Halloween (2018)

After Rob Zombie’s remake of “Halloween” and its sequel earned negative reactions from critics and fans alike, a third entry was supposed to be shot in 3-D, Rob called it quits so he can move on to other projects based on his career as both a musician and filmmaker. Dimension Films were desperate to search for a director and writer until one fateful day, the film rights for Halloween have expired because they couldn’t film a third installment in time. Production studio, “Blumhouse” (owned by film producer, Jason Blum) purchased the film rights to make an installment of the franchise.

In 2016, Blumhouse begin development on a sequel set forty years after the events of the original John Carpenter classic, instead of a third entry to complete Rob Zombie’s Halloween trilogy. Danny McBride (the Underworld series, Eastbound & Down, This Is The End) signed on to write a script for the film alongside his pal David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Stronger) to take over Rob’s directing duty.

Similar to “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later,” Blumhouse decided to discard every single sequel and Rob Zombie’s remake as no longer canon to the series in favor of a follow up to the original set forty years after Michael’s killing spree. This time, it’s all about going back to its roots. After brainstorming a “Three Act Structure” over the course of one year in terms of maintaining what happened between both films, Jamie Lee Curtis announced that she’s coming back as Michael’s archenemy, Laurie Strode. Danielle Harris, who played Laurie’s daughter, Jamie Lloyd in Halloween 4-6, begged Blumhouse to participate as Laurie’s daughter, but it was to late, Judy Greer beat her before casting was final. Although Danielle felt “bummed out,” she wished Judy and the crew good luck.

After a whole year of filming, editing and polishing tiny details, the sequel acquired a release date in October 19, 2017.

As you may know, Halloween (that’s the title of the movie folks) earned good reviews from critics and fans alike. Plus, it’s earning money at the box office.

The following review doesn’t have any important SPOILERS. Feel free to read this non-spoiler article.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Jamie Lee Curtis did a splendid job for her performance as Laurie Strode.

In addition to Jamie reprising her role as Laurie, Nick Castle also reprises his role as Michael Myers and he did a great job recapturing an iconic villain’s sinister presence.

Newcomers to the series such as Judy Greer, Will Patton & Andi Matichak all did a good job for their performances.

Death Scenes are pragmatic alternating between terror and bloody kills.

Scare Tactics retains a bone chilling factor the original carried. Jump Scares were used carefully. One was played for laughs. I hate it when jump scares are used too much, it ruins the fun.

Danny McBride co-wrote the film. He’s got experience in the horror movie genre since he created the Underworld series. Besides writing, he also served as an executive producer.

David Gordon Green did a decent job directing the film. He made sure to avoid recreating embarrassing moments from Rob Zombie’s remake.

Cinematography was shot carefully to avoid Shaky Cam.

Michael’s iconic William Shatner mask is back and better than ever. This time, it aged as a representation of the antagonist’s old age.

John Carpenter’s iconic musical score returns. He also came back as a composer. It’s the closest thing for John to come back and help as a creative consultant.

I think the influences for this entry are “Unforgiven” & “Logan.” What do they have in common? It’s about the lead character who decides to come out of retirement in favor of one last mission. Laurie is similar to Will Munny & Wolverine as aged veterans who’ve been enduring a difficult life as an outlaw (Will) & superhero. (Wolverine) “The Wrestler” also serves as a possible influence for both Michael & Laurie. Much like Mickey Rourke’s character, Randy “Ram” Robinson, old age doesn’t bother them.

The film retains familiar motifs/callbacks to the original & discarded sequels including the opening credits, recreating a bathroom scene from H20 adding more improvement to kill scenes & a recreation of a high schooler looking at the window much like Laurie did in the original.

Sam Loomis’ fate is mentioned. Donald Pleasence’s voice is heard via audio tape. It’s the closest thing for Donald to reprise his role as Michael’s doctor.

The movie’s release date is also Michael Myers’ birthday.

One character is an embodiment of a greedy film producer who wants to keep the hero/villain alive by any means necessary to develop sequels. I guess Blumhouse mocked previous production companies for sequel baiting Halloween sequels from the past. I pity many movie goers for spending their money.

An unexpected Plot Twist happened. I can’t tell you what it is, you definitely need to see for yourself.

Similar to Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, Laurie suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Survivor’s Guilt after the events of the original. The new one cracks up to eleven with Laurie storing weapons in case Michael comes back to kill her. Laurie is based on war veterans who’ve gone through a hard time on duty. Jamie confirmed that her character’s arc is basically her struggling with trauma affecting her loved ones from the past and present.

One character yells out “The Shape.” It’s Michael’s nickname besides “The Boogeyman.” To put the icing on the cake, Michael is credited as The Shape during the end credits, a nod to the first movie.

The Climatic Battle serves as the main course.

Cons: Why is the title of the movie called, “Halloween” instead of adding a colon and meaningful words like “Halloween: The Reunion” or Halloween: Retribution?” Why didn’t Blumhouse come up with a title? To quote Wade Wilson/Deadpool, “Well that’s just lazy writing.”

A memorable location is omitted and never brought up.

A familiar plot element is removed based on heritage. Kinda felt like a slap to the face for longtime fans.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BLOODY BRILLIANT!

Halloween 2018 managed to defibrillate a horror franchise. It’s about time someone understands the mythology surrounding Michael Myers’ legacy as a compelling villain who inspired slasher antagonists including Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Pinhead, Chucky just to name a few. If you’re a huge fan of horror movies, I recommend this follow up.

Blumhouse if you’re reading this, I want to see a cinematic universe based on villains who clash and form an alliance similar to “The Sinister Six” from “Spider-Man.” You want proof Watch the opening scene from “Bride Of Chucky,” it shows familiar artifacts from each series.