When Good Ghouls Go Bad
Tags: horror

Plot synopsis:
Danny Walker (Joe Pichler), and his father James (Tom Amandes), who has gotten a divorce from his wife, have just moved to the town from Chicago so his father can fulfill his dream of re-opening the family chocolate factory. Danny and James are staying with James' father, known by all as "Uncle Fred" (Christopher Lloyd). Uncle Fred is considered crazy and is a bit childish, but Danny loves him very much. Danny dislikes his new life in Walker Falls, and it seems no one likes him, especially the football coach Mike Kankel (Joe Clements) and his son Ryan (Craig Marriott), the school's biggest bully. The only person who seems to be nice to Danny is Taylor Morgan (Imelda Corcoran), the school nurse and James' childhood friend.
Danny is surprised by how few decorations are up with Halloween only a week away. The people of Walker Falls do not seem to be making any effort at all to celebrate the holiday. Sheriff Ed Frady (Alan Flower) even takes down the decorations that Danny puts up. When walking home from school, Ryan and his pal, Leo (Daniel Karr) push him into the cemetery, lock the gate, and tell him that Walker Falls does not celebrate Halloween because of the legend of a curse. Years ago, Curtis Danko (Brendan McCarthy) was an artistic boy, who was ostracized by "normal" people. When competition was held for all the eighth graders to design a sculpture of their personal hero, Curtis kept his project covered during the day, then came to school at night to work by the light of captured fireflies. On Halloween night, he went to work on his sculpture, and Mike Kankel and his friends were walking by when they saw Curtis from the window. When Kankel returned the next day, he noticed the kiln had been on all night. He opened the door and found Curtis's charred skeleton and a message in the ashes, saying that if the town ever celebrated another Halloween, he would come back and destroy them. Kankel was blind for three days after seeing Curtis' finished statue. He said it was like being face to face with the devil himself. Everyone in the town believed the legend and, since then, Halloween has never been celebrated.
Danny thinks it is a silly story, and runs home. James is rarely around, so Uncle Fred has served as a stand-in father for Danny. That night, James is planning to announce his "Halloween Spooktacular" idea to raise funds to re-open Walker Chocolates at the town meeting. Uncle Fred and Danny try to tell him that the townspeople will be too afraid to support the spooktacular because of the curse, but James doesn't listen.
At the meeting, Mayor Churney (Roy Billing) announces his campaign for re-election. Running against him is Kankel. After the announcements, it is James' turn. He is surprised to find the people of Walker Falls shudder at just the mention of Halloween. To bring the conversation back on track, his secretary passes out samples of chocolate, but the audience isn't very enthusiastic. The meeting ends after all but a few leave the town hall. Danny's father is very upset when he learns about the legend, which has completely ruined his plans. He decides to cancel the spooktacular and get funds elsewhere.
Uncle Fred then reveals why no one likes Danny. Uncle Fred was responsible for building the kiln that killed Curtis. That night, Danny dreams he is at Curtis's crypt and sees the cloth being ripped off the statue. That morning, there is a commotion outside the house. A large pile of pumpkins has been discovered in the town center. It finally looks like Walker Falls might celebrate another Halloween. But when Uncle Fred lifts a pumpkin as he says: "Happy Halloween", the entire pile rolls on top of him, killing him. Everyone in town is at Uncle Fred's funeral and Danny is very sad. As a memento, he lets his grandfather's favorite car shoot down the track and rest with his coffin.
However, because of Uncle Fred's love of Halloween, the magic in the cemetery allows him to return as a zombie. Unfortunately, that same magic awoke others from their slumber, including Curtis. The zombies begin capturing all the townsfolk and gathering them to the creepy old Victorian style house chanting the phrase "Statue." Meanwhile, Danny and his crush, Dayna Stenson (Brittany Byrnes) try to explain to James and Nurse Taylor the situation. Uncle Fred reveals his zombie self to his son and Nurse Taylor, both fainting in the process. Zombies break into the house and Uncle Fred explains that Curtis might be behind the zombies awakening and tells them to escape while he holds the other zombies off. Unfortunately, he, his son, and Nurse Taylor are all captured, one of the zombies stating that Uncle Fred was the main part of the plan.
