Skelattack & The Love For Skeletons

Ah, yes. Skeletons are currently on my mind since I have Skelattack as writing inspiration. I’m not complaining though. Nor am I picky. I love good horror movies as much as I love good horror games. Whatever that may entail. From sexy horror movies to movies filled with dinosaurs, rhinos and vicious predators. I’ve covered them all, and I loved it. But now, it’s time for the skeletons to take center stage in one of my posts.

Why? Firstly, because we do have Skelattack currently on sale here at IndieGala. Not to mention, that the sale is not going to last forever. So hurry up and get it while it’s hot. And secondly, because movies with skeletons can be scary and fun at the same time. But first things first. I believe a word or two about the game is in order.

What’s Skelattack All About, You Might Ask?

Developed by Ukuza, Inc. and published by Konami, Skelattack is an action/adventure game platformer for the horror fan in you. But in the game itself, you are Skully. A member of the newly deceased that is about to get the hang of being dead. However, your newfound home and your brand new friends are attacked by humans. So, instead of seeking gold or other treasure, the humans kidnap Aftervale’s elder skeleton Elzedon. Oh, and then go after the magic that kindles the spirits of the dead: the Blue Flame. So, together with your best bat friend Imber, you have to jump, slash, and flap your way through the Underworld. And stop the human threat once and for all!

I mean just take a look at the reviews about the game:

“…A cute spin on the usual dungeon rhetoric. Skelattack’s demo is promising as well. Skully’s animations are spot-on, and jumping around and over the dungeon’s many traps feels responsive.” – PCGamer

“Skelattack is flipping the roguelike genre on its head. It’s still got tight controls and is fun to play, but the ideas are fresh and exciting, and potentially very challenging.”– Red Bull Games

Which Movies Go Well With Skelattack?

Well, I’ve thought about it, and there are plenty of great movies that not only feature skeletons as main characters. There are also plenty of great movies with skeletons as a minor character, and in memorable scenes as well. Frankly, it doesn’t even matter if it’s a feature-length motion picture movie or an animated one. I’m going to choose the ones that are dear to me, and maybe you can help expand this post by telling me your picks. Your favorite scenes, movies and characters that are focused on portraying skeletons. Would love to know them all.

But let’s not waste more time. Let’s cut to the chase. I’m starting this post with….

The Nightmare Before Christmas

It’s probably one of the most recognizable skeleton characters out there, and probably one of my favorites. And although it has a dual holiday vibe (Halloween and Christmas) I love watching The Nightmare Before Christmas even though I strongly despise musicals. This movie is one of the few instances I can tolerate singing. Hey, I passed on Glee just because of the singing and show tunes. But this is a timeless and beautiful movie nonetheless. It has suspense, horror, comedy and fantasy at the same time, and it’s just magical to watch. I remember vividly not being too scared of the movie as a kid, but being spellbound by the imagination and incredible stop motion animation. It’s amazing.

Coco

Indeed. I’m continuing the animation, but this time it’s a Pixar/Disney 3D animation. Coco was a true gem for me. An accidental find on a lazy Sunday afternoon but it was great. I honestly loved it, and I’m recommending it now. It checks all the boxes. Skeletons, the underworld, humor and crazy characters at the same time. It’s about a young aspiring musician who will enter the Land of the Dead in order to find his grandpa. But along the way will find something else. I know it sounds creepy and scary, but it’s really not. It’s a wholesome movie with a great cast, incredible animation and fantastic direction. And it’s also a movie about perusing your dreams and overcoming obstacles. That just happens to be set mostly in the Land of the Dead.

Army Of Darkness

If you’re a fan of Sam Raimi (as much as I am) then this is the perfect pick for you. Yes, the Evil Dead preceded Army Of Darkness, but out of all the three movies, this is by far my favorite. I know it’s not the opinion that many share, but this is the best (I repeat the best) movie of the entire Evil Dead trilogy. It’s Bruce Campbell at its finest and Sam Reimi at his wackiest. I mean Ash Williams is stuck in the Middle Ages and fighting the undead? Yes please! And surprisingly out of all the Sam Raimi movies, this was one of his movies I saw rather late.

But oh boy was it worth it. It’s hilarious with a mega-dose of slapstick and that good old deadpan humor from Bruce. And this particular movie made me fall in love with Sam Raimi all over again. Well, after Darkman anyway. But In the Army of Darkness, I found out that we share something else besides birthdays (yup October 23rd). We share a deep love and respect for the Three Stooges and Ray Harryhausen as well. Their influence is all over the movie and I love it. It’s a must-watch.

Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams

Honestly, the first two movies of the Spy Kids film series are probably my favorites. But what I loved about the sequel was particularly the Skeleton Battle Scene. Why? If you’re a fan of Ray Harryhausen and his revolutionary style of stop-animation you’re going to love this particular scene and the entire movie too. Remember how the Army Of Darkness’s scenes are an homage to the Three Stooges and Ray Harryhausen?

The Skeleton Battle Scene in Spy Kids 2 is a beautiful love letter to the king of stop animation himself. But it’s not a particular scene that makes the movie great. The entire sequel is packed with action, suspense and adventure. It’s one of these perfect kid-friendly movies that the only thing that’s not aging so well is the CGI. Everything else is still great.

Your Thoughts On Skelattack Inspired Movies

Which movies would you add here? Movies that have skeletons in them? Which ones are your favorite? Is it Kubo and 2 Strings? Pirates of the Caribbean? Corpse Bride even? Tell us in the comment section. We’d very much love to know.