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DONNIE DARKO (2001)
THE GIST: On the night of October 2, 1988, a 6-foot bunny named Frank lures a teenager named, you guessed it, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal at his geeky best) from his bedroom to tell him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. The next morning, a rogue jet engine falls on his bedroom. Donnie survives, having sleepwalked to a nearby golf course, but for the next 28 days, he continues to be visited by Frank, who inspires him to perform various destructive deeds - and explore the worm holes that begin appearing around him.
TRICK OR TREAT: Tricky treat. This is definitely not one for the kids. Not only is it fairly adult (think, indepth convos about Smurf genitalia), it can also just be flat-out confusing, especially in the later sections. Even after seeing it an obscene amount of times (it's one of both our all-time favourites), we're still trying to figure it all out.
WHY IT GETS US IN THE SPIRIT: Although it's technically only Halloween for the last few (albeit, also the most important) scenes, this movie will definitely make you wish it was October 31st. With it's dark humour, hushed lighting and warped plot, the movie manages to capture that morosely macabre feeling you only get on All Hallow's Eve - and secretly wish for every other day of the year.
SCENE TO DIE FOR: There is so much awesomeness embedded in this trippy time-travel tale, but one of my favourite non-spoilery moments has to be when we first visit Donnie's private school. As Donnie slowly walks out of the back of the school bus, the dialogue cuts out and Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels" begins to blare. We follow Donnie for about 30 seconds and then we rush past all of the people who will help and hinder him on his metaphysical quest, including the most badass fictional dance troupe of all-time: Sparkle Motion. It's so simple, but so perfect.
BEST COSTUME: It's a tie - between Frank's stupid bunny suit and Donnie's stupid man suit.
SUGGESTED SWEET: Razzles. Not only are they both guaranteed to time warp you back to the 80s, you can never really stop chewing on either one. Also awesome: all those pesky, pre-packaged gummy rabbits leftover from Easter.
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