So you say you want a really scary movie for Halloween? Well, oh boy, do we have the perfect one for you! Join Coronado Island Film Festival if you dare for the 1980 psychological horror/ thriller “The Shining” on Wednesday, October 29, at Coronado’s Village Theatre. The work of the always difficult but groundbreaking director Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999), the film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd and Scatman Crothers. Written by Kubrick and Diane Johnson, it’s based on the 1977 novel by Stephen King and was largely unappreciated when it first came out. It was actually considered a “flop!” Since that time, however, “The Shining” has been reappraised by critics and audiences alike and is now considered to be a horror masterpiece and the second-best movie of 1980 (after “Raging Bull”). Doors open at 5 p.m. for complimentary wine, followed by a vintage cartoon and the feature at 5:30. Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at coronadofilmfest.com.

Nicholson plays writer and recovering alcoholic Jack Torrence, who travels with his wife and young son (Duvall and Lloyd) to accept a caretaker position at the remote Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains while it’s closed for the winter. Upon arrival, Jack is informed that a previous caretaker, Charles Grady, had killed his wife, two young daughters, and himself at the hotel a decade ago. Creepy enough for you? Well wait, there’s more! Son Danny, who it turns out is clairvoyant, starts having disturbing visions, Jack has writer’s block and violent outbursts and starts drinking again, and descends into complete insanity (as only Jack Nicholson can do).

Alert: THIS IS NOT A “FAMILY FILM”! But it IS a chilling, majestic piece of cinematic fright for the ages, brilliantly written, directed, shot and acted, and the perfect scary movie you asked for!

Next month: “Nobody’s Fool,” the comedy drama starring Paul Newman, Bruce Willis, and Jessica Tandy on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. This is considered the ultimate “Thanksgiving movie.” Bring the fam. Tickets are on sale now.

In the meantime, we invite you to celebrate Ten Incredible Years of the Coronado Island Film Festival, November 5–9! Experience over 130 films, from powerful documentaries to Oscar contenders, along with Tribute Awards, parties, and free screenings at the Coronado Public Library.

Learn more and get your tickets and passes at coronadofilmfest.com.

VOL. 115, NO. 43 – Oct. 22, 2025