When everyone is gathered, Curtis reveals himself to the people. As he is about to reveal his statue, he is attacked and literally torn apart by Kankel. However, because Curtis is a zombie, he manages himself to pull himself together, and scare the wits out of Kankel. As Curtis pulls off the shroud off his statue, everyone covers their eyes in fear. Surprisingly, nothing happens. Everyone uncovers their eyes and Curtis' statue is revealed to be of Uncle Fred. Curtis then shows Uncle Fred a picture of the two of them, Uncle Fred shaking Curtis' hand, as it implied that Curtis looked up to him. Uncle Fred, still guilty about Curtis' death, wonders why he was a hero to Curtis as it was his kiln that killed him. Curtis then turns to Kankel and points to him, naming him as his killer.
Kankel confesses that the night Curtis died, he was working on the statue of Uncle Fred and as a prank to scare him, Kankel, Frady, and his group pushed Curtis into the kiln and locked him in it then taunting him. Suddenly, the janitor appeared and Kankel's group ran off. While cleaning the class, the janitor accidentally turned on the kiln not realizing Curtis was in it. The next day, Kankel went inside the kiln and saw Curtis' corpse as well as the completed statue of Uncle Fred. To hide his crime, he made up the curse as pretending his eyes were burned when he saw the statue to make it seem like it was Curtis' doing. Kankel also reveals that the statue of Uncle Fred would have been voted to be put in town square, instead of Kankel's statue of his father. It's revealed that Uncle Fred donated much time and money to the town's children, promoting creativity and imagination; thus, he was loved by many children; explaining why he was called "Uncle Fred" and why much of his actions were seen as childish to some. Kankel wouldn't stand for someone to promote things that were "girly" and wanted things "manly." However, Kankel's action earns him the wrath of his father Pops Kankel (Gordon Boyd), who is among the group of zombies and is upset at what he has done. He then grabs his son's ear and drags him out to "punish" him.
By the end, the zombies and the townspeople applaud Curtis' statue. With that, Curtis has accomplished what he's done and bids farewell to the town, disappearing into the night, returning to his crypt to finally rest. Meanwhile, the other zombies bid farewell. Uncle Fred reconciles with his son, James, saying this will be the last time he will see him on Earth, but he'll always be watching him on the other side. He then leaves with his wife (Jenny Dibley) and the two join the other zombies, sharing one final dance with the fireflies, as all the entities slowly disappear dancing into the night. Danny and Dayna share a kiss, while James and Taylor hold hands as they watch the dancing zombies fade into the night.
By the end, German investors that spoke to James earlier loved the concept of Halloween and decide to support him into reopening the family chocolate factory within two weeks. On Halloween day, children are seen dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating as a girl from one of the Halloween groups goes to Uncle Fred's statue in town square, where they're passing by, and says: "Happy Halloween." Then, after the girl leaves, Uncle Fred's voice is heard one last time replying back: "Happy Halloween."

Review: This movie starts out really fun, slows in the middle, but makes a comeback in the end..
Growing up in a small town in the Great Lakes Region, made this movie a lot of fun, as I was reminded of fun times in my hometown around Halloween.
This is a movie dominated by Christopher Lloyd, who takes over the minute his character is introduced.
If you enjoy this actor in movies like Back to the Future or his time on the classic TV show Taxi, you will probably enjoy this movie also.
Lloyd's character is a bit eccentric, and the interaction between he and his Grandson makes for a lot of laughs.
There is also the classic big bully, picking on the underdog little kid, who must overcome his fears in the end.
The movie starts to drag about 30 minutes into it, but when the zombies, spooks and ghouls come out to play, the fun kicks back into gear.
I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys sitting with the kids and watching a fairly wholesome family show..
Ghouls galore.
A wonderful imaginative and fun Halloween story.
Of course one must suspend belief for a while, but it is worth watching.
Christopher Lloyd is his usual manic self, and brings life to what would be a typical zombie/monster movie without his energized performance.When 12 year old Danny Walker moves to his Patriarchal home town in Minnesota he finds that the town does not celebrate Halloween, and things are not quite what they appear to be.An enjoyable movie that may be destined to be a Halloween classic..
This is a great movie for getting into the Halloween spirit..
I am a Halloween fanatic and this is defiantly my favorite Halloween movie.
