“The Spirit of Halloweentown” is a quirky documentary that explores the unique transformation of St. Helens, Oregon, a town whose claim to fame was the filming of Disney’s “Halloweentown” in 1998. Now a beloved Halloween destination, the town becomes a Halloween paradise each year as it attracts over 50,000 visitors eager to celebrate the spooky season. The film captures the essence of this small community as it grapples with a newfound identity and Halloween-centric way of life.
Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, the documentary blends reality with a touch of fictional elements. The story follows the eccentric citizens of St. Helens as they prepare for their annual Halloween festival, from the spectacular parade to the detailed decor and performances. The sheer scale of effort that goes into the event is awe-inspiring, and the film captures the magic that the residents pour into making their town a haunted wonderland.
The heart of the film lies in the residents who bring charm (and conflict) to the narrative. Some citizens fully embrace the Halloween frenzy while others resent the overwhelming attention, and there are even a few who claim that darker, more satanic elements have infiltrated their town. These tensions make it clear that this is more than just a whimsical annual celebration, but a portrait of a community that’s wrestling with identity, tradition, and personal beliefs.
The documentary creates a vibrant picture of small-town life and expresses the love its residents share for Halloween, but Whitcomb and Thomason stumble a lot when it comes to focus. With too many storylines and personalities to juggle, certain narratives feel forced or underdeveloped. This takes away from the momentum of the celebration and the emotional core of the documentary. I kept finding myself pulled out of the moment by these detours, with several missed chances to dive deeper into the individual stories that make St. Helens such a fascinating subject.
Despite these occasional pacing issues, the film still manages to offer a captivating glimpse into the impact of “Halloweentown” on the town’s identity and the personal struggles of its residents. From those who see the event as a source of joy and belonging to others who view it with skepticism or disdain, the documentary explores the full spectrum of emotions surrounding the town’s embrace of its cinematic legacy.
The fictional elements are done well, but they don’t always find a seamless fit. I do appreciate what the filmmakers are trying to do, though, which makes “The Spirit of Halloweentown” a quite entertaining (and sometimes spooky) small-town character study.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 