This movie was creepy and a lot of fun. Halloween (2018) is a direct sequel to the original Halloween (1978). It opens with two podcasters coming to visit Michael in the asylum in hopes of getting him to speak. His new psychiatrist is overseeing his transfer to a maximum security prison. The next stop for the podcasters is Laurie Strode’s house. She agrees to an interview if they pay her for it. In the forty years since Michael’s murderous spree, Laurie has become a survivalist with a heavy arsenal and a locked down house. When Michael escapes and comes looking for her, she’s ready for him.
Jamie Lee Curtis gives an awesome performance as Laurie. She is ostracized from her family who have been driven away by her drinking, her paranoia, and her obsession with Michael. Only her granddaughter Allyson has remained close to her. What I love about this movie and The Conjuring series is that they make you care about the characters. Which just makes the film that much more suspenseful because now you’re emotionally invested and you don’t want to see anything happen to them.
There were moments the movie could have upped the scares. A few of the characters feel wasted. The podcasters are the audience’s entry point into the film. Arguably, they don’t have much to do once that purpose has been fulfilled. But their storyline seems to end kind of abruptly. Overall, though, this is one of the best entries in the series. There’s a shot I love of Michael peeking into a house from outside a window. We only see his reflection in the window. Then suddenly, we see him inside the house from that same viewpoint. It’s very suspenseful.
The final battle makes this movie worth the price of admission alone. I have to revisit my favorite horror movie endings (Scream 3, Poltergeist, Saw, etc.) because this film definitely deserves a place on the list.
There are two planned sequels. Halloween Kills comes out on October 15, 2021. Originally set for release in October 2020, Jason Blum has already promised it won’t be delayed again and will come out next year come hell or high water. Halloween Ends comes out on October 14, 2022 and will presumably bring an end to the series. For now.
Pairs well with: the original 1978 Halloween.
Happy Halloween, everyone! I’m currently working on my monster blog post featuring every possible Oscar contender for 2021. It’s going to be scary good. I’m also publishing a post on RunPee soon about current and upcoming Blumhouse releases. (RunPee is the handy app that lets you know the best time to go to the bathroom during a movie.) You can find my previous RunPee blog posts here. To stay up to date with the latest movie news and reviews, subscribe to the mailing list and like the Facebook page.