Halloween (I) (2018) User Reviews

Trick or treat

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 25 October 2018]

John Carpenter's 1978 'Halloween' is wholly deserving of its status as a horror classic, as a horror film it is one of the most iconic ones and very influential. To this day it is still one of the freakiest films personally seen and introduced the world to one of horror's most iconic villainous characters, and characters overall, in Michael Myers.

The numerous follow-ups are very hit and miss (leaning towards the miss), with none of them being anywhere near as good and the quality decline generally was pretty drastic. 'Halloween H20: 20 Years Later' was an exception, while the Rob Zombie films and 'Halloween: Resurrection' were abominations. Hearing that there was going to be another film, part of me was really excited as it did look very creepy and word of mouth was positive. There was a little nervousness though as well, due to not being impressed generally with most of the 'Halloween' follow ups. Watched it though as part of my seeing as many 2018 films as possible quest, which has been a worthwhile one mostly but also hit and miss.

Found myself breathing a big sigh of relief walking out of the cinema. While 'Halloween' (2018) is nowhere near as good as the 1978 classic, alongside 'Halloween H20: 20 Years Later' it is one of the best of the series since. There are flaws and it is not one of my favourites of the year, but there are a lot of strengths and there have been worse films this year. As far as 2018 horror films go, the year has been patchy for horror, it's one of the best ones on the most part.

Starting with 'Halloween's' (2018) problems, some of the humour is misplaced and out of kilter too much with the rest of the film and a few elements of the story could have been explored and gone further more.

The big twist also didn't seem fully realised although a brave one and the ending felt rushed and abrupt, also felt that there could have been more tension and less unintentionally silly camp. Have always been wary of open-ended endings and that they can be dangerous to do in case a planned sequel falls through.

However, there is an awful lot to like about 'Halloween' (2018). Along with 'Halloween H20: 20 Years Later' it is the best looking of the follow-ups, it is very eerily shot and is close in style to the autumnal look and visual iconography of the original, something that most of the follow-ups failed to do. Loved the haunting music score, here an asset rather than a drawback in how it adds a lot to the atmosphere and enhances it, coming close too in being a character of its own.

While flawed, the script is mostly smart with in-jokes and references that are effectively embedded and coming over as affectionate rather than random. There are humorous moments too. 'Halloween' (2018) succeeds in being fun and creepy, with the atmosphere being riddled with tension and suspense. The deaths are horrifyingly creative and the most shocking since 'Halloween H20', the gore not going overboard on the shock value or looking cheap, not distracting at all. The beginning is unsettlingly tense and Michael Myers has not been this freaky in a long time. Some moments have surprising heart and the scares made me jump and bite my nails. It was great for the film to return to the franchise's roots and treat the original with respect, while with enough new touches of its own. One of the better examples this year in attempts to cater to everybody.

Didn't find myself annoyed by the characters and there was personality to them to stop them from being bland. 'Halloween' (2018) is one of the best acted 'Halloween' films. Jamie Lee Curtis has still got it, none of what made her character great is lost or forgotten, and Nick Castle is supremely terrifying as Myers.

Concluding, didn't bowl me over but found myself enjoying it all the same. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Worthy sequel

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 3 May 2019]

If you see the very first one or remember it very well, right from the start you will see the connection. Yes the credits indicate we get the "true"(?) sequel to the original Halloween. And there are so many nice little treats spread throughout the movie (an actress from the first movie reappearing in a different role, but also shots that are almost the same as in the original ... but sometimes there is a twist for the viewers).

The original two main actors reprising their roles too (even if some may argue you can't tell with Myers because of his mask). This really is a service to fans and a movie that cherishes the original. Of course since the myriads of sequels introduced a lot of stuff, most of which is thrown out the window (no pun intended). One of the primary things being that like in the original, the Killer and the chosen victim are not related. Even so they have a special bond/relationship. So the only movie you need to watch before this, is the Original movie from 1978 - it will be worth your time. The ending of this new one may feel for some like a let down, but it is what it is and even if it feels like a letdown, it still sort of works in the whole picture

worthy slasher sequel

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 31 December 2022]

Forty years after the events of the original Halloween film, murderer Michael Myers escapes from captivity and returns to Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night to pick up where he left off. Survivor Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), who has spent the preceding decades a paranoid recluse and survivalist, determines to kill Michael once and for all, and to protect her estranged daughter (Judy Greer) and teenage granddaughter (Andi Matichak). Also featuring Nick Castle as The Shape.

