Movie Breakdown: Halloween

Pre-Screening Stance:

I remember watching 1998’s awkwardly titled Halloween H20: 20 Years Later and finding it to be a total waste of time (even for 15-year old me).  Now, the 40th anniversary of the original Halloween is here and what we’re getting is some sort of “soft reboot” driven by the occasionally good David Gordon Green and the always absurd Danny McBride.  I honestly feel like I should be scoffing at this thing, but I have to admit that something about it feels inspired.

Post-Screening Ramble:

For some reason, I spent the first act of Halloween trying to take it in as something more than just a slasher film.  I guess I did this because all reboots (soft, hard or whatever) these days tend to have a dark, serious edge to them and I figured this new flick would take the same path, but who knows for sure.  Either way, once I let go of that weird bit of conjecture, Halloween shifted into something really fun.

Because I know it’s what’s bouncing around in your head right now, no, the new film isn’t as good as the original (few slasher movies are), but it is a pretty well done homage to it.  Atmospheric music, gnarly stabbings, bad babysitters, horny teens, a menacing Michael Myers in his creepy mask, a resilient Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) – it’s all there, wrapped up in what can only be described as a thoroughly satisfying experience.  I definitely recommend that you see it.  Keep this in mind though, you should just go and have fun with the movie.  I can attest that the new Halloween is entertaining as hell, but it’s structurally flimsy and it won’t hold up once you start picking it apart.  For example, Laurie has been waiting decades for Michael’s return, but then she doesn’t fully seem ready, which is weird.  Also, her granddaughter is a useless character that only exists so that teens end up in Michael’s path, and the twist near the end is just lazy.  I could go on, but why?  I had a blast regardless of the sometimes dinky plot, and so will you.

One Last Thought:

Even after all these years, the Michael Myers’ theme song (crafted by John Carpenter himself) still kind of creeps me out.  Kudos to David Gordon Green for using it wonderfully all throughout the new film.