Review: “Halloween” makes a creepy comeback

Pete Villasmil, Editor in Chief

DISCLAIMER: The film discussed in this review has an R Rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). According to the MPAA guidelines the R rating constitutes that those under the age of 17 are required to have an accompanying parent or guardian to view the film. Most movie theaters ask for a photo ID for admission to an R rated film. The Zephyr does not endorse any violations of these strict guidelines.

In the opening credits of “Halloween (2018)” a deflated, squashed pumpkin is revived and slowly brought back from the dead, as John Carpenter’s eerie and iconic piano score prepares the audience for a tense two hours. Nothing could describe this film better than this opening: a franchise that has been a critical failure for the past four decades, receiving another chance to prove its worth. Many can agree that few experiences compare to curling up on your sofa on a brisk autumn evening and watching a horror movie. These thrillers are just as much a staple to All Hollow’s Eve as trick-or-treating itself and no film has had a greater impact on the horror genre than John Carpenter’s 1978 classic “Halloween”. From delivering an incredible sense of tension, to introducing the movie icon Michael Myers, the original film is an incredibly satisfying horror experience that holds up to this very day. After nine poorly received sequels and almost forty years after the first film’s release, this franchise has returned from the dead to terrify us once again. But does this sequel do the franchise justice, or should have it stayed in the grave?

Picking up four decades after the conclusion of the first film, “Halloween (2018)” promptly contextualizes what has occurred in the story since 1978. A silent Michael Myers has been locked up in a penitentiary since his actions from the first film, while the heroine Laurie Strode is seen dealing with psychological issues caused by what occurred on Halloween 1978. After a series of events I won’t spoil, Myers escapes and returns to Haddonfield, Illinois to terrorize the small community and exact revenge on Strode. The premise may sound incredibly similar to the plot of the first film, and it is. Some audience members may experience déjà vu as familiar events occur and particular character archetypes are introduced. While some moments do hearken back to some of the first film’s famous moments, the sequel introduces enough new elements that the film can stand on its own.

For instance, the dynamic between Strode and Myers is explored in countless moments in the film. The odd connection they have significantly develops both characters, and ultimately elevates the experience. While Myers is the emotionless personification of evil, the film surprisingly examines an unexpected restraint and fear he possesses. Furthermore, Strode is portrayed as a deeply damaged character, yet despite this, is able to conjure great strength when confronting her fears. The overall complexity of the characters adds depth to the plot and contributes greatly to the tension of the petrifying encounters the film relies on.

Not all of the characters are as fully realized and developed, which is a shame. Many show a great deal of potential, but the movie fails to develop them enough to warrant praise. However, this wrinkle does not compromise the film as a whole.

David Gordon Green has done an impressive job in the director’s chair. Imitating John Carpenter’s distinct directing style is a tall order, but Green succeeds in spades. Thanks to excellent cinematography, Green and his team are able to craft some of the most chilling moments in the franchise. Creative production and set design, from BlumHouse Productions and Miramax, contributes greatly to the audience’s immersion of this world.  Fans concerned with the direction of the film should be happy to hear that the film remains technically faithful to the 1978 classic.

The cast also deserves praise. By far the standouts are Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie Strode and Nick Castle, the original Michael Myers returning to this film. However new faces like Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, and Will Patton adds some refreshing performances to the experience.

John Carpenter returns to score the film and updates some aspects of his original arrangements. Adding an electric guitar riff to the “Halloween Theme” in the film’s climax is an extremely effective addition that emphasizes Myers’ unnerving presence. Carpenter’s revamp of his score is exemplary, and stands as a great example of updating something like an iconic and cherished tune. The sound design is equally as excellent. Incorporating sounds and auditory cues from the first film succeeds in delivering a dose of nostalgia to the audience and hearing Myers’ heavy breathing immerses the audience further into the film.

“Halloween (2018)” unfortunately falls into the recent trend of having to incorporate humor into a story. Most of it is pretty entertaining and does illicit a hearty chuckle, but at times seems out of place. The humor never fully obliterates the suspense in the film, but does hinder it to a degree. Also some moments in the story seem somewhat unfinished. Several intriguing ideas and plot threads are introduced, but either have underwhelming resolutions, or the plot forgets about them entirely. The film’s pacing meets the basic standards of the industry. The first act slowly sets up the world and conflict, but once things get going, the action remains consistent all the way up to the credits.

Many are familiar with the proverb, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, again.” It seems that after 40 years of trying over and over again, and with its 10th attempt Hollywood has finally made a worthy successor to the original “Halloween (1978).” Great scares, an immersive world, a phenomenal protagonist, and an excellent atmosphere makes this film second only to the 1978 film. It remains to be seen whether this film will gain the classic status of its predecessor. But one thing’s for sure, it is a spooky experience for this Halloween.

8.8/10

Pros:                                                                                                  Cons:

+ Laurie Strode and Michael Myers conflict           -Funny, but oddly placed humor.

+Set design and cinematography                               -Some insignificant side stories

+Score and sound design                                               – Adequate first act.   

+Thrilling finale