Director Green (working from a script by comic actor Danny McBride, Jeff Fradley, and himself) ignores the events of all of the myriad sequels and reboots, including the superior 1981 Halloween II. That was probably a good idea, as the film series' storyline had become hopelessly confused. Parts of this latest iteration work, others don't, but I felt that it was probably the best in the series after the first two. I enjoyed a lengthy scene of Michael killing his way through adjacent houses as busy Halloween activities take place all around him. The film does an excellent job of stripping the almost supernatural qualities of the character away, showing how he methodically goes about his business in a disturbing yet all too real way.

The film takes a left turn late in the proceedings which I won't go into here to avoid spoilers, but I'll say that the last act is heavily contrived, yet still not without some payoff. The cast is good, though not great, and newcomer Matichak does well as the youngest "damsel in distress". There are frequent nods and callbacks to the first film, as well as a few reworkings of moments from the sequel. In fact, that aforementioned last act seems to revel in taking the finale of the original and subverting it. The score, by John Carpenter and his son Cody, is good, but again not up to the original. As far as slasher sequels go, this is top shelf, but it's still a slasher sequel, so don't expect high art.

A flawed but welcome return to form for the franchise, and for slashers in general.

[lnvicta · 7/10 · 21 October 2018]

After Resurrection and the Rob Zombie films, it's an understatement to say that Halloween (2018) was a pleasant surprise. Laurie Strode was given the T2 Sarah Connor treatment and is now a formidable badass, having waited forty years for Michael Myers to escape prison so that she can kill him. This is the showdown we've been clamoring for.

If there's one thing Halloween (2018) gets right, it's the protagonist. Laurie Strode is treated with respect here, unlike in other sequels (I'm looking at you, Resurrection). She's been training for forty years, preparing, praying for Michael to break out of prison so she can kill him. Her daughter had to learn how to fight at a very young age, and eventually Laurie was deemed unfit to be a parent. Because of this, they have a strained relationship, and it's believable. There's even a satisfying payoff at the end. Horror filmmakers take note: a little character development goes a long way.

There's also Laurie's granddaughter, and this is where the flaws start to creep in. The teenagers and their drama was the weakest aspect of the movie. Sadly, most of the second act is devoted to these characters that we really don't know or care about. There's Laurie's granddaughter, her boyfriend, the comic relief guy, her ditzy friend, and her friend's boyfriend. That's the extent of their characters. Naturally, they're only there as fodder for Michael (except the boyfriend who mysteriously disappears from the movie), but the fact is that we're wasting time watching these characters interact when there's a much more compelling story on the sidelines.

Comedy is used fairly appropriately in the film, the little boy being the clear standout. But there are a handful of farcical bits that are either ill-timed or simply not funny, or a combination of both. This prevents the movie from developing an overall atmosphere. This isn't so much a problem in the third act, thankfully, but the finale would've been more effective if a bleak atmosphere had been established earlier in the film. A few more wide shots of the streets of Haddonfield in the fall weather; more shots of Michael standing in the background eerily out of focus; limiting the comic relief to one, maybe two characters max; any of these could've been helped.

That's not to say that the direction is poor. Far from it. This is the closest the franchise has felt like a Carpenter movie since the original. Gordon Green does a good job of keeping Michael in the shadows - even unmasked, it's difficult to make out his face. You really get the sense that he is, purely and simply, evil. Background action is also prevalent and well done (as in, there's not a music sting whenever Michael comes into frame). Again, a breath of fresh air after the Zombie films which had the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

This is an excellent sequel to Halloween and a thoroughly enjoyable, well crafted slasher movie on its own. It's wonderful to see the Boogeyman on the big screen again, and now he has finally met his match. Is it a perfect movie? Absolutely not. But Halloween (2018) is something to be celebrated if only for one thing: it proves that slashers can still be scary.

