent surprise! 

Check out which movies made past Round 1. . . 

Don't forget to check back Friday to vote see which films made it to Round 3 and cast your votes! Happy October!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Supernatural (Round 1)

We've made it to week two of my Halloween Howl-Fest -- yaaaay! I'm very excited to introduce the next conference in the bracket . . . the Supernatural conference. Ghosts, poltergeists, demonic hauntings, you name it. After some of the shocking dark horses from last week's voting (and the even more shocking loss of Hocus Pocus so early in the game), I'm excited to hear everyone's responses for this new category. So get voting!

[A note for those who were wondering: the version of The Omen I am referring to is the original, not the remake.]

And of course, don't forget to check back on Wednesday to see which movies made it into Round 2. Happy Monday!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Magical (Round 3)

I must admit, I'm surprised at some of the movies that made it into Round 3 of my Halloween Howl-fest. And very pleased for the most part (there are definitely a few movies from each category that I'm secretly rooting for). One of them has already been knocked out (sigh), but there are still a few contenders (and one or two dark horses) that I hope might sweep this thing. 

Is anyone else surprised? Pleased? Annoyed that their favorite movie lost out? Make sure that doesn't happen this round by voting for your top 2 magical films! Check 'em out . . . 

And if you're curious about which magical movies are going to make it to the next round, I'm sorry. You're going to have to wait a few weeks for that one (or you could always just read through the responses and tally them up for yourself, but that would be spoiling all the fun). Check back Monday, October 21st for the Top 2 teams from all four conferences that made it into the Quarter Finals bracket. And of course, take a look this coming Monday to vote for your favorite SUPERNATURAL films!

Have a great weekend! 

Halloween Howl-Fest: Magical (Round 2)

Thanks everyone who voted in the Magical Conference: Round 1 of my Halloween Howl-Fest. I love seeing everyone's thoughts about some of my favorite spooky films. There were a few landslides (ahem, Harry Potter), and few that were nearly neck and neck, but as promised, Round 1 winners have been chosen. Take a look . . .

But who will move on to Round 2? Only you can decide. Look over the top eight magical films and cast your vote. And of course, don't forget to check back Friday to see which films will make it into Round 3!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Magical (Round 1)

It's day one of my Halloween Movie Howl-Fest, and I cannot wait to get started on some of these awesome movies. My friends and I of course will be going down the bracket, watching and debating (heatedly I suspect) each film pairing. But I'd love to hear from you movie lovers out there about which Halloween films are your favorites. Is it The Witches or Hocus Pocus? Both stories about dark mistresses of magic, determined to rid the world of children. Or how about about fairy tales and witch hunting? Do you prefer Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters or Brothers Grimm? Tough call, that one. 

Take a few minutes to look down the list and let me know which magial movies deserve to move on!! 

I hope you enjoy the list of movies I've put together. There are of course many more terrific tales of witchcraft and sorcery, but there's only so much time before Halloween and I've already got a lot of movies to watch. I can't wait to hear back from you! Check back on Wednesday to see which movies are moving on to the next round . . .

And as always, happy blogging!

Halloween Howl-Fest

It's September 22nd and the first day of Autumn, which for me means that it's FINALLY time to start celebrating Halloween. Yaaaay!!! As a holiday addict, I like to do something special to celebrate this most haunted, most spooky, most terrifying time of year, and what better way than to have a cinematic smack-down? 

That's right, I'm pitting my favorite Halloween movies against one another to see just which one best embodies the holiday they represent. It's the battle royale and only the best of the best can make it to the final four (or the final scare as I like to call it). Sixty-four teams, four conferences, ONE winner. 

Take a look at the contenders . . . 

Check back tomorrow for the first of the conferences (Magical) and cast a vote for your favorite movies. Whether your preference is based on favorite characters, nostalgia, cool plot-lines or the quintessential "scare" factor, that's for you to decide.

Happy Fall everyone!!