HOLLYWOOD—Yes, Hollywood is gearing up for Halloween. It’s a fun holiday, everyone gets dressed up and everyone has a great time. Halloween comes only second to Christmas in spending. Most people will spend money buying custom costumes to candy to pumpkin pies. Americans go all out on October 31, and spend a lot of money doing so.
According to published reports, Halloween spending is expected to reach $8.4 billion this year, with Americans spending an average of $82.93 on costumes, decorations and candy—up from last year’s $74.34, according to the National Retail Federation. More than two-thirds of Americans plan to buy costumes this year, accounting for $3.1 billion in spending, according to the survey.
About 20 percent of the children say they will don a superhero custom versus 6 percent for princesses. Every year we have the classics: Batman, Superman, Spiderman. So it’s the superheroes for kids, adults and pets. Of course the movie industry has a huge part on costuming. But then again who doesn’t want to be a superhero? This year we have the two nominees, giant Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump head masks. Whether you are voting for Hillary or Donald this November, go as one of them.
Another trend this year: Pet costumes. Roughly 16 percent of Americans say they’ll dress up their dogs, cats and bunnies for Halloween, according to the survey. The most popular costumes for pets were pumpkins, followed by hot dogs and bumblebees. Over the years people are spending more and more money on pet costumes. They are part of the family, and, well, dogs aren’t going to complain about dressing up.
Just to get you in the mood for Halloween, is the film titled “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” It’s an American comedy horror film written and directed and starring Tyler Perry. The idea for the film originated from a fictitious Madea Halloween movie from Chris Rock’s 2014 film “Top Five.” It is the second Madea film (the first being “Madea’s Witness Protection”) to not be adapted from a stage play.
Lionsgate will distribute the film which is scheduled to be released on October 21. So here is the plot: Madea spends Halloween keeping an eye on her great-niece Tiffany and a group of misbehaving teens and fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls and zombies. The production on the film began in mid-January 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. On March 4, Lionsgate released a teaser trailer for the film. Then on July 14, the official trailer was released as well as a parody poster of “Halloween.” Tyler Perry is a creative genius and all his films are full of fun and laughter.
On the same day, the horror flick titled “Ouija: Origin of Evil” will be released. In 1967, Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side. The film is directed by Mike Flanagan and stars Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Doug Jones among many more.
If you want a film with lots of action, on the same day being released is “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” starring Tom Cruise. Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.
Rose’s Scoop: Billy Bush who is first cousin to the former President George W. Bush and Jeb Bush has been suspended and possibly fired by NBC after that Trump tape was released to the media. He is currently embroiled in scandal over a leaked 2005 video featuring lewd conversation with Donald Trump.