Really?

[d-nice216 · 23 October 2018]

I dont understand what everyone else watched. I'm a die hard Halloween fan since childhood, and this film was an abomination. So disappointed

Halloween offers a fun ride with Michael Myers

[larryct48 · 7/10 · 21 October 2018]

When I go see a slasher film I want to see kills and gore a lot of gore. On top of that I would like to be engage completely. Halloween offer me that, From the moment that they visit Michàel in the mental health prison to when he goes on his killing spree in Halloween. The killings were creative. Michàel Myers was brutal and pure evil in this one. Some of my favorite scenes were the baby sit scene. The scene where You see Michàel waking around the house and later appears inside the house in the same shot without cut.

I tried watching the rob zombie Halloween and I thought it was boring, compare to this is engaging, creative and completely fun ride.

Grade B

Great

[PedroPires90 · 8/10 · 21 October 2021]

Some people on Twitter/Letterboxd say Halloween 3 or Zombie's Halloween 2 are better than this. I am supposed to listen to that without laughing. 😆😆😆

One of the best entries on the Halloween franchise. Tense, violent, atmospheric, dark, well acted (much better than the original regarding this btw). Yeah, love this one even more than when I watched it for the first time.

Not as good as I'd hoped.

[thechris_1 · 7/10 · 21 October 2018]

I guess I'd blame the director. So many missed opportunities. Huge fan of Halloween and Michael and the whole idea, just left me wanting better. While this one was superior to H20, H20 had more "Oh Yeah!" Moments. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable with some great Easter eggs, it just wasn't as awesome as it could have been.

THE PERFECT SEQUEL TO THE PERFECT HORROR FILM.

[mail-82544 · 10/10 · 9 September 2018]

As a filmmaker, I never post reviews nor have ever involved myself with anything on IMDB. But I will say this. I saw the world premiere last night at TIFF... it was fantastic. Genre, horror and halloween fans will love it. Being a huge Halloween fan myself, I was immensely happy to see how well they respected the source material and the characters. Fantastic job to the entire team on this film. It deserves all the praise. Go see it as soon as it comes out. Myers is back. Deadly, brooding, and real. Jamie leads the drama to all new levels.

I am SO DISAPPOINTED! Whoever made this should be ashamed.

[DomNickson843 · 31 October 2018]

What a terrible excuse of a movie that was built to be the next big thing to revive the franchise. What I saw was a shameless generic cash-grab of a sequel. For one you can't connect with anybody because they aren't built up enough to even be considered relatable or a human being. The people are so dull and boring and don't do squat. Laurie isn't even worth knowing anymore because her character has no business being around since she only bumps heads with him when her family is coincidentally being attacked. The kills are boring and honestly don't even look well done more rushed and stupid. Michael is now a clown of a serial killer who isn't even smart like he was in the original one where he waited until everybody least expected it. This film destroys everything that was once creative, scary, and intellectually shot and only aims for the money. I wish there was a zero rating cause that's what this generic, dated, rushed, overhyped, overdone, pile of crap.

A solid thriller with odd moments of comedy sprinkled throughout

[davidmvining · 7/10 · 22 November 2019]

David Gordon Greene is an interesting director. He started out with micro-budgeted independent films like Undertow and George Washington before falling in with Danny McBride (and James Franco) for Pineapple Express. He made small to medium budgeted studio stoner comedies for a few years while occasionally making tiny movies here and there like Joe. He had a hand in Eastbound and Down and directed the second season of Vice-Principals where he apparently fell in love with Charleston, South Carolina as a filming location, for when he was given the reins to the Halloween franchise, he decided to recreate California acting like Illinois with Charleston. His history does not lend itself to the idea that horror would be his bag.

The first half hour of his Halloween is pretty much a straight drama with some brooding elements here and there. Laurie Strode's experience fighting Michael Myers in 1978 scarred her deeply to the point that she is a broken woman living on the outskirts of Haddonfield, Illinois on her bunker full of hiding spots, traps, and guns. Her daughter wants nothing to do with her, but Laurie's granddaughter feels that Laurie isn't getting the right level of appreciation from the family. There's a great scene where Laurie shows up to a family outing at a restaurant and just breaks down in front of everyone, including her granddaughter's boyfriend. It's uncomfortable and odd, but that's exactly what it's supposed to be. Not only has Laurie's experience broken her, but she's allowed it to completely dominate every aspect of her life. It's a sad sight.

