Review of The American Scream (2012) by Brett B — 27 Oct 2012
A wonderfully heartfelt, nonfiction love letter to the holiday of Halloween, focusing on three families that celebrate it with gusto. Stephenson's documentary takes an affectionate (but honest) look at these people and their lives, and it doesn't shy away from showing some of the more unflattering moments that arise when their plans hit speed bumps, but you can always sense the genuine warmth the director has for them.
THE AMERICAN SCREAM is ultimately an inspirational and funny story about dedicated people doing something that they find meaningful and fulfilling, and that others derive enormous enjoyment from. It's certainly a well-worn cliche to say it, but this is one of the feel-good movies of the year, and that its subject matter is so close to my own interests is just the icing on the cake.
Essential viewing for aficionados of all things Halloween, and for aficionados of compelling, entertaining documentary cinema.
This review of The American Scream (2012) was written by Brett B on 27 Oct 2012.
The American Scream has generally received positive reviews.
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