Story: You know the one about the guy who can actually see ghosts, but uses them to scam folks? But then gets in over his head when a really sinister force – maybe the Grim Reaper itself – threatens his town? Well, now you do.

Scares: Even though this is touted as a horror comedy, there are some seriously creepy moments. Case in point; the opening scene.

Splat factor: Ghosts = not much blood.

Closing scene “shocker”: Kinda? But that’d spoil the fun. Oh, and there’s a great twist. No really, see for yourself.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): Sadly, this is one of a kind.

Trick or Treat?: Mmmm, tasty tasty! This is one of my all-time favorite movies, horror or otherwise. So I decided to treat myself and re-watch it for this year’s 31. Hello, it stars Michael J. Fox, and he’s hilarious! It’s written and directed by Peter “The Man” Jackson! Music by Danny Elfman! And if that’s not enough for you, Jeffrey “Reanimator” Combs as a freaky FBI agent (and the funniest thing in the whole film)!

I could wax poetic about this film for hours. But I’ll keep it to this: The Frighteners is the film for folks too grossed out by Jackson’s Dead Alive (another bit of horror awesomeness from PJ), but love his delightfully twisted humor. He also pulls off a pathos – his ability to see ghosts comes from a tragic accident – and he tugs the heartstrings without getting schmaltzy.

Plus the the best ghost sidekicks evah! Especially Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies), as a 70s ghost who is constantly disgruntled. Mad props to R. Lee Ermey as ghost Sgt. Hiles, and John Astin as borderline senile ghost sidekick The Judge. I miss you guys.

And let’s not forget Michael J. Fox at his prime. Comedic timing and the ability to pull off believable horror? Two treats in one y’all.

Score:  out of 5 pumpkins.