Of course, the movie isn't a straight drama. It's a horror movie, and the horror comes from Michael Myers escaping from his prison and running loose again (any rumors of any other adventures between 2018 and 1978 are false). The introduction to Myers through a pair of investigative journalists, invited by Myers' doctor to try and elicit a reaction from the silent giant, is a wonderfully brooding piece of filmmaking. These three characters are consumed with the idea that there's something more to Michael Myers than simple evil, but Laurie warns them that they are wrong. It's a tad unclear (probably on purpose), but I think Myers' doctor organizes the killer's escape from the prison bus. He's expressed frustration in the idea that Myers has said nothing in forty years, and Myers is his life's work. He, essentially, knows as much about Myers after decades of study than when he began. He releases Michael so he can observe and study further, to understand Myers' beyond the silent killer.

But, of course, Laurie is right. Michael is just pure evil. And as the movie transitions from brooding drama about trauma into a horror movie, the film falters a bit. The middle section of the film is dancing around a few different tones that all clash together pretty harshly, undermining any real sense of impending danger. There is the central moment where Michael has a small rampage in Haddonfield's residential district, grabbing random weapons in one house and killing someone before simply moving on, that's right there, and it's great. However, it's surrounded by scenes that contain humor that, while oftentimes actually kind of funny, aren't placed in the greatest part of the movie and undermines the tension building. The last time this is a real problem is when we see two cops talking about Ban-Mi sandwiches. It simply doesn't work and stops a tension crescendo in its tracks.

After that moment, though, the movie goes full horror, and it's quite good. Perhaps some of the mechanics are a bit wonky to make it happen, but once there, the fight in and around Laurie's house is really effective tension and horror.

I read that Greene and McBride (one of the writers) were offered to film two Halloween movies back to back, but they turned it down because they wanted to figure out what they did right and wrong with the first movie before jumping into a second. Here's to hoping that if they do film a second film, that they work on getting a more effective and consistent tone.

Effective horror..but

[stevelomas-43986 · 7/10 · 1 November 2018]

Enjoyed it, but needed to slow the pace down, even Myers at 61 seemed quicker in his stride than he did 40 years ago, felt like I still needed a reason for his need to kill, without the sister thing it felt empty. However much better than 4 5 6 and 8 but I preferred h20.

GREAT SEQUEL CURTIS WHAT A GREAT PERFORMANCE!

[PrestonCarl · 7/10 · 27 October 2018]

Saw the first one in the theater In 1978 it took 40 years but was Worth the wait. The darkness to the movie match The original. It is a perfect sequel hands down. Will their can their be another. We can only hope!

A surprise package.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 2 November 2018]

I half expected the usual, cheap thrills, jumpy moments, and liberties taken with the legacy of Michael Myers, but....

....a total and utter surprise, this was a quality film, one that felt as if it had a level of respect for its original, it respected its roots, but forgot all those that came between, perhaps no bad thing.

Michael Myers the man, he transformed years back into some kind of superhero villain, unable to die, able to die and come back life, here he's treated as just a man, very well done.

The writing is fantastic, I loved the story, and how it played out, if only previous films were this standard. The music was absolutely fantastic, I loved it, the best of the original.

