New Jersey
Watching scary movies on Halloween? These films have New Jersey connections
Margate resident transforms home into a Halloween haunted mansion to promote joy, unity
Margate resident Ari Goldberger transformed his home into an haunted mansion for Halloween to promote joy and unity.
As Halloween comes creeping around the corner, a scary movie night may be in order to set the monstrous mood.
And if you look closely, you may spot some familiar frights in your favorite flicks. The Garden State has hosted many different horror films since the 1978 inception of the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission, according to nj.gov.
Have you seen them? Read on for some tantalizing titles and a sneak peek into their IMDb info.
‘The Amityville Horror’ (1979)
Ready to start a new chapter of their lives, newlyweds in “The Amityville Horror” move their young family into what they believe to be a charming home.
A paranormal presence, however, soon causes them their worst nightmares.
The movie, starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger, is based on the 1977 book by Jay Ansen, which tells the story of the real-life Lutz family’s paranormal experiences in a home where a murder previously occurred.
While this tale is set in Long Island, many shots were filmed in New Jersey, including the film’s iconic poster-worthy house located in Toms River.
Other locations include Georgian Court University and Point Pleasant, according to IMDb.
‘Friday the 13th’ (1980)
Summer camp is all fun and games until a killer is involved in “Friday the 13th.”
Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King and Jeannine Taylor star in this teen slasher with a familiar, hockey-mask-wearing antagonist at Camp Crystal Lake.
Better yet, New Jersey’s Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco was the stage for this movie.
‘The Prowler’ (1981)
An unknown killer is terrorizing a college graduation dance in the 1981 horror thriller “The Prowler” from the director of “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter,” Joseph Zito.
“The Prowler” may be set in a California town, but much of the filming took place in South Jersey’s very own Cape May.
Locals will notice that the graduation dance hall is actually the Inn of Cape May, with other properties in the town disguising themselves as the college dormitory and Major Chatham’s house.
If you look closely enough, you may spot that the bridge and gazebo in the film are really the Seaville United Methodist Church.
‘Creepshow’ (1982)
This classic may feature five gruesome vignettes from a kids’ comic book, but don’t let “Creepshow” fool you; it’s still rated R.
Written by Stephen King, this film stars Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielson and Adrienne Barbeau.
And keep an eye out for a familiar beach — “Something to Tide You Over” was filmed in Ocean County.
‘Cat’s Eye’ (1985)
Another Stephen King anthology, “Cat’s Eye” follows a feline perspective as the titular cat dodges various unsettling situations to go protect a little girl.
Some may recognize a young Drew Barrymore in this PG-13 flick, which was partly filmed in Atlantic City.
‘Desecration’ (1999)
“Desecration” is a bewilderingly biblical psychological horror that follows 16-year-old Bobby into the depths of hell after he accidentally causes the death of a nun.
With gruesome costuming and an unsettling plot line, this unrated horror film was shot in Bedminster.
‘Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor’ (2002)
In “Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor,” this fourth installment of a slasher series, Carrie Chambers’s Allison Kramer returns to camp in an attempt to remember and unravel the massacre that occurred there years ago.
But the killing doesn’t stay buried in the past.
Comprised of archived and updated footage, this early 2000s flick includes sets in the Garden State.
South Jersey mom converts home into haunted house for autistic son
Lisa DeMario converted her home into a haunted house to benefit her 10-year-old autistic son, Jason. The haunted house, located at 400 Elder St. in Northfield, NJ, will be open to the public from 1-5:30 p.m. during Saturdays in October. The price of admission is $3.
’13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil’ (2002)
Obviously, “13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil” from directors Thomas Ashley and Steven Stockage is an ode to the creepy creature said to be lurking in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
When people are being gruesomely murdered, a district attorney’s assistant must investigate to find out if there’s a human culprit or something much more sinister.
Not only does this movie explore the legend of a New Jersey icon, it’s filmed in the state as well. Watch closely and you may notice that this mystery thriller was shot at the Batsto State Historic Site in Hammonton.
‘The Village’ (2004)
“The Village” centers on a small countryside town with an ominous wood sitting just on its border and instructions never to enter for fear of the monsters that live within it. So what happens when life in the village suddenly goes awry?
While this Shyamalan movie takes place in Pennsylvania, parts of the film were shot in Salem County’s Pedricktown, specifically a stunt scene when the character Ivy is almost run over by a truck as well as a gas station scene.
Watch closely and see if you can spot a cameo from Shyamalan.
‘Satan’s Playground’ (2006)
Again, set in the Jersey Pine Barrens, “Satan’s Playground” follows a family vacation gone awry when the Jersey Devil shows up.
This movie was shot in Whitesbog.
