October. The spookiest of months, and the perfect reason to tap into the horror genre. But which sub-genre?
After debating slashers vs. monsters, we opted to go the monster route. No, we did not watch any of the classics. Dracula, the Wolf-Man, the Mummy, and even my beloved Creature of the Black Lagoon didn’t make the cut—mainly because a couple of years ago we spent October catching up on all the classics. As for our meals, I will admit, this was the biggest stretch we’ve done so far to meet the theme (and trust me, we learned our lesson). To avoid a month of “mashed” side dishes as dinner, we leaned into some smashed options—thank you internet.
Week 1: Johnny’s pick
Movie: The Host (2006)
You know things are going to go badly when an American bosses people around in a foreign country. Also, don’t pollute!
A first-watch for both of us, Bong Joon-ho’s The Host was fantastic from start to finish. Hailed as one of the best horror and monster movies of the 21st century, this movie lives up to its accolades. Trying to figure out the monster’s intentions made this an especially interesting watch for me.
Check it out if you want to:
Experience Bong’s work pre-Parasite (still on our must watch list).
Watch a film that, at times, can hit a little too close to home when it comes to the theme of misinformation.
Meal: Smash Burgers and Tater Tots
No specific recipe here, but with a theme like Monster sMash, smash burgers seemed like the perfect fit (and honestly a win after picking a complicated meal theme). As for the tots, I highly recommend Aldi’s Season’s Choice Potato Puffs. They crisp up nicely in the oven and are a good value.
Week 2: Mel’s pick
Movie: The Blob (1988)
Pro-tip: Don’t poke things with sticks, especially if you saw it flying across the sky just moments before.
I chose the 1988 remake, mainly based on comments I read in advance, such as calling the 1958 film corny and hard to watch. The remake also has some cheeseball moments, but I will say the creature was scary as hell. Fun fact: While Frank Darabont co-wrote this film with Chuck Russell, he later went on to direct my second pick this month, as well as other well-known Stephen King adaptations (and he was the screenwriter on Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors!).
Check it out if you want to:
See Kevin Dillon sport some luscious locks (you know he conditions!)
Watch between your fingers at some of the more truly surprising body horror moments.
Meal: Smashed 7-Minute Eggs on Toast
I used this recipe as more of a template, but didn’t follow it exactly. I made a quick dill aioli, smashed the eggs on top (for a runnier egg, go for 6 minutes), then topped with pickled onions and more fresh dill. For the bread, I bought a rosemary loaf from Wegmans and toasted the slices lightly. Absolutely delicious!
Week 3: Johnny’s pick
Movie: Mimic (1997)
Why aren’t those kids in school, and how does Mira Sorvino know them?
A first watch for me, but a repeat for Johnny, Mimic is everything you expect of a late 90s science fiction-horror-thriller from director Guillermo del Toro. Tapping into a Frankenstein-theme of sorts with genetic engineering gone awry, this movie is interesting, but at times felt like it was dragging in my opinion (despite taking place over maybe 1-2 days).
Check it out if you want to:
See Jeremy Northam play a modern CDC official who is seemingly less effectual than his character Sir Thomas More in The Tudors.
Confront Nosophobia, Entomophobia, and Gephyrophobia. Oh, and see a Norman Reedus cameo.
Meal: Breakfast Mashed Potatoes Casserole
If you’re looking for an indulgent breakfast casserole, this 1000% is it. Johnny used chorizo in lieu of breakfast sausage, and we both agreed that something like this should be served with a leafy green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. But overall, quite tasty!
Week 4: Mel’s pick
Movie: The Mist (2007)
Oh Thomas Jane … you only needed to wait a few more minutes.
I love Stephen King, so the opportunity to see one of his novellas adapted into a well-received movie was a major reason why I selected this film among many options of the monster-horror genre. This cast is stacked, and features Jeffrey DeMunn, who played the sheriff in my earlier pick of the month, The Blob. Frank Darabont directed, and really brought to life the themes King tackled within the novella.
Check it out if you want to:
Watch a really solid adaptation of a Stephen King novella—from storyline to acting to special effects, this film has it all, IMO.
Be haunted for days by the anatomy choices made by the special effects crew.
Meal: Crispy Smashed Black Bean Tacos
For this meal I used smaller tortillas, but pretty much followed the recipe, adding a light sprinkling of cheese to the outside of the tacos for the last few minutes of baking. I honestly think that, even with the filling ingredients being cut in half, this recipe yields way more than it says it did … while I made 6 tacos, I feel as if I could have easily made 8.
For November, we’re shifting from season-specific films and instead settling in to some movies focused on friendship. As always, let me know if you watched any of the movies or made any of the recipes, and what you thought. Until next month!