The small town atmosphere definitely brings it together and there's a little humor and a little gruesome part, although you don't see it.
I only have one problem with the deceased Curtis Danko because he looks way too fake.
I have enjoyed this movie since it came out because of the way it puts me into the Halloween mood and is a great way to get ideas for any decorations, party ornaments or just an exciting film to watch at home or with friends.
I think R.L Stine definitely pulled this one off.This is a great family movie thats enjoyable for almost any age..
Very nice and entertaining!.
I get a kick out of R.L Stine's stories, despite the fact they are written for young children, and watch them all.
I expected this movie would be geared for the same audience.
However, I was especially curious about this one because is was a full length movie (most are 60 minutes or so).
I have to say that I am quite impressed with this!
I believe this is the most creative story (movie) I have encountered by him!
In the beginning it is a bit silly, but soon becomes very interesting!
It keeps you wondering (and that is a great quality)!
It is silly, funny, touching, romantic (trust me), and even scarry!.
very nice, well written.
This was actually a very nice movie, Christopher Lloyd making it even more so.
He does wonderful acting and is my favorite at comedy other than Will Friedle.The plot was very well written, even though it followed the traditional Goosebumps storyline.
Except for leaving you hanging at the ending, like most of R.L. Stine's books do.
(I HATE that!)Overall, very nice, well written.=).
Better than Halloweentown by miles!.
I remember seeing this with my younger brother near Halloween night a few years ago.
To be frank, I was pleasantly surprised.
I had expected something boring, dry, and lacking a good script and characters, just like Halloweentown did, but I ended up sitting there at the end sitting at the TV screen with this dopey big grin on my face.
Finally, a movie from family channel with a PLOT!
Sure, the zombies aren't exactly terrifying, but this is a kid's movie, not Dawn of The Dead.
It's always nice to see a dark little movie with a cheery ending once in a blue moon, and this one is that movie!The only disappointing thing in this movie was the fact that Curtis Danko only said one line, and that they didn't show him before his death for very long.
Otherwise, GREAT movie..
Has a good message to give..
As Halloween themed films aimed at the adolescent audience go, this one is a bit quirky, but fairly good.
It is told from the grandfather's point of view (who steels every scene), but of course the main character is his adolescent grandson.
That one is of the opinion that "he who runs away, lives to fight another day," but eventually that "other" day comes, and he has to learn a lesson.
In that regard, the most appealing character turns out to be the young girl that comes into his life.
She has a heart, but is also puckish and feisty.
Although introduced as a cheerleader, she has both a dark side and a sharpness of wit uncharacteristic of the stereotype, and is anything but an air-head.
Otherwise, the story is forgivably absurd, mixing up "Beetlejuice" elements with "Night of the Living Dead" hokum, and sending up the football player mentality against the underdog world of arts and ideas.
It also has a rather "remarkable" ending, involving ideas straight out of Zen Buddhism!!!.
Enjoyable film for the kids around Halloween.
This is one of those films where you need to review it as if you were a child watching on it on the screen.
Adults are jaded and kids enjoy much simpler things in that magical childhood haze.
If you are an adult you will watch this film and won't really think much of it however it does possess a nice Halloween atmosphere and Christopher Lloyd is enjoyable enough to watch.
The plot is ridiculous and the ending is equally absurd but the children will love it and might even get a nice child-like fright out of the whole thing.It is appropriate for children, a concerned parent should of course watch the film themselves first but there are not many things which one would find offensive to a sufficiently old enough child.
Cook up some popcorn and watch this one with your child.
Don't be surprised if you find it to drag a little but the little ones will be fascinated..
Halloween's spirit - Christopher Lloyd!.
Such huge rarity for today's time - film with Christopher Lloyd in a leaging role!
With the beginning of a new millennium this great actor all less often and less often gives to us pleasure the game, even more often appears on TV in films which are almost unknown a wide audience.
To me has carried, I have seen this film.In a role come back from that light of the grandfather - zombie it is simply delightful.
It always ideally accepted such unusual, little bit devil roles - madwomen, maniacs, envoys of a hell, and, on the contrary, representatives of paradise.
In this film Lloyd's by game it is possible to enjoy simply - explosive, bright, comical and touching simultaneously game - a stream of transformations, the rubber mimicry so favourite by admirers, uncontrollable splashes in emotions and mad shine in opinion of.
