It’s September so you know what that means, IT’S ALMOST SPOOKY SEASON! Halloween is my favorite holiday. I’m chomping at the bit to decorate my apartment and plan my costume. I created a list of five movies, well it’s actually four movies and one TV show, to get you into the Halloween spirit. So grab some snacks, a blanket, and a friend. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Sleep Hollow (1999)
First up we have Sleep Hollow. This one is on my watch list every single year. I highly recommend this movie. Young and dreamy Johnny Depp is the main character as well.
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
The next movie is Interview with the Vampire. My mom got Brad Pitt as a vampire. I got sparkly Robert Pattinson in Twilight. I’m not mad though because the wolf pack was ten times better anyways.
Fright Night (1985)
“Oh you’re so cool Brewster.”
Hey it’s another vampire movie. I have’t watched this movie in a while, so it’s definitely on my watch list for this year.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Okay this one terrified me growing up. The first attack. The transformation scene. Jack scared the hell out of me. Still I suggest you watch this movie if you haven’t seen it yet.
Tales from the Crypt (1989)
Last we have the TV show, Tales from the Crypt. My brothers and I grew up watching this show during spooky season. Each episode is a different story with a different theme and they’re about 30 minutes long. There’s seven seasons so you can binge watch all of them.
Sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to see the Land of the Shining Mountains on the big screen
Author: Shane Cox
*All movie art credit belongs to IMDB
5. What Dreams May Come (1998)
There is an easy way and a hard way to see Heaven. The easy way is to live in Montana.
Led by legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams, this movie showed us the true meaning of the word “soulmate”. In this romantic fantasy, William’s character travels through Heaven and Hell to rescue the soul of the woman he loves. Along the way, he will reunite with his old dog Katie and his children who tragically died in a car accident and no I’m not crying I’m just SWEATING THROUGH MY EYES OK!!! (Seriously, it is a great movie, but have a box of tissues on hand)
Some of the most beautiful shots in the movie were filmed in Glacier National Park. While shooting, Williams decided to take a break and tour the area. (Traylor, 2014) He later said:
“If it isn’t God’s backyard, He certainly lives nearby.”
RIP Robin. There will never be another like you
4. Forrest Gump (1994)
Movies and Montana goes together like peas and carrots…
Montana makes a brief yet beautiful cameo in this legendary picture. During the running sequence, the shot of Forrest running though a field of golden wheat was taken just outside Cut Bank, MT. The scene then cuts to him jogging across a stone bridge at the St. Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park. (Movie-Locations: Forrest Gump, 2020)
Though Big Sky Country is only onscreen for few seconds, it was almost left out of the movie entirely! The studio, worried that the project was going too far over budget, threatened to pull the plug in the middle of production. Hanks and Director Robert Zemeckis decided to cover the cost of shooting the iconic running scene and save what is now one of the most beloved movies of all time. (Ashton, 2020)
As if we needed another reason to love Tom Hanks
3. The Untouchables (1987)
That’s the Montana way…
Chicago is great. But when you want your protagonists to charge the bad guys guns blazing while on horseback you pack up production and go to the Treasure State.
Based on real events, the movie follows Elliot Ness as he forms a team of special agents to take down the infamous gangster Al Capone. The movie’s (arguably) best scene takes place at Hardy Bridge just outside of Great Falls. (Movie-Locations: Untouchables, 2020)
This film is criminally underrated. In fact, you should stop reading this list right now and go watch it. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
2. The Revenant (2015)
The movie that FINALLY gave poor Leo his Oscar
While the movie is set in Montana and South Dakota, most of it was filmed in Canada. However, one of the film’s most pulse pounding scenes was shot in the rapids of Kootenai Falls, just downstream from Libby. In this scene Hugh Glass (played by DiCaprio) uses the waterfall to escape from a party of pursuing Arikara hunters. (Movie-Locations: Revenant, 2020)
I just gotta say…y’all know that scene where Leo eats a raw bison liver? Yeah, that wasn’t special effects. Real Liver. Real Reaction. He also actually crawled inside of a dead horse. All I’m saying is that if DiCaprio wanted to live in Montana he would fit in around here just fine. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Honorable Mention: Return to Lonesome Dove (1993)
A Cowboy’s Odyssey
This 4-part mini-series, while technically not a movie, deserves a place on this list. The sequel to the epic adventure Lonesome Dove follows Captain Woodrow F. Call’s return from Texas to his ranch in Montana.
This series is the perfect binge watch for fans of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. The filming locations span across the state and include Butte, Cardwell, Virginia and Nevada City, Laurel, and Billings. (Return to Lonesome Dove: Filming and Production, 2020)
Fun Fact:My Dad worked on the Set #2 of this movie while he was in college. He was paid $100 a day to pick up and hide barb wire fences so they were not caught on camera. He and his coworker would spend their free time hunting rattlesnakes to turn into boots and hatbands to sell to the California crew.
I’m sorry, but my Dad is cooler than your dad. 🙂
1. A River Runs Through It (1992)
I’ll never leave Montana, Brother
There is no other way to end this list than with the most iconic Montana movie of all time. While most of these entries only take advantage of the state’s amazing scenery, Montana provides the heart and soul of this beautiful story.
While the film was set in Missoula and by the Blackstone river, the scenes in town were filmed in Livingston, MT. Likewise, the fishing scenes were captured in Paradise Valley on the Yellowstone River, the Gallatin River south of Bozeman, and the Boulder River by Big Timber. (Movie-Locations: River Runs Through It, 2020)
So many elements of this movie make it special. Norman Maclean’s story was adapted by Richard Friedenberg and brought to life by director Robert Redford. The entire cast is amazing, with now legendary actor Brad Pitt standing out among the crowd.
