Review: Halloween (2018)

A horror fan himself, our J.P. reviews the the eleventh installment in the “Halloween” film series, and a direct sequel to the 1978 film. Was he scared? Did he like it?

Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode in HALLOWEEN (Andrew Eccles/Universal Pictures)

“Halloween”
Universal Pictures

  • Release Date: Friday, October 19, 2018 (Wide)
  • RATED: R (RESTRICTED – UNDER 17 REQUIRES ACCOMPANYING PARENT OR ADULT GUARDIAN) FOR HORROR VIOLENCE AND BLOODY IMAGES, LANGUAGE, BRIEF DRUG USE AND NUDITY.
  • Genre: Thriller
  • Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Virginia Gardner, Nick Castle
  • Director: David Gordon Green
  • Written by: Jeff Fradley & Danny McBride & David Gordon Green
  • Based on Characters Created by: John Carpenter and Debra Hill

Studio Synopsis:
Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.

Master of horror John Carpenter executive produces and serves as creative consultant on this film, joining forces with cinema’s current leading producer of horror, Jason Blum (Get Out, Split, The Purge, Paranormal Activity). Inspired by Carpenter’s classic, filmmakers David Gordon Green and Danny McBride crafted a story that carves a new path from the events in the landmark 1978 film, and Green also directs. “Halloween” is also produced by Malek Akkad, whose Trancas International Films has produced the Halloween series since its inception, and Bill Block (Elysium, District 9). In addition to Carpenter and Curtis, Green and McBride will executive produce under their Rough House Pictures banner. Ryan Freimman also serves in that role.

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J.P.’s Take:

Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) tries to protect her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) in “Halloween.” (Ryan Green/Universal Pictures)

We,”Halloween” fans, can rejoice as we finally receive a bonafide rebooted sequel — that’s every bit as thrilling and frightening as its forbearer.

John Carpenter’s chilling tale of a maniacal and immortal serial killer named Michael Myers, who roams the streets of Haddonfield, Illinois, is revitalized, while matching the atmosphere of Carpenter’s 1978 slasher classic. In order to make this universe work, however, you must omit the six original films in the series and see this one as a direct continuation from the first.

Four decades later, what does writer/director David Gordon Green with writer Danny McBride and Jeff Fradley have to show for their efforts? A horror/thriller that stands up with John Carpenter’s brainchild: one that ratchets up the tension with every dimly lit scene, every camera angle diving right into the action, and an imposing figure that is Michael Myers, who relentlessly stalks his victims causing havoc in the town of Haddonfield, lurking in the background. Additionally, it boasts a true heroine Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), who is ready to face her fears after witnessing and escaping that fateful murderous night….HALLOWEEN NIGHT.

Dana (Rhian Rees), a British documentarian, discovers the wrath of Michael Myers in “Halloween.” (Ryan Green/Universal Pictures)

What Green, McBride and Fradley did was study Carpenter’s every move and applied it to the freshened story. Of course, this film wouldn’t be authentic without John Carpenter himself producing the arrangement and giving it his blessing. The filmmakers have even kept the mystery as to Myers insane behavior alive as well.

“Halloween,” the 2018 film, works because this isn’t just some blood and guts slasher film, it’s a drama, it’s got humor, and it has serious thrills. It’s not so much scary as it is suspenseful and tense. Also heightening the mood, you witness the unadulterated evil presence of Myers, that make the hairs on your neck stand on end. One of the best qualities of this film is the way it’s shot. It utilizes the steady cam long shots as in Carpenter’s original, with unflinching out of frame kills. It’s also streamlined, simplified and untainted by special effects to muddle up the true gruesomeness.

You can honestly say this is a sequel which pays homage unto itself, as well as its birthright. Even within some of the dialogue, you’ll hear Laurie Strode cracking wise at Dr. Sartain (Haluk Bilginer), as she meets him for the first time, “Oh you must be the new Dr. Loomis,” referring to Donald Pleasance’s character in the original “Halloween” series. There is a scene where Strode’s granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) is sitting in a classroom discussing the subject of fate. Allyson looks out the window and sees her Grandmother Laurie standing across the street looking at her. The same scene plays out in the original with Laurie Strode as that teen. Only Laurie sees Michael in that instance. Its little tib-bits like that which brings you back to those days where horror was simply suggestive. My only qualm was with the oddly timed comedy that detracted from some of the more serious moments.

Masked killer Michael Myers (Jim Courtney) in “Halloween.” (Ryan Green/Universal Pictures)

Performances were on point with Jamie Lee Curtis in the lead, going from scream queen to genuine heroine. Although she appeared paranoid at first, she was veraciously prepared for the return of a mad man. The cast of Judy Greer (playing Karen, Laurie’s daughter and Allyson’s mother), Matichak (Allyson), James Jude Courtney (stunt Michael Myers), Bilgnier (Dr. Sartain), Will Patton (sheriff deputy Frank Hawkins), Rhian Rees (British podcaster Dana Haines), Jefferson Hall (Dana’s partner), Toby Huss (Ray, Karen’s husband and Allyson’s father), Virginia Gardner (Vicky, Allyson’s best friend), Dylan Arnold (Cameron Elam, Allyson’s boyfriend and son of Lonnie Elam from the first film), Drew Scheid (Oscar, Cameron’s best friend), and the return of Nick Castle, who was the original “The Shape” a.k.a. Mike Myers in the 1978 Halloween film all gave this version an authentic feel. Even the “Halloween” theme song, which was reworked by John Carpenter’s son Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies, strikes a chord once again – as we cheer for Myers’ return.

If there were ever a formula for a horror sequel that worked, “Halloween” is the blueprint of a successful one. It not only reignited nostalgia for a time where horror movies were simply made and effective. It also brought aboard new and unsuspecting fans. The ending is one to pay attention to as it showcases a female empowerment moment. I’ve waited for this moment ever since I heard John Carpenter was involved in its resurrection, and I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I’m begging for another sequel.

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