As it is a pity, that such roles come across recently to the actor so seldom and as it is insulting, that the general public cannot see it at cinemas.Excepting Christopher Lloyd's tremendous game, pluss and minuses of television statements are peculiar to film all - the small budget and economy is visible on everything, and especially on special effects, a make-up, suits, a place of shootings...
However, it is possible to consider it simply as reserve - yes, special effects far are not ideal, and the script limps, and game of many children leaves much to be desired, - but all fascinatingly, cheerfully, interestingly and very much in spirit of a Halloween - informidable horrors and a kind fairy tale.
Separate thanks for the ending, it has appeared unexpected enough and thus touching.
And Christopher Lloyd's statue in the ending as if symbolizes merits of the great actor before cinema.
In general, the excellent family comedy to look in its evening before a Halloween - lovely business, and during any other time it is possible to look with pleasure at Christopher Lloyd's game!.
Above Average for R.L. Stine.
When my 14 year old brother was younger, he was very much into the Goosebumps books that R.L. Stine was cranking out at a very rapid pace.
He still has probably 75 or more of them.
Anyways, being an avid Horror fan, and knowing full well the books were geared towards kids, I still gave them a shot.
I must say R.L. Stine writes like kids are idiots, or they won't questions things.
His stories are very obvious, predictable, and sometimes down right dumb...My little brother quickly out grew the books, but nonetheless, my mother still has them.
I can honestly say there were a few I go in to.
The Haunted Mask being one of them.Anyway, Here we have a Made for Video movie starring Christopher Lloyd.
He truly is the stare of the film.
I must say this one wasn't that bad.
The story was silly, but still gave a creepy Halloween vibe...A creepy vide at all, which is missing from most Stine's stuff.
I was very disappointed with the ending...However, it is in true Stine fashion.My wife and I watched this with my Daughter, who is very intelligent, and loves saying "Scary" in a very deep, almost demonic voice.
She did that a lot though this film.
She is only 21 months old, but movies like Halloween, are more her speed for some reason.
Anyway, she seemed to like this, and I found it to be a refreshing blend of scare and fun....Recommend for any audience...Decent effects, very colorful, beautiful sets....overall not a bad kids flick!8 out of 102006 UPDATE: My Daughter is now 6 years old and still enjoyes watching this film around Halloween.
It is a tradition during that time of year..
perfect Halloween movie.
i just absolutely love this movie..
Christopher Lloyd does a great job in this one, as Uncle Fred.
Apparently 20 years ago or so the town experienced such a horrible incident that they don't celebrate Halloween anymore..
a kid Curtis Danko got killed and the town now fears that his haunted soul will come back and haunt or kill them if they celebrate Halloween,, enter Uncle Fred what a comical character, that humongous stack of pumpkins was just hilarious , and that haunted house was just something that i would like to live in ,, all the decorations and such, would just make for a wonderful Halloween, this movie is great to watch anytime of the year, but of course probably much better at Halloween .
The acting is pretty good , the decorations and costumes are wonderful also, thumbs up to this one..
WoW, This movie really suck!.
This movie is plain out LAME!
The story is dumb, the actors suck and overdo it, escpecially the boy that its about.
He looks stupid when he screams and you don't get really convinced.
It's not a bit scary and the fiction is soooo lame!
When you are waiting to see the zombie that the whole story is about at the end...the resault is wack!
It's so badly made!
It's just a dummy or something, this flick is NOTHING to pay for!.
Great..
for kids, that is..
***SPOILERS***   ***SPOILERS*** *Possible Spoilers?*As a teenager, I don't often watch movies made for kids.
But as my little brother sat watching this one, I couldn't help sneaking a peek at it.
The cute little 8th grade goth kid with the crazy long black hair and safety pinned tie was WAY too adorable.
He was THE coolest kid in the whole movie, although the storyline was a little..
mature for 8 year olds.
I was sad when I found out that he dies, and even sadder at the end when I found out the truth.
I think the end when the statue is unveiled is one of the best parts, although I was tipped off at who it was earlier in the movie.
If you want a good Halloween story, but not all the blood and guts...
and a cute goth boy too..
I recommend this one.