If you were born under the Big Sky…you need to watch this movie. If you have, you know why I can’t put the feeling into words. This film reminds us where we come from. It reminds us of Home.
References
Ashton, W. (2020, January 2). Forrest Gump: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Classic Tom Hanks Movie. Retrieved from Cinema Blend: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2487844/forrest-gump-10-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-classic-tom-hanks-movie
Movie-Locations: Forrest Gump. (2020). Retrieved from Movie-Locations: https://www.movie-locations.com/movies/f/Forrest-Gump.php
Movie-Locations: Revenant. (2020). Retrieved from Movie-Locations: http://movie-locations.com/movies/r/Revenant.php
Movie-Locations: River Runs Through It. (2020). Retrieved from Movie-Locations: http://movie-locations.com/movies/r/River-Runs-Through-It.php
Movie-Locations: Untouchables. (2020). Retrieved from Movie-Locations: http://movie-locations.com/movies/u/Untouchables.php
Return to Lonesome Dove: Filming and Production. (2020). Retrieved from IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106112/locations?ref_=tt_ql_dt_5
Traylor, A. (2014, August 11). Remembering Robin Williams in Montana: His Visit to Glacier National Park. Retrieved from 107.5 Zoo FM: https://1075zoofm.com/robin-williams-montana/#:~:text=Remembering%20Robin%20Williams%20in%20Montana%3A%20His%20Visit%20to%20Glacier%20National%20Park&text=Scenes%20from%20the%20film%20’What,was%20directed%20by%20Vincent%20Ward
(Yes, there is much more to Ireland than just Dublin)
#1 – Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co Kerry.
Whether you’re looking for a bargain on a few things for the household or you’re just out for the sesh after a normal day at the office, Puck Fair is an event to be attended if you’re down the South-West in August. When explaining our rationale to anyone who doesn’t live in Kerry we may seem crazy in hailing to a goat otherwise known to us as King Puck. Of course the story provides a reason for us to practice such a ritual annually but today we know and have come to love it as being a 3-day drinking session and no one can tell you you’re wrong. Whether you’re down in the O’Shea’s beer garden or you’re up with the live band in Kingston’s there’s quality banter to be had. Of course such an event can’t finish without a wrap up. On the final night at midnight in celebrating your “glorious” time, fireworks are set off to mark the occasion of yet another year gone in celebrating together the King of Puck Fair.
#2 – Taking a stroll around Muckross on a grand day in the summer (with chance of rain).
As much as we enjoy heading out to the pub with the lads on a Saturday night we do offer some activities for tourists in the area. If you’re looking for a family picnic, if you’re in the mood for a dip down in our Dundag “beach” or if you’re just looking to stroll around and absorb some sunshine (assuming we’re blessed with some) you should make tracks down to Muckross House and Gardens. For any Irish cultural lovers, Muckross House still has its own Traditional Farms in operations and if you’re still intrigued, give a walk around to see the old cottages and dwellings that still stand to this day. Most definitely a good way to spend some time with the family even in the gardens for the kids to play a quick game of catch while the parents can relax with a cup of tea or coffee at the Garden’s Restaurant.
#3 – The Ring of Kerry
Probably one of the most widely known tourist attractions for County Kerry. If you’re in a bit of a rush for time just hop in the car and give a quick tour around and absorb the beauty the coastline can offer. If you’re looking to make a memory of it check yourself in to one of the many hotels along to way to make sure you see everything it has to offer. If you’re looking for more of a communal participation by about a 12 thousand people you can always participate in the Ring of Kerry Cycle that occurs every year on the first weekend of July. Probably the most rewarding challenge you can set yourself, not that I’m speaking from a personal experience but what I can speak personally about is the Post-Cycle session that happens all the way up through the town where you’re bound to have a good time. And also, for all you Star Wars enthusiasts, make sure you drop down to the Skellig Islands for a real-life view of where the climactic ending to Star Wars: The Force Awakens was shot.
P.S. Word is, they’ll be returning for the next 2 movies!
#4 – Live Entertainment
Summertime in Killarney provides probably the best and most vibrant atmosphere you’ll ever experience in your life. Almost every bar throughout the town provides a live band performance to get the crowd on their feet and absorb in the energy coming from the speakers to have one hell of a night. Whether you’re at the top of the town in Scott’s Bar and Beer garden or you’re listening to the local musicians down in Charlie Foley’s, there’s live music to be heard from a variety of different musicians. If you’re for traditional, rock possibly even some chart toppers there’s something for everyone.
#5 – What’s summertime in Killarney without a day at the Races
Hands down this is an event that should be attended at least once in your life time. This annual experience allows for people of all ages, guys and girls, to get suited and booted and head to the race track with the lads for a couple of hours to make a couple of bets while also enjoying an “occasional” drink or two. The feeling of going out in the town looking dapper is a feeling that is encouraged. And for the ladies, if you’re the competitive type, you could be up for Best Dressed / Ladies Day Competition. Assuming we’re in the clear of rain, it’s guaranteed to be a mighty time.
(And if you’re looking for proposal ideas it’s not a bad spot for it. Just ask any of the previous couples who got engaged on their day out here)
Hands down this is an event that should be attended at least once in your life time. This annual experience allows for people of all ages, guys and girls, to get suited and booted and head to the race track with the lads for a couple of hours to make a couple of bets while also enjoying an “occasional” drink or two. The feeling of going out in the town looking dapper is a feeling that is encouraged. And for the ladies, if you’re the competitive type, you could be up for Best Dressed / Ladies Day Competition. Assuming we’re in the clear of rain, it’s guaranteed to be a mighty time.