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Hubie Halloween is a 2020 American mystery horror comedy film directed by Steve Brill, co-written by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, who also stars in the title role, and co-stars an ensemble supporting cast consisting of Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Ray Liotta, Rob Schneider, June Squibb, Kenan Thompson, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Buscemi, and Maya Rudolph. The film follows Hubie Dubois, a Halloween-loving delicatessen worker who must save the town of Salem, Massachusetts, from a kidnapper. Released on October 7, 2020, by Netflix, the film received mixed reviews from critics, although some critics considered it better than Sandler’s other recent comedies. The film pays tribute to actor Cameron Boyce, who was set to co-star, but died in 2019. In this article, we will review the plot, the characters, and the humor of Hubie Halloween.
The Plot of Hubie Halloween
Hubie Halloween begins with a flashback to 1981 when Michael Myers is captured by Deputy Gary Hunt after being shot by Dr. Samuel Loomis. Hunt then shoots Michael in the head, apparently killing him. This scene is a homage to the Halloween film series, which features Michael Myers as a masked killer who stalks his victims on Halloween night.
In 2020, Hubie Dubois is a dimwitted delicatessen employee in Salem, Massachusetts ridiculed by most of the city, and the butt of many practical jokes. He has annoyed police sergeants Steve Downey and Blake and Father Dave for ages. Hubie spends his Halloweens monitoring the city as the official Halloween Helper. The day before Halloween, Hubie meets his strange new neighbor Walter Lambert, and news spreads around town about Richie Hartman 3, a convict and childhood friend of Hubie who has absconded from a local mental institution.
On Halloween day Hubie, working as Halloween Monitor, investigates Walter’s home after hearing strange noises. Reporting this to the police, he is “recruited” by Downey as an “AUU” (auxiliary undercover unit). Hubie believes this assignment is genuine, but it is really just something Steve tells Hubie in hopes it will deter Hubie from bothering him. Hubie goes to a local Halloween party to monitor the activities, however, it soon turns sour. He is tricked into going into a corn maze seeking a lost child. Hubie’s young co-worker Mike follows hoping to scare Hubie. He finds Mike and watches him get pulled into the maze and then disappear.
The Characters of Hubie Halloween
Hubie Halloween features a large and diverse cast of characters, many of whom are played by Adam Sandler’s frequent collaborators and friends. Some of the main characters are:
- Hubie Dubois: The protagonist of the film, played by Adam Sandler. He is a kind-hearted but naive and timid delicatessen worker who loves Halloween and acts as the self-appointed Halloween Helper. He is constantly bullied and pranked by the townspeople, but he never loses his optimism and courage. He has a crush on Violet Valentine, his high school sweetheart, who reciprocates his feelings. He also has a thermos that can transform into various tools and weapons, such as a grappling hook, a flashlight, a megaphone, or a blowtorch.
- Violet Valentine: The love interest of Hubie, played by Julie Bowen. She is a kind and beautiful woman who works as a news reporter. She has three foster children whom she loves dearly. She has been divorced from her husband Frankenstein, who cheated on her with another woman. She has always liked Hubie since high school, but never had the chance to tell him until Halloween night.
- Richie Hartman: The antagonist of the film, played by Rob Schneider. He is a psychotic and vengeful convict who escapes from a mental institution on Halloween night. He kills his neighbor Walter Lambert and takes his place as part of his plan to get revenge on Hubie for getting him arrested when they were kids. He also kidnaps several people who are close to Hubie or have wronged him in some way. He reveals that he is Hubie’s half-brother, as they share the same mother.
- Gary Hunt: The sheriff of Salem, played by Kevin James. He is a lazy and incompetent cop who dislikes Hubie and tries to avoid him as much as possible. He pretends to recruit Hubie as an AUU (auxiliary undercover unit) to get rid of him. He is also obsessed with candy corn, which he eats constantly.
- Walter Lambert: Hubie’s new neighbor, played by Steve Buscemi. He is a strange and creepy man who claims to be turning into a werewolf. He befriends Hubie and warns him about Richie Hartman, who he says is dangerous. He is later revealed to be killed by Richie, who takes his identity.
- Mrs. Dubois: Hubie’s mother, played by June Squibb. She is an eccentric and senile old lady who wears T-shirts with offensive slogans on them. She loves Hubie and supports his Halloween Helper work. She also reveals that she knew about Richie all along and that she was behind some of the pranks that were played on Hubie.
The Humor of Hubie Halloween
Hubie Halloween is a comedy film that uses various types of humor to make the audience laugh. Some of the types of humor that are used in the film are:
- Slapstick Comedy: The movie includes classic slapstick humor, with physical gags, pratfalls, and humorous accidents. Hubie often finds himself in ridiculous and precarious situations, leading to humorous outcomes.
- Wordplay and Puns: “Hubie Halloween” incorporates wordplay and puns as a source of humor. The characters engage in witty banter, clever one-liners, and humorous exchanges that play on words and language.
- Parody and Satire: The film parodies various horror movie tropes and clichés. It pokes fun at the conventions of Halloween-themed horror films and creates humorous situations based on those stereotypes.
- Running Jokes: The movie includes several running jokes that reappear throughout the story. These recurring gags provide consistency and comedic callbacks, enhancing the humor.
- Absurdity and Surrealism: “Hubie Halloween” often leans into absurd and surreal humor. It features bizarre and unlikely scenarios that generate laughter through their sheer outlandishness.
Conclusion:
“Hubie Halloween” offers a delightful blend of spookiness and humor, led by the comedic genius of Adam Sandler. With its eccentric characters, slapstick comedy, and clever wordplay, the film provides a lighthearted and entertaining Halloween experience for audiences of all ages.
Call to Action:
As Halloween approaches, gather your friends and family for a laughter-filled movie night with “Hubie Halloween.” Whether you’re a fan of Adam Sandler’s humor or simply looking for a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit, this film is sure to deliver. Stream it on Netflix, prepare some popcorn, and let the hilarity ensue!
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