Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: Shenanigans ensue after a family inadvertently awakens an evil spirit on Halloween.
Review: The plot isn't exactly original, what with decorations coming to life, however, this is that right level of Halloween hi-jinks presentable for the whole family; things are scary but not too scary. The tone and comedy elements are what I'd expect for modern audiences despite being on the cornball side, and, of course, Netflix making the dad low-key racist. The film would have benefited from some extra kick--an x-factor of some sort--to put this movie on par with things like "Goosebumps" or "Hocus Pocus," but it can hold its own.
Where I think "The Curse of Bridge Hollow" will shine is with the wide variety of decorations coming to life to attack the townspeople. I can see some plot elements being a tad edgier than a PG rating, but, the story still plays things relatively safe. I want to say this was designed more with the tween demo and their parents in mind, but it has Disney channel vibes more befitting of a younger demographic. Likewise, some of the references are probably more adult focused like "The Walking Dead" so make of that what you will. I should also mention no one actually dies, but they do talk about the villain trying to send someone to hell in his place.
At this point there are probably way more low-budget horror movies about Halloween than family ones, but it's good to see filmmakers are still producing content. Overall, the sets and pacing are solid with the town taking center stage. While there is little struggle for the characters to overcome, I did like the way the family dynamics mixed with the main girl's new friends .I don't think this is going to be anyone's favorite or some kind of classic in the making, but it's a novel change worth at least a viewing.
Notable Moment: When the neighbor goes full Rick Grimes mode with the shotgun.
Final Rating: 6/10
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