Review of Movie: Haul out the Halloween Starring Lacey Chabert and Wes Brown

The Plot

Emily (Lacey Chabert) and Jared (Wes Brown) return to Utah from a honeymoon abroad. Jared, being the slightly stuffy president of the neighborhood home owners’ association, is aghast when he lays eyes on their new neighbors’…shall we say…excessive Halloween decorations.

Thinking that his new wife is still traumatized by a devastating Halloween incident years earlier, he lays down the law with the new people on the block; by attempting to get them to tone down the theming. But Emily isn’t having it. In fact, she decides it’s time to forget the past and go all in for the holiday.

Chaos ensues…And Jared has a melt down of sorts. Not to mention Emily’s run-in with her old frenemy. Will she try to patch things up with her former high school nemesis? And what will happen to Jared’s role as president of the HOA given his epic (and very public) melt down?

The Actors

I am so impressed with Lacey Chabert’s transition from child actor on one of my favorite 90’s shows, “Party of Five” to adult Hallmark star. She has parlayed her acting chops into a long run on the network, with good reason. Lacey handles comedy as easily as she does mysteries and romance. Of course, there is a bit of romance in this Halloween favorite, but most of the focus is on her comedic timing.

Wes Brown is such a familiar face, not only on Hallmark, but also his starring roles in “CSI Miami” and “Criminal Minds.”

But my favorite parts are his romantic leads in countless Hallmark romances. That is why I was reluctant to watch him in a comedy. I wasn’t sure if he could pull it off…Not because he lacks ability…but because I am not used to seeing him let loose and have fun! And boy did he deliver. Talk about comedic timing. His antics were laughable-out-loud funny, and the relationship between him and his mom was heart warming.

My Thoughts on this Movie

Yes, I thought the writing could be tightened up in certain places, but the setting (supposedly in Utah but probably filmed in Canada) was beautiful, and really puts you in the Halloween spirit.

I adored the parents. In fact, they simply stole the show from the younguns in certain places. The comedy was never trite or over done.

I liked how Emily faced her fears and her high school rival. She didn’t chastise her new husband for his epic melt down. Instead, she gently took over until he regained his composure and confronted his mom (in an oh-so-adorable way.)

Maybe this neighborhood was too focused on Christmas and didn’t give the October holiday a chance. But as soon as they all decided to go big for Halloween, nothing could stop them!

I would like to see the parents get their own series/movie. Anyone at Hallmark listening? Please?

My Favorite Lines from Haul Out the Halloween

When Emily says to Jared: “Aren’t there some canes you can candy?” Jared replies, “You know there are no candy canes on Halloween.”

Emily commands, “Eat your pumpkin pie.”

Jared (who is a very serious HOA president) replies to a comment from Emily, “I love when you speak bylaws.”

Jared’s mom says, “That Ned is a real Rizzler. He is one tall glass of distilled spirit.”

I still don't know what a rizzler is, but I love the line!

The neighborhood board announces to Jared, “You have been charged with projecting a pumpkin.”

The reporter tells her audience, “Most people would love to live on Evergreen Lane, but now it’s more like Nightmare on Elm Street.”

Finally, Emily was proclaimed “First Lady of EverScream lane!”