Well, the dust has settled, and in a surprise move The Final Destination beat out Halloween II at the box office. Even allowing for the inflated figures on the former—spawned by the $3-3.50 surcharge (depending on theater) for 3-D—it was a clear victory for the grim reaper and company.

I was talking to an old friend about movie ratings. He mentioned that on military bases movies were rated in pre-MPAA rating days—something with which I was unfamiliar. I don’t recall the rating system, but I was interested to note that one of the “forbidden” movies was David Swift’s Under the Yum Yum Tree. What slightly surprised me was my immediate response, “And so it ought to have been,” and the realization that I find this movie offensive.

It’s Michael Myers vs. Death Incarnate at the movies this week for what should be the grudge match of the year. My money is on Michael Myers. He’s got the brand name and Rob Zombie at the helm. On the other hand, Death is all dolled-up in a nice 3-D suit. Should be an interesting bout. And if that doesn’t excite you, Ang Lee is on hand with a little 40-year-old nostalgia.

For reasons I can’t begin to fathom certain members of my family have been stricken with list-o-mania (as distinct from Lisztomania). It started innocently enough with lists of favorite books and favorite movies and other such things. This I understood because lists are fun, but then they moved from the safety of “favorites” into the realm of “bests,” which strikes me as definitely risky and possibly unnecessary.