Gripping, well acted, exciting, intriguing. Ranks second after the original. 8/10

Well Yes, This Probably IS the Best Sequel

[garyvanb · 9/10 · 19 November 2018]

My horror movie loving sister hated it. All the horror movie vloggers on YouTube, like the guy who does Cinemassacre, Sean Chandler and Cody Leach, agree it's the best thing to happen to the Halloween franchise since the original, though, like me, they agree it's still not a perfect horror movie or sequel, but it's nowhere near as bad as my sister made it out to be. Her opinion, I think, may have been influenced by Jamie Lee Curtis' far leftist politics. Regardless, she probably didn't like how the character of Laurie Strode has been living like a reclusive kook for 40 years, and I myself kind of scratched my head at that, but I'm sure in today's untra left wing feminist climate, it's all about WOMAN fighting back from victimhood. In that respect, I can understand her aversion. But as just a slasher film, it IS scary, and has a few good twists, and was wise to pick up the story 40 years later as if none of those other increasingly silly Halloween sequels, reboots and remakes had ever happened. It was also a bit more literate, made by intelligent people with more going on under the surface, with themes and intentional social commentary. And a lot of their story choices - scenes, camera angles, etc. - intentionally harkened back to the original. So although my sister says "skip this one," I say it's definitely the best thing to happen to the Halloween franchise since Jamie Lee Curtis returned the first time, 20 years ago, and along with that film (Halloween H2O) and the original, is definitely in the top 3, probably even the top 2. And just in case anyone is wondering, rounding out the top 5 would be Halloween 2 (the first one, not that awful Rob Zombie one, and the only other one to star Curtis) and Halloween 4, which was pretty good all the way through and had an amazing ending from a storytelling point of view. But this one is right up there with the best of this franchise!

The only movie I was excited about this year. Was.

[dauthier · 6/10 · 22 October 2018]

Well, I didn't notice the tension or atmosphere if it was there.

Halloween 2, 4 and 6 were able to nail the atmosphere. They are creepy even when the story gets ludicrous.

This one rushes through everything with no logic, no characters worth knowing, including the older Laurie strode. H20 is a fast paced movie too, but is a far superior follow up. It has the elements. This does not.

... Once they dropped the Sister storyline they were finally free! They could've taken it absolutely anywhere. I assumed Laurie would hunt him while he was doing other things. Why was SHE a special revenge for him? The story doesn't explain this.

The Loomis replacement was okay, until he wasn't a real character anymore. He becomes absurd then forgotten immediately.

The Podcaster story line was bad too, then gets ridiculous and unrealistic. Although if Laurie had gone along with them it would have been a better story.

A slower movie, with a lot less going on, leaving room for tension and suspense would have been much more appreciated. It could have been great, but it just isn't. Not at all. Such a letdown.

I'll still hold hope for a Directors cut that includes character development and a story that makes sense.

Not H2O

[Vanicia54 · 21 October 2018]

I wanted to love this movie. That said, it wasn't as good( in my opinion ) as H2O. I love the Halloween franchise, but this one was missing the magic that was found in Halloween, Halloween 2 and H2O.. this of course is just my opinion, but unfortunately for me it just missed the mark... poor Laurie scared another one away. Sad.

A great return to form for the "Halloween" franchise.

[b_kite · 6/10 · 28 October 2018]

The grand return of original Michael and Laurie Strode was defiantly worth the wait and Blumhouse and David Gordon Green gives us a hell of a return. The killings are brutal even tho several are off screen. The movie also pretty much abandons the story lines from all the sequels, not really even acknowledging the events of the original second film, which I guess just depends on your liking of the sequels, I like them so I find it kinda annoying, but, I see were the going with it. The only thing that really ways this down for me is the rushed ending, which leaves the door open for a sequel, hopefully we'll get one with Mr. Green returning.

Does the Great John Carpenter Proud

[chancellorpink · 7/10 · 29 October 2018]

I wasn't sure how to take all the psychological background build up at first. I liked it. But I was worried it was maybe trying too hard. But then, unlike the slightly overrated Haunting of Hill House, it used all that build up for a great, bloody and scary horror movie, including a riveting conclusion. A worthy successor and definitely the best Halloween, by far, after the first, which is a cinema classic.

Mixed bag of fun nostalgia and trying way too hard

[xshanex-54161 · 6/10 · 19 October 2018]

It's not the worst thing I've ever seen. It's hard to describe it, but i guess It's like that friend that you kinda like, but they try sooooo hard to be like you and your other friends to fit in, imitating everything you all do. It's somewhat flattering even tho that's kinda lame, unoriginal, and unnecessary, but you still kinda dig them a little.

