Happy Death Day

“Happy Death Day,” a slasher movie variation on “Groundhog Day,” works because the strong lead performance by Jessica Rothe. (COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

With Halloween just around the corner, there are two new horror comedies — “Happy Death Day” and “The Babysitter” — which do a reasonably good job of providing low-key ghoulish entertainment.

Neither film, both released on Friday the 13th — “Happy Death Day” in theaters and “The Babysitter” on Netflix — are groundbreaking, but as throwbacks to ’80s horror films they offer moments of wit and are anchored by strong female lead performances that are far better than the material around them.

The Babysitter

Samara Weaving's charismatic performance raises "The Babysitter" above the average horror-comedy fare. (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

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