October 25th, 2015 
Brian Leak 
Of all the holidays celebrated worldwide, no single day is loved by the UTG staff more than Halloween. With October’s arrival, the time has finally come to begin rolling out a slew of features and special announcements we have prepared in celebration of our favorite day.
Now in its fourth year, 31 Days Of Halloween is a recurring feature that will run throughout the month of October. The goal of this column is to supply every UTG reader with a daily horror (or Halloween-themed) movie recommendation that is guaranteed to amplify your All Hallows’ Eve festivities. We’ll be watching every film the day it’s featured, and we hope you’ll follow along at home.
This year, the entire 31 Days series is dedicated to the memory of our friend, Justin Proper. We wouldn’t have a film department without him, and he specifically helped pioneer our involvement in the horror genre. Rest in peace, JP.
Day 25: Tales Of Halloween (2015)
Created by Axelle Carolyn, Tales Of Halloween is the newest horror anthology to join the likes of Trick ‘r Treat, The ABCs Of Death and V/H/S in compiling multiple thrills and chills from several different directors into one feature-length effort. Packed with genre fanservice in the way of legendary cameos, blatant homages and more, Tales succeeds with more hits than misses, poised to be a cult favorite in no time. Offering plenty of variety across 10 separate segments—all taking place on the same night—Tales Of Halloween is a must-see this season for fans of everything from the truly disturbing to brutal, blood-soaked fun.
With roles and cameos from scream queens like Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond), Lin Shaye (A Nightmare On Elm Street, Insidious) and Adrienne Barbeau (Creepshow, The Fog; essentially reprising her role from the latter), and directors such as Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond), Joe Dante (The Howling, Gremlins), Adam Green (Hatchet, Digging Up The Marrow) and John Landis (An American Werewolf in London, Twilight Zone: The Movie), there’s evidence in the cast alone that Tales was made by (and for) those with a great affection for this genre; a love letter of sorts.
Apart from those on screen, some of the directors behind the various segments include Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent), Andrew Kasch (Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy), Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, Repo! The Genetic Opera) and Lucky McKee (May, All Cheerleaders Die). A notable cameo in my eyes, also, is that of Drew Struzan, a man whose talent and legacy you’re likely far more familiar with than you realize. The way in which he’s used is ironically hilarious as well. Vague, I know.
Enough about names though, right?
As mentioned, despite the buckets of blood, innumerable gruesome deaths and other macabre delights, Tales Of Halloween is a ton of fun from beginning to end, including its animated opening title sequence and all the music throughout. The “shorts” range from soberingly disturbing (“Trick”) to ridiculously amusing (“Bad Seed”) and hilariously twisted (“The Night Billy Raised Hell”). Littered amongst the ten loosely connected stories, you’ll find nods and references to notable genre staples like director John Carpenter, The Evil Dead, Friday The 13th, Night Of The Living Dead and various lords of The Underworld.
If you’re looking for some variety this All Hallow’s Eve, you can get it all in one place with Tales Of Halloween. There’s a little something for every kind of horror lover; plenty of exclusive fare for die-hards that you’ll enjoy pointing out with your friends.
Tales Of Halloween is out now on VOD, so rent it here and add it to your annual Halloween movie rotation.
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