Hubie Halloween

Directed by Steven Brill, Hubie Halloween is a 2020 horror comedy feature with a star-studded cast that includes the hilarious Adam Sandler, the ever-comedic Kevin James, and the charming Julie Bowen. This Netflix Original ride is filled with spooks, humor, and an inherent feel-good aura which draws from classic Halloween-themed thematic elements.

Sandler takes the lead as Hubie Dubois, a quirky and good-hearted but easily-frightened deli worker who has devoted his life to protecting his hometown of Salem despite the town folks' constant ridicule. Traditional Halloween antics, both fun and eerie, turn into a real-life horror as residents of Salem begin disappearing—transforming Hubie's favorite holiday into a challenging mystery to resolve.

Hubie, labeled the unofficial Halloween monitor, is a peculiar figure with his homemade Swiss Army thermos and a medley of scary stories up his sleeve. He's such an easy target for jokes that even a troupe of middle school bullies seems to delight in his fear. Despite these challenges, our unsung hero Hubie remains undeterred, spreading the essence of Halloween spirit in his own unique and amusing way.

The movie's comedy is grounded in Hubie's distinct personality and incredibly funny interactions that engage a blend of classic slapstick, yelled dialogue, physical comedy, and signature Sandler-gibberish. Sandler's promising performance brings an affectionate charm to Hubie, making it impossible for the audience not to root for him as he tries to crack the case and save the day.

Joining Sandler, Kevin James stars as Officer Steve Downing, the local policeman often at the receiving end of Hubie's safety calls. Their relationship is on a swinging pendulum between frustration and camaraderie, offering many laugh-out-loud moments that James plays wonderfully.

Matching pace with the comedic duo, Bowen plays Violet Valentine, a woman who has quietly loved Hubie since their days in school. Bowen's character further complements Hubie’s eccentricity by exhibiting a kind and caring demeanor, offering him a sense of comfort and companionship at times.

Hubie Halloween is also peppered with a generous number of cameos that give the movie an extra layer of delight for audiences. Some of these cameos include familiar faces from Sandler's most loved productions, adding a nostalgic element to the mix.

Unlike traditional horror comedies, Hubie Halloween impresses the audience with its spooky ambience while maintaining its comedic theme. This peculiar genre blend lends an unpredictable edge to the film. The picturesque town of Salem, placed against an October backdrop that brims with cobweb-covered houses, grinning jack-o-lanterns, and costumed townsfolk, intensely heightens the Halloween milieu. Exemplary cinematography and convincing VFX work together to bring out the horror parts of the story, complemented with the beautifully eccentric Halloween props which add depth to the comic plot.

The script wonderfully manipulates typical cliché Halloween tropes and shines them through a unique lens of humor, satire, and mystery. Though filled with antics, the narrative upholds a generous spirit towards its bumbling hero, underlining messages of kindness, acceptance, and the extraordinary courage of an ordinary man.

The movie’s pace picks up with the unfolding mystery, keeping audiences guessing and clinging to their seats. Throughout this journey, the audience witnesses the evolution of Hubie's character from the town laughingstock to an unlikely hero.

Hubie Halloween is not only a comedy centered on a peculiar character but also a tribute to classic Halloween-themed films. Just the right blend of horror and comedy embellished with convincing performances, it serves as an engaging, family-friendly Halloween watch.

No prior knowledge of Adam Sandler films is necessary to appreciate Hubie Halloween, yet longtime fans will undoubtedly revel in this familiar but distinct rendition of Sandler's comedic expertise. This Halloween treat, while never leaving a chance to tickle your funny bone, also warms the heart with its focus on courage, love, and goodwill. The film, perfect for family viewing, exhibits an eccentric and largely innocent take on celebrating Halloween while leaving the audience guessing about the plot's twists and turns.

In all, Hubie Halloween is a delightful roller-coaster ride, packing in the chills and thrills of Halloween while interlacing Sandler's comedy seal. It’s a fun, meaningful, and feel-good film that is likely to become a Halloween staple. This film rightfully earns its place in the category of horror comedies that embrace their absurdity and run with it!