Movie Review - Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ** (PG-13) It’s Halloween in a small town in 1968. A trio of likable, nerdy teens have plans for the night, including a prank on the jock/bully who has tormented them for at least their three years of high school. Plans go awry in a couple of dangerous ways, including an ill-fated break-in to the local haunted mansion that housed tragic events of local legend a century earlier.

If you’ve ever seen any of the multiple flicks that have thrived (or flopped) on this premise, you’ll find nothing exceptional about this one. The consequences of the characters’ actions occur without gory visuals that would creep towards an R-rating. It’s solid PG-13 all the way. The f/x for the sets and menacing figures are above average. Several of the most threatening scenes play out with an admirable level of tension. Plot details mean little, and you’re better off knowing less about them if you see it.

The last line potentially sets up a sequel, though the merits of this tale and the remaining possibilities seem unlikely to justify one. Even so, if you’re in the mood for this type of mental popcorn (as we all find ourselves on occasion), you could do a lot worse. (8/9/19)