What is the best way to bring life in a dead horror franchise? Most producers and filmmakers would say “remake”. While I was among the population who very much enjoyed the Rob Zombie remake of Halloween, (make sure to watch the directors cut, the theatrical cut was kinda garbage), he quickly killed it off with it’s less than stellar sequel. Not wanting to follow with yet another remake (a re-remake?), the Halloween franchise has finally decided to go back to it’s roots with this sequel.
This is a direct sequel to the first Halloween from 1978, decanonizing every other film in the franchise. Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time this series has attempted this. In 1998, Halloween H20 tried to decanonize everything after 1981’s Halloween II, unsuccessfully that is.
It’s been 40 years. Michael Myers has been in a mental institution ever since the events on October 31st 1978. Laurie Strode has been living the trauma ever since, letting it define her entire existence, including projecting her fears and anxieties onto her daughter Karen, (Judy Greer), and granddaughter Allyson, (Andi Matichak). Now, Michael has escaped and is on his way back to Haddenfield.
Honestly, I had low expectations. I mean, it’s directed by David Gordon Green, director of Pineapple Express and Your Highness, and co-written by comedic actor Danny McBride. I’m so glad I was wrong. They are obviously fans of the original, considering all the small callbacks. For example, a famous shot from the original has Laurie Strode looking out her classroom windows and seeing Michael Myers just standing out there, staring. In this film, this same shot is shown, except Laurie is replaced by her granddaughter and Michael Myers is replaced with Laurie, changing the meaning from murderous intent to trying to connect with estranged family. The original was famous for its 4 minute and 8 second one take opening. They did an equally impressive 4 minute long shot as soon as Michael gets back to Haddenfield.
Something else I particularly loved was the interesting side characters throughout town, all of whom had some pretty interesting conversations with each other. I realize its also sort of an old horror trope, but it was done so well in this film, I actually wouldn’t mind watching a series about these people without Michael coming in to murder them all. There are still some small plotholes and unexplained actions, but it really wouldn’t be a horror film without it. Of course, the real focus of the story was the dynamics between the Strode women. I love how strong and smart they are in their own unique ways, but have to learn to work past their differences to defeat the embodiment of pure evil.
Jamie Lee Curtis was amazing as doomsday prepper Laurie Strode, as was Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and Toby Huss, playing the stereotypical clueless horror father. It’s still hard to see him past The Adventures of Pete and Pete as Artie, (the strongest man in the world!) I am almost in disbelief that they even brought back Nick Castle, who played Michael Myers in the original film.
Everything about the new Halloween harkens back to slashers of the 1970’s and 1980’s. If it weren’t for the updated technology, I’d say it was made back in the “good old days” of horror. It may not be perfect, but compared to horror films today, it’s an absolute breath of fresh air. Well, maybe not fresh, but that’s just how horror fans like it.
