Scooby Doo TV Show Opening

    "Halloweentown", directed by Duwayne Dunham, was released on October 17, 1998. This scene is from the first movie out of the series of four. It is a about a household of three kids, Marnie, Dylan, and Sophie. These kids live with their mom, Gwen, in the USA. Their Grandmother, Aggie, occasionally visits. The kids have never been allowed to go out on Halloween or dress up. This is because the kids come from a long line of witches, which they know nothing about. The movie starts off on Halloween night where the kids are begging to go trick or treating. Aggie also makes an appearance because she wants to start Marnie's witch training or else she will lose her powers forever. Aggie also needs help where she lives in Halloweentown, a dark and evil force has taken over. Just before Aggie leaves for home, the kids ask for her to read a bedtime story. The story talks about a fantasy world called Halloweentown, where their grandmother actually lives. The kids are so intrigued by the story they secretly follow Aggie home. The kids end up in Halloweentown, where they are in awe. In the end, Marnie is witch trained and they are able to defeat the evil force over the town. 

      The scene starts off with Aggie and their mother Gwen. Gwen is begging Aggie not to tell the kids about Halloweentown and to not tell Marnie about her witch training. The camera follows the 180 rule and keeps the actors looking into the shot. Aggie assures Gwen that she won't tell them a thing. There is a jumpshot to Marnie jumping into her bed and Aggie sitting on the edge of Sophie's bed. Dylan is visible walking to the doorway, but the camera does not focus on him. Dylan makes a dorky remark then is told to sit down and listen to their grandmother's story. Sophie hurries Aggie on about which story she's telling. Aggie tells the kids that it's one they've never heard (about Halloweentown). She explains that all sorts of different creatures live there rather than humans. Dylan interrupts with a snarky remark, but Aggie continues on. I noticed that the camera zooms into just Dylan's face when he's talking then zooms into Marnie and Aggie to capture their reactions. Aggie explains the different creatures living in the town, which excites the kids. Marnie adds her thought then the camera captures Dylan's eye roll. Aggie and Marnie make eye contact when she talks about witches. Just after their moment the shot captures the full group while Aggie explains that some witches are good and some are evil. She explains that not all creatures you see are mean, but sometimes you can tell by just looking at them. Sophie exclaims that she wants to go to Halloweentown. Dylan makes another remark that the story is not real. Aggie seems confused and looks at Marnie. Aggie comes up with an idea on the spot that she actually read this story somewhere. Dylan questions about the book she read and Aggie magically pulls the book out of her never ending bag. She shows the book off to the kids that is titled "Halloweentown". The camera focuses into each kids reaction while their mouths drop in shock. The scene ends with the kids admiring the book. 

      This scene is one of my favorites in the movie because it sets up how the kids find out about the magical Halloweentown. The scene is nothing spectacular, but it is watched each year by many kids. I would definitely recommend "Halloweentown", it's one of my holiday favorites. It is made by Disney so it can be a bit cheesy at times, but it's definitely worth a watch.