‘I Am Legend’ (2007)
What would you do if you were the last person in New York City… with (zombie-ish) monsters?
Will Smith stars in “I Am Legend,” a dystopian zombie horror with some scenes shot in West Amwell and Mount Airy.
‘iMurders’ (2008)
In the unrated mystery horror”iMurders,” a group of online friends are killed one after another.
Follow along as the plot thickens, and keep an eye out for scenes shot in the Garden State.
‘Torture Chamber’ (2013)
What could be a better Halloween watch than the classic demonic possession?
In “Torture Chamber,” a possessed boy has escaped an asylum, and he’s has murderous tendencies that the clergy must stop.
IMDb lists this movie with production locations in Maplewood.
‘Jersey Shore Massacre’ (2014)
Yes, like that Jersey Shore.
Filmed in Newton, Sparta and Woodbridge, “Jersey Shore Massacre” bears an uncanny resemblance to the antics of everyone’s favorite Jersey-Italians, the cast of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” reality show.
After a vacation to Seaside Heights goes awry, this crew finds themselves relocated to the Pine Barrens for a terrifying night.
And yes, there is cheetah print, hair poofs and plenty of fist pumping.
‘The Unborn’ (2020)
Two security guards face an eerie night in “The Unborn,” a horror film set in an old factory.
The plot grows more complicated as a secret love unfolds and an unborn child becomes caught in the sinister mix.
‘Army of the Dead’ (2021)
“Army of the Dead” may take place in Las Vegas, but it’s got some filming credits at the Showboat in Atlantic City.
In this twist on the classic post-apocalyptic zombie thriller, one ambitious team takes a life-risking run into the quarantined city for a multimillion-dollar payout.
‘Smile’ (2022)
Contrary to the title, “Smile” is not a happy Halloween film.
Shot in multiple Garden State locations such as North Arlington, Jersey City and Elizabeth, this movie follows a psychiatrist’s haunting run-in with a sinister curse.
‘Goodnight Mommy’ (2022)
In “Goodnight Mommy,” twins Elias and Lukas arrive at their estranged mother’s house hoping to reconnect, but they soon start to feel that something is wrong.
Full of unpredictable twists, Naomi Watts stars alongside Carmen and Nicholas Crovetti in this dramatic psychological thriller, filmed partially in Bedminster.
‘Insidious: The Red Door’ (2023)
“Insidious: The Red Door” is the fifth and final installment of a frightening franchise that follows the Lambert family once again as they must return to “The Further.”
And, you guessed it, the film shot in Morristown.
‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023)
Would you sacrifice a family member to save the world from an impending apocalypse? “Knock at the Cabin” from M. Night Shyamalan dives into a family’s worst nightmare with psychological thrills, and the location may feel familiar.
Parts of the film were shot in Burlington County’s Tabernacle Township, according to multiple sources, and Southampton’s Evergreen Dairy Bar even took on a role as “Angie’s Roadside Diner” for the thriller.
‘The Zombie Wedding’ (2023)
“The Zombie Wedding” is a recent flick that has South Jersey written all over it. No, actually — Vineland’s Weekly World News Studios fronted this film with tons of the city’s scenery.
The film centers around the first-ever wedding between a living and zombie couple, and all of the comedic nonsense that takes place as the nuptials unfold, including coverage from WWN reporters.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
A serious crash in Hainesport, New Jersey, has forced Route 38 to close Thursday night.
The crash happened on Route 38 near Creek Road at around 9:30 p.m. Chopper 3 was over the scene, where two cars were badly damaged.
According to Burlington County dispatch, several people were injured in the crash.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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The basics:
- Bed Bath & Beyond returning through new store format with The Container Store
- 5 New Jersey locations set for redesign
- Stores will combine home goods, organization products
- Acquisition of The Container Store expected to close in July
Three years after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing its 360-plus stores, Bed Bath & Beyond is making a retail comeback in New Jersey.
After the formerly Union-based chain’s new parent company announced plans to acquire The Container Store, it is developing a new format that will blend the two banners together.
Starting this month, The Container Store’s 98 locations nationwide will be redesigned to prepare for an integration of Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise.
Known as The Container Store + Bed Bath & Beyond, the format will focus on home goods, organization products and in-home services.
Within New Jersey, the model is coming to:
- Bound Brook – 335 Chimney Rock Road
- Cherry Hill – 2000 Route 38
- Livingston – 372 W. Mount Pleasant Ave.
- Paramus – 370 Route 17 N.
- Princeton – 3506 Brunswick Ave.
Ahead of the overhaul, The Container Store liquidated about 30% of existing inventory in a bid to “streamline assortments, improve space productivity and create room for new products expected to arrive in phases later this year.”
Making room
The Container Store Senior Vice President of Stores Jen Pape described the changes as “a reset with purpose.”
