I've been hitting the movies heavy, lots of scary ones in 2013-2014. I can't remember a year with more releases. Most are on DVD or rent now, so if you need that bit of fright in you cool crisp October air, it might be time for a bowl of popcorn and turn down the lights.
My pick for No.1 is THE CONJURING which is a well done, well acted and beautifully filmed modern masterpiece. Maybe that is a bit strong, but compared to almost anything in years, this out weighs all competition.
Simple plot, with no spoilers: it is a haunted house movie, based on the records of actual paranormal investigators who I have listened to over the years on shows like Coasttocoastam with George Noory and previously Art Bell. A very believable couple to hear recollect their experiences.
This haunting takes place in a house with a husband, wife and four daughters - not exactly their dream home and the house needs more that TLC as it has been all but abandoned for a long long time.
I'll leave it at that except to say it is a part of films that start as Insidious parts 1&2 and continue with the recent release of Annabelle. The Insidious movies (interestingly starring the actors playing paranormal couple, but just being regular parents with several kids) but Insidious 2 is a pretty good film on its own. I hear terrible things about Annebelle, it gets a 23 on Rotten Tomatoes splat meter.
But as a stand alone movie, I give "The Conjuring" my choice for this Halloween.