The Wright Times

Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Arts & Culture

As the days grow shorter and the nights become cold and dark, there's no better preparation for Halloween than a horror movie. As Halloween draws near, many people believe that the boundary between the living and dead becomes blurred. Here are two foreign films that will surely remind you to become wary of the things that go bump in the night.

"The Orphanage" is a ghost story from Spain that uses suspense rather than blood and gore to weave an entertaining supernatural tale that rates 3.5 out of 5 stars. The story revolves around the life of Laura who was raised in an orphanage as a child. She returns with her husband Carlos, who is a Doctor, and their adopted seven-year-old son Simon who is HIV positive. They rehab the old seaside orphanage providing a home for themselves and several special needs children. More and more unusual events occur and Simon begins playing with imaginary children. He plays hide-and-seek and treasure hunt games with his imaginary friends, becoming immersed in this secret world. Simon disappears, causing Laura to confront her past as she searches for her lost son. The lines between reality and paranormal blur as Laura's mind fractures under the stress of losing her son.

The success of the film lies in the director's ability to create an eerie atmosphere of menace and tense foreboding. This ghost story has all the right ingredients and the finale is well crafted with just the right mix of chills and a conclusion that is surprisingly heartwarming.

"The Orphanage" was written by Sergio G. Sanchez, Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona and produced by Guillermo del Toro ("Hellboy", "Pan's Labyrinth"). In Spanish with English Subtitles. Running time: 106 minutes. Rated R

"High Tension" is a French horror film that uses blood and gore to weave a tale of terror that rates 3 out of 5 stars. The premise is simple: Two young women, Marie and Alex, are on break from college and choose to stay at the new family home of Alex in rural France. The nightmare of cat and mouse begins as a razor; wielding maniac terrorizes and slaughters Alex's entire family. Alex is kidnapped and Marie must not only fight to survive but she is the only one that can save her friend.

As the body count rises there is no relief in sight from the increasing terror and suspense. However, there is one critical misstep. Just as the tension seems unbearable there is a sudden insane plot twist. This sudden revelation brings this roller coaster ride of terror to a sudden stop. Despite this misstep, fans of blood and guts horror will relish the ride on this roller coaster from hell.

"High Tension" (also released as "Switchblade Romance") was Directed by Alexandre Aja, Written by Aja and Gregory Levasseur. In French with English subtitles. Running time: 91 minutes. Unrated

Whether it is blood and guts or a ghost story, here are two movies that will get you in the proper Halloween mood. Dim the lights make some popcorn and are prepared to be scared.

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