“We are actively reshaping our stores to make room for what’s next. By streamlining select categories today, we’re creating the space and flexibility needed to introduce Bed Bath & Beyond products and deliver a more complete home experience for our customers,” she said.
The move follows Bed Bath & Beyond’s announcement in April that it will acquire The Container Store for about $150 million in stock and convertible notes. The transaction is scheduled to close in July.
The Container Store filed for bankruptcy in December 2024 amid increasing competition from big box retailers and a rough housing market that reduced demand for home goods. The chain emerged from Chapter 11 with its store fleet largely intact.
Bed Bath & Beyond reborn
After winning Bed Bath & Beyond’s IP auction in June 2023 for $21.5 million, Overstock.com relaunched it two months later with a refreshed website and mobile app where shoppers can purchase home décor, furniture, bedding and kitchenware. Overstock.com renamed itself Beyond Inc. before rebranding as Bed Bath & Beyond.
Retail strategy
Find out why the new owner of Harmon, another former Bed Bath & Beyond brand, closed its Bridgewater store here.
The Dallas-headquartered company’s portfolio also includes Overstock.com and Kirkland’s. Last year, it purchased Bed Bath & Beyond’s former baby-focused banner Buybuy Baby for $5 million, too.
The purchase followed Somerset-based baby care brand Dream on Me’s attempt to revive Buybuy Baby. In addition to spending $15.5 million to acquire the chain’s trademark, domain, mobile platform and business data, Dream on Me shelled out $1.17 million to take over 11 brick-and-mortar locations on the East Coast.
Less than a year later, Buybuy Baby closed its fleet of stores in October 2024 and became a “digital-first brand.”
New Jersey
Violent teens clash with cops at NJ carnival — prompting officials to cancel beloved yearly event
Unruly teens violently overwhelmed a New Jersey community carnival, sparking several fights and cursing out police officers, forcing organizers to prematurely shutter the beloved annual event.
A large gathering of “unsupervised juveniles” descended onto the Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival at JFK Memorial Field in Maple Shade, NJ, on May 1, inundating the yearly gathering to fundraise for the youth sport organization, according to township officials.
“Officers on scene, along with event organizers, directed those involved and other unruly individuals to leave the carnival grounds in an attempt to restore order and maintain public safety,” Maple Shade officials said.
“As a result of the incident, the carnival was closed for the remainder of the evening.”
The delinquents weren’t ousted without a fight, causing problems with officials at the carnival about 15 miles east of Philadelphia.
“They were cursing at police officers. They were clearly trying to provoke physical confrontations with cops,” Maple Shade Police Department Lt. Daniel O’Brien told 6 ABC Philadelphia.
Police say several teens were charged but didn’t reveal the alleged crimes, according to the outlet.
One witness described the mass exodus as a “herd of kids” being escorted by cops, according to the outlet.
Large swarms of teens were seen on video posted online getting into fights and sprinting down the streets of the neighborhood.
One clip captured police officers chasing some of the hooligans as night fell on the Burlington County enclave.
Rumors began to spread online about weapons being brought into the carnival, but Maple Shade Police could not verify the reports, and no weapons were recovered from the scene.
Because of the Friday night mayhem, the second night of the carnival was also canceled.
“We recognize that this decision is not made lightly. The Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival is a valued tradition that supports a dedicated youth sports organization and brings the community together each year,” town officials said.
“From the outset of this event, Township officials, the Maple Shade Police Department, and the Maple Shade Youth Football organization have worked in close coordination with a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees,” officials said.
“Despite these proactive efforts, the circumstances that developed this evening required immediate action.
Officials estimate that the youth football organization lost thousands of dollars after the cancellations.
“It’s a non-profit, everything that we have always goes back into the program. New equipment, uniforms, helmets,” Thomas Oshinsky told 6 ABC Philadelphia.
Following the chaos in Maple Shade, officials beefed up security measures for the upcoming St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival and Music Festival in neighboring Medford.
Fences will enclose the event, and there will only be two entrances, officials said in a statement on Facebook.
“Face coverings are strictly prohibited, hoodies cannot be worn over your head, wand screening will be conducted, and all bags will be subjected to search,” the advisory warned.
Guests over 18 will be allowed into the park free of charge, with minors taller than 60 inches needing to buy a ticket.
“Carnivals are meant to be fun, family-friendly, fundraising activities held within communities,” officials said. “In Maple Shade, we saw yet again, what happens when groups of teens come to a carnival with intentions other than riding rides, eating funnel cake or playing games.
“We are hoping the measures above will prevent anything unwanted,” the statement added.
Medford officials blasted the uptick in teenage chaos as the community events that have plagued local carnivals in the South Jersey area over the past several years.
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