It's like one homage scene (and i mean bordering on replicating old scenes) after the next, and kinda lazy at times, but it's occasionally enjoyable. No real suspense or improvements, but it kinda was amusing to watch sometimes.

I definitely don't flat out hate it, but there's a ton that could've been better too. It's plot is really lazy, and Some of it is flat out silly, but if it was a generic slasher film it'd be decent. For Halloween, it's really lacking in atmosphere, and relays on gore and nostalgia vs storytelling and suspense (which is what made the original so classic)

It's no way better than part 2, which was exiled for this to exist. I'll keep part 2 as canon forever. This can't even hold a candle to it, but as an "elseworlds" type of story, I suppose I can pass it with a C/C+ type grade.

Dissapointing and unnecessary!

[Darth_Osmosis · 6/10 · 28 October 2018]

It's not awful or even bad by any means, and with some small improvements on some parts and a few big changes could have been perhaps something to write home about! But as it stands, it's a rather forgettable and by the numbers addition to the franchise. It manages to provide a few satisfying moments, but getting to them doesn't live up to the expectations. It also provides a few rather questionable scenes and a whole lot of filler.. worth a watch if you are a horror fan, but if you are just interested in a good "Halloween" movie to watch during this season.. you are much better off checking out the original and it's direct sequel (released in 1978 and 1981 respectively)

It's just not that good

[raqueldavis-89137 · 8/10 · 19 October 2018]

As a super fan I was expecting A LOT out of this movie. Truth is, it's just not scary. The slow stalking, hiding in shadows, and eerie music are all but gone in this movie. There are also weird points of humor which just distract from the scene. Laurie is now a extreme survivalist who is just not endearing at all. Even the fight scenes were weak. The H2O version of Laurie Strode was a way better match for Michael than this one.

Not bad at all

[alexdu_99 · 7/10 · 25 October 2018]

The movie is great evoke those ideas from carpenter , beautiful shoots, about who the story is wraps , well we have a few things, but put you over the edge of your seat. And is very enjoyable , as a sequel I think I'm agree with that, and recommend to watch it

I don't like slashers but I loved this 9/10

[alicepetit · 9/10 · 9 September 2018]

Not a slasher fan but my we caught the world premiere at the film festival. And... wow, just great. "It does what it says on the tin" - only better. No spoilers - but scary, gory, engaging and surprisingly funny. Great acting. I'm not converted to be a slasher fan, but this gets my big thumbs up. Bravo.

Sadly,as average as any of the Halloween sequels,Not a patch on the original!

[benj-20839 · 6/10 · 23 October 2018]

It definitely feels over hyped, its an average slasher, no suspense like the original. Its like every other bog standard slasher flick that has tried to copy it since, but they just keep missing the core ingredients that made the original a masterpiece.

This film wasn't scary in the slightest, there are kills but its like the usual stuff from previous instalments, nothing new.

The performances and dialog are perfectly fine, everyone does a great job. The film just didn't draw me in and keep me there, i kept on being taken out of it because it just wasn't engaging and things were happening all over the place with so many different people. A big twist occurred and it was over before it could develop into something interesting. At times i was frustrated or bored.

The original felt realistic for this type of film, but this one had moments that made you want to scream at the screen for being so unrealistic, especially because i was expecting this to be more like the original and NOT like its campy sequels.

The finale had a few seconds that i loved but that's unfortunately all the excitement i felt in this.

I would say this is a movie you should go into with the mindset of watching a film that sits somewhere in the sequels, NOT with the original, and so you'll probably really enjoy it, if you really enjoyed those that is!

I'm such a HUGE Danny McBride fan and i really wanted this to showcase how awesome he is, i'm just glad he wasn't the only writer attached but i'm still happy he is a reason this film has broken box office records and will go on to be one of the highest grossing Horror movies of all time! Plus it looks like half the audience loved this movie so that's great, i'm happy. Maybe in a few years when i'm doing a Halloween movie marathon i'll enjoy it more amongst the whole catalogue.

The John Carpenter score to this was better than the movie, not as great as the one in the original Halloween, but I'll be buying the musical score to this film before i watch or buy the actual film for sure!

6.5/10